How to measure your foot correctly – and why barefoot shoes need extra toe room

Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes Walking, Movement and Health Children Barefoot

Choosing barefoot shoes and not sure which size to go for? We’ll show you how to measure your foot properly and pick the right extra toe room so your shoes fit brilliantly.

Buying new shoes isn’t always straightforward – and it’s even trickier with barefoot shoes. They need to fit perfectly and mustn’t restrict your feet as you walk. That’s exactly why getting the size right matters. We’ll explain how to measure your foot properly at home, why extra toe room matters and how to choose the right amount.

When, how and what to use to measure your foot

For barefoot shoes to fit really well, you need to measure the length of your foot as accurately as possible – from your heel to your longest toe (it isn’t the big toe for everyone). The best time to measure is in the evening, because your feet often swell a little during the day. Measure both feet too, as the difference in length can be more significant than you’d think.

To measure, you only need a sheet of A4 paper and an ordinary pencil. Stand with your heel against a wall so it’s lightly touching, and place the paper under your foot. Now it’s important to put your full weight onto that foot. Then use the pencil to mark the tip of your foot (at the longest toe), or trace around the whole foot. Finally, measure the distance between that point and the wall (your heel). That’s your foot length – the key measurement you’ll use when buying barefoot shoes.

You can also use a PLUS12 measuring gauge.

What about the width of barefoot footwear?

While you’re measuring, it’s also worth paying attention to foot width – especially for children. Warm woolly socks can add a few extra millimetres, which you’ll then miss inside the shoe. A simple way to measure is to use a shoe box. Have your child stand so their heel and the side of their foot are touching the box. Then mark a dot in front of the big toe (to get the length), and another dot at the side of the foot at its widest point (to get the width).

As for the width of the shoes themselves, the rule is simple: your shoes shouldn’t feel tight. They should be wide enough that you can comfortably splay your toes. Only then can your feet work properly as you walk. And what if you find your feet are much wider – or much narrower – than the shoes you’ve picked? No need to worry: there are brands that cater for both wide and narrow feet.

Generally wider models are offered by brands such as Baby Bare, Beda, Pegres, RAYVE, Aylla, Angles, Xero Shoes or Saltic.

Narrower feet will feel right at home in shoes like Affenzahn, Bundgaard, leguano, Groundies or Merrell.

Besides length and width, another factor that affects fit is instep height. Your instep can be higher than average (a more pronounced arch), or much lower (a flatter foot). For children with a high instep, barefoot shoes from Xero or Beda are a good choice. For a very low instep, you can go for Affenzahn or Bundgaard. Adults with a higher instep usually do well in Xero or Saltic. If your instep is lower, Merrell can be a great fit.

Don’t forget the extra toe room

Even if you know your foot length and width, don’t order your shoes just yet. Extra toe room plays a key role in choosing the right size. When buying barefoot shoes, your foot length does not equal the insole length. With barefoot footwear, you also need to allow for extra toe room – the space at the front of the shoe that’s essential for your foot to work properly as you walk. In general, an extra 5–10 mm is recommended for adults, and 9–12 mm for children.

The ideal amount varies by shoe type, as follows:

Sandals (open shoes) – you don’t need much extra toe room here; in fact, too much can be counterproductive because it makes it easier to trip. Just make sure your foot doesn’t slide off the sole when you walk. An extra allowance of around 5 mm is ideal.
Ballet flats – this is a style that needs to fit perfectly so it doesn’t slip off as you walk, while still being roomy enough. Some models have a strap over the instep, which helps keep them on. For those without a strap, aim for around 5 mm extra. But the shoe should never pinch anywhere.
Closed lace-up shoes – with these, you can follow the usual recommendation of 5 to 10 mm. Why such a wide range? The more experienced you are in barefoot shoes, the more extra space you can typically handle.
Slip-on shoes (moccasins etc.) – another style that really needs to fit well. Ideally, they should hug the instep so your foot stays securely in place as you walk. The extra toe room should definitely not be less than 5 mm.

Every barefoot brand is different

When choosing new barefoot shoes, keep in mind that each brand – and even each model – can have different measurements So it’s not enough to look only at your foot length; you also need to check the insole length for the specific shoes. Always refer to the size charts provided by each manufacturer on their website. It can easily happen that you’ll be a size 37 in one brand, but a 39 in another.

Don’t be afraid to shop online

Not sure about your size? Wondering whether a particular model will fit? The solution is simple – go ahead and order two sizes or two models you’re deciding between. Try them on at home at your own pace, and return the ones that don’t fit, together with proof of purchase, within 14 days. We’re also happy to advise you via the chat here on the website.