Choosing the right size

Have you found barefoot shoes on our e-shop that match your vision perfectly, but choosing the right size feels like a superhuman task? Because we want to make your choice as easy as possible, we've put together a practical guide. Sizing can vary slightly between brands, so you'll find a size chart under each model on the e-shop. With it, you can easily compare your measured foot length, and get the right shoe size right the first time.

Contents:

What to measure and when

  • First, focus on the most essential measurement, which is foot length (measured from the heel to the longest toe – not necessarily the big toe).
  • Next comes the width of the foot, since different manufacturers' shoes are shaped differently in width. A very narrow foot would slide around unnecessarily in a shoe that's too wide, while a wide foot could become deformed in a narrow model.
  • Remember that feet swell slightly over the course of the day, so measure in the second half of the day, ideally in the evening.
  • When choosing winter shoes, also keep in mind that you'll likely be wearing warm socks in cold weather, while you'll go without them in summer ballet flats.
  • If you also need insoles (e.g. in winter), remember that they too reduce the internal space of the shoe – in length, width and height alike.foot shapes

How to take measurements

Accurately measuring the length and width of the foot is the foundation for choosing a perfectly fitting shoe that won't restrict the healthy development of children's feet. At Premium Barefoot, we recommend all parents get a PLUS12 measuring device, which lets you measure children's feet accurately and easily – and also check the internal dimensions of shoes. Given how often you'll use it over the coming years and how much hassle it will save you, it's an investment that pays off.

The best way to measure length is with the PLUS12 measuring device

  • The child stands barefoot on the device, with the heel touching the back wall and the longest toe in the red notch.
  • The child must stand up straight, look straight ahead, and have their weight evenly distributed on both feet so the measurement is accurate.
  • Measure both feet – and repeat once more for greater accuracy.
  • Please note! The PLUS12 measuring device already measures the foot with a 12-millimetre toe room added – so you'll get the approximate recommended shoe size for that foot straight away.

Don't have a PLUS12 measuring device to hand? A box will help

This method is a more accurate alternative to tracing around the foot, where a pencil held at an angle can add or take away several millimetres from the foot's dimensions. So how does it work?

  • Gently press the heel and the edge of the big toe against the wall of the box.
  • The child must stand up straight, look straight ahead, and have their weight evenly distributed on both feet so the measurement is accurate.
  • Hold the pencil perpendicular and mark the position of the longest toe and the little-toe edge.
  • Use a ruler to measure the length from the longest toe to the centre of the heel, and the width.
  • Measure both feet – and repeat once more for greater accuracy.
  • Add the toe room to your measurements – 12 mm to the length and 2–7 mm to the width – and you have the approximate internal shoe size you're looking for.

Measure the width using calipers or a ruler

The correct shoe width is just as important as the length. A shoe that's too narrow will deform the toes, while one that's too wide will cause chafing.

  • Always measure foot width across the toe joints, even though this may not always be the widest point of the foot – some children have wider toes.
  • Add 2–7 mm of toe room to the measured value.
  • Tracing is just as misleading for width measurements as it is for length.

Please note! Measuring width at the toe area makes sense if you want conventional shoes – to give children's feet a chance to fit into these narrow shoes. With barefoot footwear, a wide toe box is the standard, which is why we always measure width at the joints – for both the foot and the shoe.

Why to keep toe room in mind

Foot length is not the same as the internal length of the shoe (here you may commonly come across the term "insole length"). When choosing barefoot shoes, you need to add toe room to the foot length (i.e. to the space inside the shoe that your measured foot will fill). This is essential for the foot to work correctly while walking, without the toes hitting the front of the shoe. The exact amount varies – partly depending on the type of shoe, and partly on what's comfortable for the individual. In general, though, toe room should be between 5 and 10 mm (9–12 mm for children). We cover this topic in more detail on our blog.

barefoot shoe toe room

How to choose the right shoe size?

Just as the size of your left and right foot can differ, size charts vary between brands. That's why you won't find a single universal chart here – instead, it's provided directly under each model on the e-shop.

How do you use the chart?

The length in the size chart corresponds to the internal length of the shoe in mm. Once you've measured both feet and added the desired toe room (5–10 mm) to the length of the larger one, you'll get the shoe size that's right for you. So if your longer foot measures 235 mm and you want around 6 mm of toe room, a shoe with an internal length of 241 mm would suit you. If, on the other hand, you'd like more room inside the shoe, choose a size with an internal length of 245 mm.

If you're not sure about the right size, drop by our store, where our experienced staff can help you choose the right size and model, and advise you on caring for your new barefoot piece.

Time to step into your dream barefoot shoes

As you can see, measuring your foot correctly isn't as tricky as it might seem. Now that you know how to choose the right size, nothing's stopping you from stepping into the world of women's, men's and children's barefoot shoes. Happy walking and healthy feet.

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