How to order a pair of shoes online and get the size right?

Choosing the right shoe size online is the key to a successful purchase. Here is a detailed guide on how to measure your foot, make sense of size systems and buy shoes that fit perfectly.

 Step 1: How to measure your foot correctly

Correct measurements are the foundation. You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil and a ruler or tape measure.

1. Preparation: put on the socks you plan to wear with the shoes. Measure in the evening, when your feet are slightly swollen.

2. Trace your foot: place your foot on the sheet of paper and trace it with the pencil held vertically.

3. Measure the length: find the most protruding points of the heel and of the longest toe (not necessarily the big toe). Draw a line between them and measure it in centimetres.

4. Measure the width: find the widest points at the base of the toes and measure that distance.

5. Repeat for the other foot: one foot is often slightly larger. Use the larger result to choose your size.

 Step 2: Understanding size systems (RU, US, UK, EU)

The main difference is the reference point. The main systems are:

· Metric (RU, cm): the size equals the foot length in centimetres. The most accurate and simple.

· Paris point (EU): the size equals the insole length in «points» (1 point = 2/3 cm). Usually 1–1.5 larger than the metric size.

· American (US) and British (UK): their own scales, different for men and women. UK is usually 1 size smaller than US.

Approximate conversion table for men and women:

Note: these are approximate values; always check the size chart of the specific brand.

Foot length (cm) RU (metric) EU US (M) UK (M) US (W) UK (W)

24.5 24.5 39 6.5 6 8 5.5

25.5 25.5 40 7.5 7 9 6.5

26.0 26.0 41 8 7.5 9.5 7

27.0 27.0 42 9 8.5 10.5 8

28.0 28.0 43 10 9.5 11.5 9

 Step 3: Why sizes differ between brands

Even with the same marking, shoes can fit differently because of:

· The last: the unique shape the shoes are built on. It can be narrow, wide, with a high or low instep.

· Materials: leather shoes stretch over time, synthetic ones do not.

· Country of manufacture: even within the EU, Italian sizes can run smaller than German ones.

 Step 4: A safe online buying routine

1. Find the «Size Chart» on the brand's website. It is the only reliable source.

2. Match your centimetres against the brand's chart, not a generic one.

3. Read the reviews: look for the phrases «runs large», «runs small» and «true to size».

4. Check the return policy: make sure the store accepts returns, and check the return policy of your forwarding service.

 Step 5: Width

Width is the girth of the foot at its widest point. In the USA and UK it is marked with letters:

· Standard width for women: B (Medium/Normal). For men: D (Medium/Normal).

· Narrow: Women: 2A, AA | Men: B, C

· Wide: Women: D, E, EE | Men: EE, EEE, EEEE

Brands offering shoes in different widths (mainly USA/UK):

· New Balance — the best-known brand with a wide choice of widths.

· Clarks — Wide options are often available.

· Allen Edmonds — premium classics with many options.

· Rockport, Skechers, Birkenstock.

How to determine your width: use a special measuring tape or the charts on the websites of the brands above, where you match the length and girth of your foot.

 Quick checklist before ordering

1. Measured my foot in centimetres in the evening.

2. Found the «Size Chart» on the brand's website.

3. Matched my cm against the brand's chart and chose the right width.

4. Read the reviews about the fit.

5. Checked the return policy.

If you have a specific shoe model in mind and know your size in centimetres, we can help you look up how it fits (runs true to size/small/large) on the sellers' websites.