How to Pick the Right Shoe Size Online

The Challenge of Buying Shoes Online

Buying shoes online offers incredible convenience and selection — but it comes with one significant challenge: you can't try them on first. Getting the size wrong means the hassle of returns, and more importantly, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause real foot problems over time.

The good news: with the right approach, you can get your online shoe size right almost every time. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Shoe Sizing Is More Complicated Than It Seems

If you think your shoe size is a fixed number, think again. Several factors make shoe sizing more nuanced than most people realize:

• Sizing varies by brand — a size 8 in one brand may fit like a 7.5 or 8.5 in another
• Sizing varies by country — US, UK, EU, and Asian sizing systems are all different
• Feet change over time — feet can grow or change shape due to age, pregnancy, weight changes, and other factors
• Feet swell throughout the day — your feet are larger in the afternoon than in the morning
• Length and width are separate dimensions — most people only think about length, but width matters just as much. Read our guide on best shoes for wide feet.
• Different shoe styles fit differently — a running shoe, a clog, and a sandal from the same brand may all fit differently

How to Measure Your Feet at Home

The most reliable way to get your size right online is to measure your feet accurately. Here's how:

What You'll Need

• A piece of paper larger than your foot
• A pencil or pen
• A ruler or measuring tape

Step-by-Step

1. Measure in the afternoon or evening — feet swell throughout the day, so afternoon measurements give you a more accurate fit for all-day wear
2. Wear the socks you'll wear with the shoes — sock thickness affects fit
3. Stand on the paper — put your full weight on the foot you're measuring
4. Trace around your foot — hold the pencil vertically and trace as close to your foot as possible
5. Measure the length — from the heel to the longest toe (which may not be the big toe)
6. Measure the width — at the widest point of the foot
7. Measure both feet — feet are often slightly different sizes; use the larger measurement
8. Add 0.5cm (about 0.2 inches) to your length measurement — this accounts for the space your foot needs to move naturally in the shoe

How to Use Your Measurements to Find Your Size

Once you have your measurements, use the brand's size chart to find your size. Most reputable online shoe retailers provide size charts that convert measurements in centimeters or inches to their sizing system.

Key tips:

• Always use the brand's own size chart — don't assume your size in one brand translates to another
• If you're between sizes, size up for closed-toe shoes and size down for sandals
• Check reviews for fit notes — many reviewers will mention if a shoe runs large, small, or narrow
• Look for width options if you have wide feet — many brands offer standard and wide widths

Specific Tips for Different Shoe Types

Clogs

Clogs typically have a more generous fit than sneakers. If you're between sizes, size down. The foot should sit fully on the footbed without hanging over the edges. Read our guide on how to choose the right orthopedic clog for your foot type.

Sandals and Flip Flops

For sandals, your foot should sit fully on the footbed with a small margin (about 1cm) at the heel and toe. If your heel hangs off the back or your toes extend past the front, size up. Read more: are flip flops bad for your feet?

Sneakers

Sneakers should have about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This allows for natural foot movement and prevents toe compression during walking. See our guide on clogs vs. slides vs. sneakers.

Orthopedic Shoes

Orthopedic shoes often have extra depth and volume. Follow the brand's size chart carefully and consider that you may need a slightly different size than your regular shoes if you use custom orthotics. Learn more about what orthopedic really means in shoes.

How Sootheez Sizing Works

At Sootheez, we provide detailed size charts for all our products to help you find the perfect fit. A few things to know about our sizing:

• Our EVA orthopedic clogs are available in wide fit — ideal for wider feet or feet that swell throughout the day
• Our arch support flip flops run true to size — choose your normal size
• Our FlexSlip sneakers have a flexible upper that accommodates a range of foot widths
• If you're between sizes, our customer service team is happy to help you choose

What to Do If Your Shoes Don't Fit

Even with careful measurement, online shoe purchases sometimes don't fit perfectly. Here's what to do:

• Try them on indoors first — walk around on carpet to test the fit without scuffing the soles, so you can return them if needed
• Check the return policy before buying — look for free returns or exchanges
• Don't force a fit — shoes that are slightly too small won't stretch enough to be comfortable and can cause bunions, blisters, and other problems

Final Thoughts

Getting your shoe size right online is a skill — and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. Measure your feet, use brand size charts, read reviews for fit notes, and don't be afraid to exchange if the fit isn't right.

Explore the full Sootheez collection with confidence — and find the perfect fit for your feet.