Comfort, fit and style are the factors that combine to make the perfect pair of shoes. In this post we’ll be looking in detail at fit.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “how should my shoes fit?” then this post is for you. We’ll explore the importance of a well-fitting shoe, ways to check whether or not yours are a good fit, and much more.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The importance of wearing shoes that fit correctly
- How your shoes should fit
- Steps to find out whether your shoes fit correctly
- What to do if your shoes are too big or small
The Importance of Wearing Shoes That Fit Correctly
If you’ve ever worn a pair of shoes that don’t fit properly, you’ll know that they start to feel uncomfortable quickly. Whether it’s a small pair squeezing and pinching your feet, or a too-big pair sliding around and bumping your toes.
When it comes to a bad fitting shoe though, discomfort is just one of many potential issues. A shoe that fits well ensures long-lasting comfort and protects against lots of things:
- Foot health: over time, shoes that fit properly protect against blisters and other longer-term problems
- Posture: well-fitting shoes reduce strain on your feet, knees, and back, leading to a healthier posture
- Stability: shoes that fit well also make you more stable, meaning you’re less prone to injury
- Durability: a good fit will increase the lifespan of your shoes too, as there’ll be friction and wear
- Confidence: a stable shoe and good posture makes it easier to walk through the world confidently - an important but often overlooked aspect of finding the perfect shoe!
With the benefits in mind, let’s now take a look at how shoes should fit.
How Tight Should Shoes be
Shoes should fit comfortably across your whole foot, meaning there should be no discomfort or rubbing on your toes and heels, or the sides, top, and bottom of your feet.
It’s possible to have shoes that fit well in some dimensions but not others, so keep the following in mind when assessing the overall fit:
- Toe room: there should be about a thumb width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This gives them room to move without being cramped, leading to a comfortable fit.
- Heel fit: your heel should fit snugly into the shoe with minimal movement while you walk. Movement in the heel can quickly lead to rubbing, blisters, and reduced stability.
- Width fit: the widest part of your foot should align with the widest part of the shoe, and you shouldn’t feel pinching anywhere along the length of your foot.
- Overall comfort: while some types of shoes break in over time, noticing pressure points or discomfort can be an early indicator of a poor fit.
Steps to Find Out Whether Your Shoes Fit Correctly
If you’re unsure whether your shoes are a good fit for your feet, here are some simple steps you can take.
Check the Length
Stand up with the shoes on your feet, done up how they would be when you wear them normally. Then either bend over and check how much space is between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe, or ask someone else to do it for you.
Make sure you’re putting natural pressure on your foot and remember there should be about a thumb’s width worth of space in a well-fitting shoe.
Check the Width
To check the width, it’s best to take a few steps and see what you feel. With shoes that are too wide, your feet are likely to slide from side to side. Too narrow, and you’ll feel pinching or discomfort as your shoes rub against your feet.
Check the Heel Fit
Attempt to lift your heels within your shoe: there should be minimal movement when you try this. If you find there’s lots of space between your heel and the sole of the shoe, this can indicate that the heel box is too big.
Always Measure Your Feet Before Making a Purchase
Knowing your exact shoe size is essential before buying new shoes, especially since sizes can vary between brands and styles. Our feet also change over time due to factors like age, weight, and lifestyle, which can affect size and shape. Measuring your feet ensures a better fit, minimizing the risk of discomfort, blisters, and long-term foot issues caused by poorly-fitting shoes. By taking the time to confirm your size before each purchase, you’re more likely to find a pair that feels comfortable and supportive right from the start.
What to Do if Your Shoes Are Too Big or Small
If your shoes are too big or small, don’t fret, there are steps you can take to improve the fit. These steps depend on the areas that don’t fit well, and you may need to try a couple of different methods to get the right fit.
- Too big: there are a few ways to make your shoe smaller: consider insoles, heel grips, or cushioned inserts to fill space inside the shoe, hopefully providing a snugger fit.
- Too small: tight shoes can sometimes be stretched to improve comfort, especially leather shoes.
- If you find that your shoes can’t be made to fit well, the best step is to buy a new pair rather than continuing to wear ones that don’t fit well. Good foot health is important, and well-fitting shoes are the best way to achieve it!
We Can Help You Find the Right Fit
Shoes that don’t fit well will quickly feel uncomfortable, which can be especially disheartening if they’re a much-loved pair. Thankfully it’s easy to spot the signs of a poorly fitting shoe and avoid long term damage, and there are a handful of fixes you can try to get them fitting better.
Should you discover that your shoes can’t be made to fit properly, we’re here to help you find the next pair. Our extensive range of shoes for women and men includes all manner of styles, from trainers to boots and everything in between. If you have any other questions about how your shoes should fit for you, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.