Monday, 26 April 2021 00:00

Your Shoe Size: What Do Those Numbers and Letters Mean?

When it comes to avoiding foot and ankle problems, wearing the right size shoe is one of the best preventive measures that you can take. Finding your shoe size can be challenging for many reasons, as men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes all follow different sizing charts, the sizes may or may not account for foot width, and some companies label their shoes using international shoe sizes. In standard US sizing, your numerical shoe size is determined by the length of your foot, which is the distance from your heel to your longest toe. Unfortunately, this measure does not take individual variations in foot shape and width into account. Some shoes also come in wider or narrower sizes, which are usually indicated by a letter after the numerical shoe size. So, if you are looking for women’s shoes and find a pair that are size 9.5W, for example, this generally indicates that the shoes are 10 inches in length and have a wider width. Because of the large variation in shoe sizes and individual foot shapes and widths, it is suggested that you have your feet professionally measured in a shoe store and this should take place towards the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. For more information about the importance of properly fitted footwear, consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Getting the Right Shoe Size: To Keep Your Feet Happy

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