Follow these simple instructions to measure your feet — then check out size guides to determine which shoe size is best for you.
Whether you’re looking for high-performance athletic footwear or casual, everyday kicks, it’s important to wear well-fitting shoes that comfortably support your feet. Shoes that don’t fit properly can leave your feet feeling uncomfortable, achey or blistered. And unfortunately, wearing the wrong size shoe is more common than you might think.
A 2018 study from the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that up to two-thirds of people may be wearing shoes that fit improperly, and that wearing the wrong size is associated with foot pain and poorer foot health overall.
So, how do you know if you’re wearing the right shoe size? Finding the correct shoe size starts with accurately measuring your feet. Read on to learn how to measure your foot size and how to find your shoe size in footwear. Plus, check out additional tips for picking out comfortable, supportive shoes that meet your needs.
How to Measure Foot Size
- For the most accurate measurement, it’s best to measure your feet at the end of the day. Feet tend to swell throughout the day and may have a slightly larger measurement in the evening than in the morning.
- Before measuring, put on the same pair of socks you plan to wear with the shoes.
- Tape a piece of paper to a hard floor, ensuring the paper doesn’t slip.
- Stand with one foot on the paper and a slight bend in your knees. You can also sit in a chair, but make sure your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
- With a pen or pencil pointed straight down, trace the outline of your foot on the paper. If possible, ask another person to help you with this step. That way, you can keep your feet still and capture the most accurate measurement.
- Repeat the process with the other foot. It’s common for a person’s feet to be two slightly different sizes.
- Mark the tip of the big toe and the outermost part of the heel, and use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the two points. This measurement represents the length of your feet. (For the most precise measurement, consider using a ruler with centimeters, rather than inches.)
Note: All shoe sizes are based on foot length. - If your feet are two different sizes, use the foot measurements of the larger foot when comparing your measurements against a size chart.
How to Find Your Shoe Size
Now that you’ve measured your foot size, compare the measurements against our size chart to find the best shoe size for you.
While other shoe brands may use similar size scales, it’s best to check out a shoe brand’s size charts before purchasing a new pair of shoes from them, as each brand’s exact approach to size and fit may vary.
Tips to Help Kids Find the Right Shoe Size
Ask the child to stand in the shoes, then feel for the tip of their toe in relation to the tip of the shoe. There should be enough room for you to place the tip of your finger in that space. If there’s not enough room, the shoe is likely too small.
Observe how the child runs or walks in their shoes. Children tend to have less consistent gait patterns than adults. However, if they seem to be moving in a slightly less steady manner, they may be uncomfortable in their shoes.
For very young children (like toddlers), if they are constantly fidgeting with their footwear or attempting to take them on and off frequently, they may be wearing the wrong size.
Measurements aside, shoe fit is subjective. It’s normal for preferences to vary from person to person. You may prefer extra roominess or tightness in your footwear, depending on how you like the shoe to feel. Your best bet: Use your foot measurements as a guide, but be sure to try on several pairs to find what feels most comfortable on your feet.
How do you convert men’s to women’s shoe size?（US only）
Generally speaking, there is a 1.5 size difference between men's and women's shoes at Nike. For example, if you're a size 8 in women's shoes, you're likely a size 6.5 in men's shoes. Some footwear styles are offered in unisex sizing, however, so be sure to double check the product details before purchasing a new pair.
How do you convert U.S. shoe size to European shoe size?
To convert shoes sizes between U.S. and European sizing, be sure to check an individual retailer’s size charts, as sizing can differ from brand to brand. To convert Nike shoes from U.S. to European sizes, check out the shoe size charts on Nike.com for men’s, women’s and kids’ footwear.
