How To Measure Your Foot & Find the Right Shoe Size

One of the questions we’re asked all the time is “How to measure your foot and find the right shoe size?” This is hard to answer, since shoe sizes vary from country to country and because all shoes behave in different ways. So, we thought we’d share our thoughts in a blog that explains everything you’ll need to know about finding the correct shoe size for you. Every pair of Viscata’s espadrille shoes are made by hand using natural materials such as jute and 100% organic cotton canvas. We know how important it is for your shoes to fit perfectly, but the process of making handmade shoes means that no two shoes are identical and some of them may vary a little bit from your expectations. So, in this blog, we’ll take a look at how do you choose the right-size shoe for you? It all starts with understanding your perfect shoe size by measuring your foot at home using a simple method.

 

How do I know my shoe size for espadrilles?

This is often one of the first questions customers ask when they’re trying to purchase shoes or handmade espadrilles from a new brand, especially if the brand is from a country that uses different shoe sizes than the United States. Your first instinct might be simply to google your shoe size and assume it will give you the US equivalent. But it’s not always as easy as that and sometimes, individual shoe styles and brands can vary from your expectations. That’s why we recommend measuring your feet at home using the simple two-step method described below. This should guarantee that you get the shoes to fit your feet. And once you’re confident that your shoe size is right, then you can drop into websites like Viscata which allow you to shop by size to give you the best chance of finding the perfect shoes.

 

 

 

 

How do I measure my foot size at home?

It’s easy. There are two simple steps that we recommend to help you get your shoe size right. First, stand on a piece of paper and mark the point where your longest toe & the base of your heel are. Then, measure the maximum length between and refer to the recommended size chart. 

 

 

How do European sizes compare to US foot sizes?

Sometimes European shoes can be a bit tight for some North Americans. Plus, everybody’s different, and so are all the shoe brands and shapes. So, it’s not safe to assume that everything will be a direct conversion. That’s why we recommend using a shoe chart and following the instructions to get the most accurate sizing possible. On shoes with a stiffer structure and heel you might want to go up half a size for extra comfort. But it often depends on the shoes you choose and the best thing is to check our size guide for stiffer shoes. 

There’s more give in shoes with a softer heel and adjustable ankle straps or in slingback models than there is with some of our stiffer shoes. For flexible shoes like these, you should refer to our size guide for flexible shoes. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry when making a shoe purchase. These new shoes will be going everywhere with you, so you’re going to want to make sure they’re a good fit. And since men and women have different sized feet, we even have a separate men’s size chart to help you get the right fit.

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Is it better to size up or size down in espadrilles?

It depends on the espadrille style and manufacturer. No two brands are the same, especially if your espadrilles are made by hand and use natural materials with a bit more “give” in them. The best recommendation is to follow our shoe-sizing tips to help you find the right shoe size for you. This will give you a more accurate view of the size you need. 

Rules of thumb: different types of shoes

• Flexible back shoes are likely to run true to size or maybe a bit smaller. Consider a bigger size if you’re concerned.
• Shoes with a stiffer back run slightly larger - consider going down. 
• Pointed toe shoes tend to be a bit narrower than shoes with rounded toes.
• Natural materials like canvas have a natural flex to keep your feet supported

Rules of thumb: different types of feet

• If your feet are a bit thinner, you might want to try a size smaller.
• If your feet are wider at the front than they are at the back, you might want to get a pair of espadrille flats that are either your normal size or a little larger.
• If you’re looking to try a traditional flat espadrille, you might want to go slightly smaller than usual, since the fabric is likely to relax to fit the contours of your feet.

 

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Do espadrilles stretch over time?

Yes. Spanish espadrilles are mostly made from natural materials including jute, canvas, suede and leather. All of these natural materials have a tendency to stretch over time to fit your feet in a comfortable way. This is normal, so don’t be alarmed if the fit feels a bit tight at first. As you wear your shoes in, the fit should become looser and more comfortable over time and soon they will be as comfortable as you could hope for. If you have any doubts or concerns. It’s best to consult a shoe size guide, which will help you to ensure you get the right pair first time.

 

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What should I look for in a shoe size chart?

The important thing about a foot size chart is that it is a guide. It can give you an accurate record of your shoe size, but that isn’t a guarantee that every shoe will be an exact fit. There are thousands of shoe styles and materials out there, so it’s important to remember that the only guaranteed way of ensuring a shoe fits is to try it yourself. We suggest you use Viscata’s handy shoe size guides to find the perfect fit and to save you valuable time in the longer term. We have a guide for men’s shoes as well as two guides for women’s shoes - one for stiffer shoes and one for flexible shoes.

 

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If the shoe fits, wear it.

When all is said and done, there are no guarantees in life. Even with shoe sizes. So, we recommend that you do your research, use our handy shoe size guides in advance and buy the perfect shoes for you. And remember that since every pair of our shoes are authentic and handmades, there may be some flexibility required if they’re not quite right. Follow the advice above, browse our extensive espadrille collection, keep an eye out for new arrivals and buy our shoes with confidence. And, if you want more practical advice, sign up to our newsletter for more style advice, fashion tips and exclusive offers. If you like it, we’d love you to share our blog with your friends and families.

As the old saying goes, “If the shoe fits, wear it.