While the correlation between size and foot length is linear and studied in detail. We often forgot that the foot is a 3D object and cannot be defined in one measurement. Our conservative estimate is that for footwear fit to be accessed correctly, you will need at least 6 dimensions measured accurately.

In contrast- if you go to a good custom shoe manufacturer he will take close to 18 measurements of your foot in order to deliver the perfect fit.   When you walk into the store, you typically try out 3 or 4 different models to access your fit, you may even walk around the store. In essence, you are testing out other measurements which define the fitting of the shoe, such as arch length, width, toebox shape, etc.   

While buying a shoe online, this luxury is missing hence it becomes harder to buy footwear or you have  rely on services such as try and buy.       

Our suggestions while trying out shoes:

• Try the shoe on both feet. 90% of the time – fitting will differ between your right and left leg.
• Make sure you stand and walk a few steps in order to ensure that shoes are tested in a weight-bearing position.
• Try out shoes in the evening as your feet are likely to be most spread out at that time of the day.
• Most shoe fabrics don’t expand much- so if it feels tight while trying out its going to remain tight.
• While buying shoes for any athletic activity – make sure you have enough room in the front as your feet will expand.

In process of our research, we have scanned over 50,000 feet all over the world to build the best in the class fitting browser-based foot scanner.  Our research has shown 27 different types of shapes as the minimum baseline for all humans, but of course, we continue to grow our database and learn new things each day.

If you would like to help us out on this journey to simplify foot sizing, do size up with us. Each data point helps our systems become more robust and in turn helps you a better fitting shoe

Our virtual fitting app with quick requires you do three simple photos in order to get your complete 3D profile.

What happens after we have your profile ?

We generate a 3D model of your foot with all the required measurements. Next time you are browsing on one of our partner retailer sites- you can actually see how the shoe fits virtually.

Try our service here: https://shoesize.tech/demoapp/

 Leave us a comment to tell us about the foot scanner experience.

While the oldest shoes which appeared 5,500 years ago were no more than gunny bags wrapped around the foot . However, this was a big step – literally and figuratively for mankind as it gave a huge boost to mobility.

From that point on wards to now shoes have gone from becoming a functional requirement to a representation of our creative expressions.

We have a list of some of the iconic shoes in last few decades, which may have been a turning point in design, aesthetics and function.

Source credit: Fifty Shoes That Changed the World: Design Museum

We would love to hear your inputs on shoes from 2009 onward which should be added to this list . Once we have enough suggestions, we will update this info graphic.

Do drop us a comment on shoes you would like to see added here!

Ever felt that some shoes just feel better than others although they are marked the same size and width ?  60% of your discomfort could be coming from the fact that your toes are not suited to the inner shape of the particular shoe.

While there is lot emphasis on selecting the right length and width for a shoe, but your toes play a key role in this process.

A huge part of  footwear comfort is defined by how your toes feel in the space given to them. There are two factors which contribute on this – shape on your toes and shape on the shoe in the toe-box area.

Both have several variations and it is critical to ensure the shape & volume matches and not just the dimensions.

Let’s start with the foot:

Shape of the toes can vary greatly from one individual to another. For some people the differences are quite obvious or others it’s much subtle. Toe box  shape has a huge impact on even the width selection of your footwear .

Toe box shape is determined by three factors

1) Shape alignment of the five toes.

 

2) Spread of the toes inward or outward.

3) Toe height

In some combinations such having a square toe box with outward toes – the width on the foot is decided by this region and  is often the deciding dimension for selecting a shoe. Using the traditional foot width – typically measured at the ball points would not provide a good fit.

While selecting shoe – apart from length and width next time do consider a toe box fit also!

In order to determine your toe foot shape and complete dimensions from one photo, please open this link on your mobile browser: www.shoesize.online.

Our app will tell you shape and help you understand shoe fitting better.

If you need recommendations about a specific brand or need any more clarifications- do drop us a comment.