How to properly measure your foot and why barefoot shoes need extra space

Are you selecting barefoot shoes and unsure about choosing the right size? We will teach you how to properly measure your foot and choose the corresponding overlength so that the shoes fit you perfectly.

Buying new shoes is not always simple, especially when it comes to barefoot shoes. They must fit perfectly and not restrict the foot while walking. For this reason, it is important to determine the correct size. We will explain how to properly measure your foot at home, why overlength is important, and how to choose the right length.

When, How, and What to Measure Your Foot With

To ensure that barefoot shoes really fit well, you need to measure the length of the foot from the heel to the longest toe (not always the big toe) as accurately as possible. The best time to measure is in the evening, as the lower limbs often swell throughout the day. Measure both feet, as their length can vary significantly.

All you need for measuring is an A4 sheet of paper and an ordinary pencil. Stand with your heel against the wall so that you touch it lightly and place the paper under your feet. Now it is important to shift all your weight onto the foot. Then use a pencil to make a mark at the tip of the foot (at the longest toe), or trace the entire foot. Finally, measure the distance between this point and the wall (the heel). This is the length of your foot, which you should consider when buying barefoot shoes.

What About the Width of Barefoot Shoes?

While measuring, it is also a good idea to focus on the width of the foot, especially for children. Warm wool socks can add a few millimeters that might be missing in the shoe. You can use a shoebox for this purpose. Place the child so that the heel and the side of the foot touch the box. Then, use a pencil to make a dot in front of the big toe (to determine the length) and also on the side of the foot at its widest point (to determine the width).

As for the actual width of the shoes, they should not be tight. The width should allow you to comfortably spread your toes. Only then can your foot work correctly while walking. And what if you find that your foot is much wider or much narrower compared to your chosen shoes? Don't worry, there are brands that cater to people with wide or narrow feet.

In addition to length and width, the height of the instep also plays a role in choosing shoes. It can often be higher than usual (the foot is significantly arched), or on the contrary, significantly lower (the foot is then flat). 

Don't Forget About the Overlength

Even if you know the length and width of your foot, don't order shoes yet. An important role in selecting the right size is played by the overlength. When buying barefoot shoes, it doesn't mean that the length of the foot equals the length of the insole. With barefoot shoes, we also address overlength, which is the space in the front part of the shoe necessary for the foot to work properly while walking. Generally, an overlength of 5–10 mm for adults and 9–12 mm for children is recommended.

The specific overlength varies according to the type of shoes, as follows:

Sandals (open shoes) – here a large overlength is not necessary, in fact, it can be rather harmful because one tends to stumble easily. However, make sure that your feet do not protrude beyond the sole while walking. An ideal overlength here is about 5 mm.

Ballerinas – this type of shoe must fit perfectly so that they do not slip off while walking and at the same time be spacious enough. Some models have a strap over the instep, so they do not tend to slip off. For those that do not, choose an overlength of about 5 mm. However, the shoe should not press anywhere.

Closed lace-up shoes – with such shoes, you can go for the usual recommended overlength, that is between 5 and 10 mm. Why such a range? It holds that the more experienced the walker, the larger the overlength they can afford.

Slip-on shoes (moccasins, etc.) – another type of shoes that really need to fit well. Ideally, they should fit snugly around the instep so that the foot remains firmly in place while walking. However, the overlength should definitely not be less than 5 mm.

Every Barefoot Brand is Different

If you are choosing new barefoot shoes, keep in mind that each brand, and even each model, has different dimensions. It is not enough to only consider the length of your foot but also the length of the insole for specific shoes. Pay attention to the tables that individual manufacturers have listed on their websites. It can easily happen that while you might need size 37 for one brand, you can comfortably have size 39 for another.

Don't Be Afraid of Online Shopping

Are you unsure about the size? Are you hesitating whether the selected model will fit you? The solution is very simple – feel free to order two sizes or two models that you are considering. You can then try on the shoes at home at your leisure, and return those that do not fit along with the purchase receipt within 14 days.

We are happy to advise you in the chat here on the website.