How should we measure our feet at home to compare online sizes accurately?

Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor with your heel against the wall, stand with the socks you’ll wear, mark the longest toe and heel, and measure the distance in millimetres or centimetres; also wrap a tape measure around the widest part of the forefoot for width and record both feet, using the larger measurement.

If an online product listing only shows UK/EU/US sizes, how do we match our measurements to the right size?

First look for a centimetre row on the product chart and match your measured length to that; if only numeric sizes appear, use the brand’s size chart on the product page and treat on-page notes like “runs small” or “fits large” as roughly plus or minus half a size.

When should we choose a half-size up or try a wider last instead of our measured size?

If you feel forefoot squeeze during a store test or your width measurement is larger than the brand’s width guidance, try a half-size up or a wide fit; similarly, if product notes indicate a narrow last, consider going up a half-size or choosing a model with a wider last.

What simple in-store routine helps us compare fit reliably between models?

Wear the same socks you measured with, walk 10-15 steps, make a few turns and a short jog if allowed, press the toe box for about a thumb’s width, check heel lift (no more than ~1 cm), note pressure points, and write a one-line ticket note with model, size and a single fit phrase for later comparison.

How should we use customer reviews and product fit notes when deciding to buy online from Bash?

We read reviews for comments about running small, wide or long and match those impressions to our measurement log, then save the exact model name on the Bash product page to compare its size chart and on-page fit notes before ordering.

How to compare sneaker sizes online vs in-store

Why online size guides and store fitting feel different

We’ve all tried on a pair in a shop and then stared at a product page and wondered how the size there could be the same. There are three common reasons: different measurement systems (UK/EU/US), brand-specific lasts and shapes, and the testing conditions. In a store you try with socks you usually wear, on the shop’s floor surface, and sometimes after walking; online you only have numbers, model notes and a size chart.

Quick checklist before you compare

Measure your feet (length and width) at home using the method below.
Keep a record of the exact model name and any fit notes the retailer lists.
Check whether the product listing uses UK, EU, or US sizing.
Read customer reviews for comments about running small/wide/long.

How to measure your feet at home (accurate and repeatable)

A reliable home measurement is the foundation of comparing sizes. Do this in the afternoon (feet swell slightly through the day) and wear the socks you plan to use with the sneakers.

Step-by-step foot measurement

Place a sheet of paper on a hard, flat floor against a wall.
Stand with your heel against the wall and your foot flat on the paper.
Mark the longest point of your foot (usually the big toe or second toe) and the back of the heel.
Measure the distance between the marks in millimetres or centimetres - that’s your foot length.
For width, wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your forefoot and note the measurement.

Record both feet - use the larger measurement when choosing a size. Keep a simple log (date, length, width) to compare across brands and seasons.

Translate your measurement to sizes

Most online size charts give a length-to-size mapping in UK/EU/US numbers. Where a brand provides a centimetre row, match your measured length to that first - it’s the least error-prone method. If a listing only lists numeric sizes, use the chart on the product page or a reliable brand chart.

Practical store testing techniques that matter

Fitting in-store gives cues numbers don’t: heel lock, toe wiggle room, midfoot pressure, and how the sneaker behaves when you walk, stop and pivot. Use a short, repeatable routine so you can compare impressions between models and later match them to online notes.

Simple in-store test routine

Stand and walk 10-15 steps in the exact socks you measured with.
Try a few quick turns and a short jog on the spot if the store allows.
Press the toe box to check for about a thumb’s width from longest toe to the end.
Check that the heel doesn’t lift more than 1 cm when walking briskly.
Notice pressure points - if you feel squeeze across the forefoot, try a half-size up or a wider last.

Write a one-line note on the ticket: model, size tried, and one fit phrase (e.g., “Nike Air Zoom, UK9 - roomy toe, tight midfoot”). Later, those notes make comparisons to online product descriptions far easier.

If you plan to buy from Bash later, it helps to open the product page and save the model name exactly as listed so you can compare the brand’s size chart and on-page fit notes. Explore the Sneakers category to find model listings that include size charts and customer feedback: Sneakers.

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Comparing online listings to store fit - a step-by-step method

Follow this ordered method whenever you’re deciding between ordering online or buying in store. It turns subjective impressions into repeatable data.

Step 1 - Match measurement to the product chart

Start with centimetres on the product chart. If the page only lists UK/EU/US numbers, convert using the brand’s chart on the product page. If a model lists "runs small" or "fits large" in the description, treat that as +/- half a size when you choose.

Step 2 - Compare the last and intended use

Different sneaker types usually have different fits: running shoes often need more toe room and a locked heel; casual sneakers may be roomier. Check the product notes for words like "narrow last", "wide fit", or "roomy toe" and match them to your in-store notes.

If you tried the same brand in-store, prefer that brand’s size for online orders - many brands keep last shapes consistent across models. When you’re unsure, compare to our local resources and experience in the field: we recommend reading real-fit comments on the product page and keeping a short fit-log from store visits like the Sneaker Factory at Morena Mall article for on-the-ground expectations: Sneaker Factory at Morena Mall - where to shop, what to expect.

Step 3 - Decide between ordering and visiting

If measurements align and the listing has a centimetre row, ordering online is low risk.
If the model is new to you, or reviews mention inconsistent sizing, try in-store first.
For speciality widths (wide/narrow) or if you have orthotics, fit in-store is strongly recommended.

Step 4 - If you order, minimise the risk

Order from retailers with clear returns and free returns when possible. When you receive the shoes, test them on the same floor type and socks as your store test. Try them for at least an afternoon walk before deciding to keep or return - many fit issues show up after short use.

Practical examples (real South African scenarios)

Example 1: You’re between sizes and want a trainer for daily walks. Measure your foot at 26.5 cm. The product chart says 26.5 cm = UK8. Customer reviews note "slightly narrow"; in-store you felt mild midfoot squeeze in UK8. Choose UK8.5 online or opt to try the wider variant in-store.

Example 2: Buying a lifestyle sneaker as a city shoe. You value style over performance and measured a roomy 27.0 cm. The brand’s page lists "roomy toe" for this model, so stick to the size that matches your length - no need to size up.

Example 3: Buying for a growing child. Kids’ feet change quickly; prefer in-store fitting if possible, or buy one size up and keep the receipt for easy returns. Record the child’s foot length in cm each season to make future online orders straightforward.

Final tips - keep a local fit library

We recommend keeping a short, localised fit library: brand + model + size you wear + one-sentence fit note (e.g., "Nike Air Max, UK9 - true to size, narrow"). Over time this becomes the most valuable tool for ordering online without second-guessing.

Helpful reminder: always check the product page for a centimetre row and customer fit notes before you add to cart. When in doubt, try in store and then order the size you confirmed - that two-step approach combines the best of both worlds.

Explore model listings and size charts in our Sneakers collection, or browse Men/Women sections to match styles and size information across categories: Sneakers and Sneakers. If you’d like regional shopping tips, our local store reports help you plan an in-person visit: Sneaker Factory at Morena Mall - where to shop, what to expect.

Sources

NHS - How to measure your shoe size
Wikipedia - Shoe size
Practical Footwear Guidance - fit considerations (example resource)

How to compare sneaker sizes online vs in-store (step-by-step)

Measure first

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Use model notes

Try a short routine

Why online size guides and store fitting feel different

Quick checklist before you compare

How to measure your feet at home (accurate and repeatable)

Step-by-step foot measurement

Translate your measurement to sizes

Practical store testing techniques that matter

Simple in-store test routine

Comparing online listings to store fit - a step-by-step method

Step 1 - Match measurement to the product chart

Step 2 - Compare the last and intended use

Step 3 - Decide between ordering and visiting

Step 4 - If you order, minimise the risk

Practical examples (real South African scenarios)

Final tips - keep a local fit library

Sources

Mmaphefo

Ukhona

Sambesiwe

Kamo

"Micayla"

Sabelo

Meagan

Bat

Anotha

Tshepiso

Elisa

Nqobile

Nicky

Melaney

Thina

Gwayimane

Phumelelo

Fenkie

Roxanne

Charlize

Refilwe

Dimane

Seth

Neil

Kirsti

Fatima

Nicolette

Ronel

Inge

Valerie

Adri

Chadley

Makhosonke

Mabel

Simo

Sharon

Nobuhle

Angelique Davis

Thabile

Arlene

Kgomotso

Kgosi

Steven

Kago

Reitumetse

Anina

Azwihangwisi

Marlene

Nkensane

Moreblessings

Palesa

Nonkasazana

Talifhani