How to choose the right size

Why Isn’t Shoe Size Alone Enough?

Shoe sizes can differ from one brand or model to another, which is why the size number alone doesn’t always guarantee the perfect fit. While size charts are a helpful starting point, comfort and overall fit are just as important.

To make choosing easier, each of our shoe models includes a dedicated size guide with internal measurements and recommendations for the foot type the shoe is designed to suit best.


Foot Size: How to Measure Properly for a Better Shoe Fit

Measuring your feet accurately gives you a much better chance of choosing the right shoe size — even without trying the shoes on first.

Quick Guide: How to Measure Your Feet

1. Stand Barefoot on a Sheet of Paper

For the most accurate measurement, stand with your heel against a straight edge such as a wall or a shoebox. Stand upright, look straight ahead, and distribute your weight evenly on both feet.

2. Trace the Outline of Your Foot

Hold the pencil upright and perpendicular to the paper while tracing around your foot.

Alternatively, you can use a measuring block or foot gauge to measure the foot length and width directly.

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3. Measure the Length and Width

Using a ruler, measure:

  • Length: from the centre of the heel to the tip of the longest toe
  • Width: across the widest part of the foot

Using a pencil held vertically, mark the tip of the longest toe and the outer side of the foot near the little toe before measuring.

4. Measure Both Feet

It’s common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other, so always use the measurements of the larger foot. For better accuracy, repeat the measurement once more.

5. Add Extra Space (Toe Allowance)

Foot length is not the same as the shoe’s internal length (often referred to as the insole length).

When choosing barefoot shoes, it’s important to allow extra room so the feet can move naturally while walking, without the toes constantly pressing against the front of the shoe.

To choose the correct shoe size, add extra space to your measured foot length:

  • Adults: add approximately 5–10 mm
  • Children: add approximately 8–12 mm

Add 2–7 mm (2-4mm for children) allowance in width.

The final measurement will give you the approximate internal shoe size you should look for.



Additional Tips for Measuring Your Feet

Measure While Standing

Your body weight naturally spreads the foot, so always measure your feet while standing upright with weight evenly distributed.

Measure Later in the Day

Feet tend to expand slightly throughout the day, so measuring in the afternoon or evening usually gives the most accurate result.

Measure Width as Well as Length

Foot length is the key measurement, but width also plays an important role in finding the right fit. Measuring width can help determine which shoe brands and models are likely to suit your feet best.


How to Use the Size Chart

Each of our shoe listings includes a size chart showing the internal shoe length and width in millimetres.

Once you’ve measured both feet and added your preferred toe allowance, you’ll know the internal shoe length you should look for.

Example

If your longer foot measures 235 mm and you would like approximately 6 mm of extra space, then a shoe with an internal length of 241 mm would be suitable.

If you prefer a roomier fit, you can choose the next size up — for example, a shoe with an internal length of 245 mm.



Foot Shape Matters Too

Feet vary in shape, including toe shape, heel width, and instep height. These are three key features to consider when choosing barefoot shoes.

Toe Shape

Pay attention to the shape of toes. Most people have dominant big toe, which means a round shaped toe box might not leave enough space for big toe and could push it inwards. Look for shoes shaped for dominant big toe. 

For a round (dominant index toe) shaped foot make sure you choose shoes with enough space beyond the big toe length. 

Instep height

How to measure instep height

Measure the circumference around the highest part of the instep and divide the measurement by two.

  • Low instep – less than one-third of the foot length
  • Medium instep – between one-third and one-half of the foot length
  • High instep – more than one-half of the foot length

Heel Width

Heel width is best assessed visually. When trying on shoes, the heel and ankle opening should fit snugly without gaps, while remaining comfortable and free from pressure.

Our product descriptions include recommendations to help you choose the shoe models best suited to different foot shapes.