How to measure your shoe size

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Shoe size is measured as the length of the foot from the heel to the longest toe. The longest toe is not always the big toe, and that is one of the most common mistakes when measuring at home.

Stand on a sheet of paper

Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor against a wall and stand on it with your heel touching the wall. Trace the outline of your foot with a pencil held upright, then measure from the heel to the toe that reaches furthest forward. Keep your weight on the foot while the outline is drawn.

Find the longest toe

For many people the big toe is the longest, but for some it is the toe next to it. If you only measure to the big toe, the number can come out too short and the shoe will feel tight at the front. Look at the outline and find the point furthest from the heel first.

Measure late in the day

Feet are largest in the evening, which is when the measurement is most useful. They swell a little during the day, especially if you have been on your feet a lot. A shoe that fits in the morning can feel tight by late afternoon. Measuring in the evening gives you a number that works all day.

Measure both feet

Most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. The difference is often small, but it can be enough to decide the size. Measure each foot separately and always go by the larger one. A shoe with a little room on one foot is better than one that pinches the other.

Wear your usual socks

Standing on the paper in the socks you normally wear brings the measurement closer to real life. Thin and thick socks take up different amounts of space in a shoe. If you wear bamboo socks for men of a regular thickness every day, measure in those rather than barefoot or in thick wool socks.

Compare with the brand's chart

Once you have the length in centimetres, look up the size in the shoe brand's own chart. Sizes can vary between brands, so the size you usually buy is not always right with a new one. The centimetres are the number you can rely on when you compare.

Keep your measurements together

Write down your foot length with the date and keep it with your other measurements. Then everything is in one place when you buy shoes, bamboo boxers or other clothes online. It saves time and makes it easier to get it right the first time without sending anything back.

Measure again now and then

Feet can change a little over the years, so it is worth measuring again from time to time. Do it the same way each time, in the evening, standing up and on both feet. That keeps the numbers comparable. The same applies to your other measurements, for example when you choose a bamboo sweatshirt for men.

Frequently asked questions

How do you measure a foot

Stand on a sheet of paper, trace the outline and measure from the heel to the longest toe. Do it standing with your weight on the foot so the length is correct.