How to Test Shoes to Make Sure They Fit
If the shoe fits, wear it! Ill-fitting shoes can cause all sorts of problems, so, before you buy your next pair of shoes, make sure they fit properly.
Up next in How to Buy & Maintain Shoes & Boots (19 videos)
Love shoes? Then take good care of them with the footwear tips in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- Piece of paper
- Tape
- Socks
- Pen
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Shoe size chart
- Arch supports, heel cushions, or ball cushions
Steps
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Step 1
Tape paper to floor
Tape a piece of paper onto the floor. Make sure the paper is longer than your foot.
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Step 2
Place toweling on floor
Wear socks and stand on the paper. Then draw outlines of each of your feet.
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Measure your feet at the end of the day when they're larger.
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Step 3
Measure length
Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure from your heel to the tip of your longest toe and add 1/4 inch to that measurement for your shoe size.
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Step 4
Measure width
Measure the width of your foot at its widest section, typically the ball. Add a 1/4 inch to that measurement as well.
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Step 5
Use measurements and size chart for size
Refer to a size chart to help determine the size of shoe you should try on.
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Step 6
Stand and walk in shoes
Stand and walk around in the shoes to see how well they fit. They shouldn't gap or buckle and there should be a half a thumb's length from your longest toe to the edge of the shoe.
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Step 7
Add arch support and padding
Make shoes more comfortable by adding arch supports, heel cushions, or ball cushions. Well-fitting shoes will put pep in your step.
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Nearly nine out of 10 women wear shoes that are too small.
