Why does measuring my foot in millimetres matter for sneaker fit?

Measuring in millimetres reduces rounding errors and gives a precise length and width that you can match to each brand’s size chart, so we can pick a size where your length sits mid-range rather than guessing from vague conversions.

What materials and setup do we need to measure feet at home accurately?

Use a sheet of paper larger than your foot, a fine-point pen or pencil, a ruler or tape measure (mm preferred), regular socks you’ll wear with the sneakers, and a hard flat floor with a wall to rest your heel against.

Can you summarise the step-by-step method for measuring length and width?

Put on your socks, stand with your heel lightly against the wall and full weight on the foot, trace the outline keeping the pen vertical, mark the furthest heel and longest toe and measure that straight-line distance in mm, then measure the widest point across the ball of the foot for width.

How do we translate our measured mm to a shoe size when brands differ?

Always check the specific brand and model size chart and match your measured mm to their recommended range; if your length is in the middle of a size’s mm range choose that size, and consider half a size up if you use thick socks or orthotic insoles.

How often should we measure children’s feet and what quick checks should we do after trying shoes on?

Measure children every 2-3 months and keep the last measurement for reference; after trying shoes on stand and bend the knee - there should be about a thumb’s width (10-12 mm) from the longest toe to the shoe front and no heel slide when walking.

How to measure feet for sneaker fit: a clear

Why accurate foot measurement matters for sneaker fit

A good measurement isn’t just about the length - it helps you choose the right width, drop and size across brands. We’ve seen shoppers return sneakers because one fit slightly pinched or another felt loose; measuring at home removes most guesswork and makes online shopping more reliable. Below we share a practical method that works for men, women and kids and works with common sizing systems.

What you’ll need

Sheet of paper larger than your foot
Pen or pencil with a fine point
Ruler or tape measure (mm or mm/cm preferred)
Regular socks (if you wear socks with the sneakers)
A hard, flat surface and a wall

Step 1 - prepare and stand naturally

Put on the socks you normally wear with sneakers. Place the paper on the floor with one edge against a wall. Stand with your heel lightly touching the wall and full weight on the foot you’re measuring - this flattens the foot to its regular, weight-bearing shape. If you have slightly bowed feet, pick the foot that feels larger; many people have one foot a little bigger than the other.

Step 2 - trace the outline

Keep your pen vertical and trace the outline of the foot from the heel to the longest toe. Draw close to the foot rather than leaving a wide gap. For accuracy, do two tracings per foot and use the larger outline when in doubt.

Step 3 - measure length and width

Using a ruler or tape measure, mark the furthest point at the heel and the tip of the longest toe on your tracing. Measure the straight-line distance in millimetres (mm). For width, measure the widest part of the outline across the ball of the foot. Record both numbers.

Tip: If you have a tape measure that records in centimetres, convert to mm by multiplying by 10 (for example, 26.5 cm = 265 mm). Using mm reduces rounding errors when matching size charts.

We keep a short checklist that helps when comparing brands: measured length (mm), measured width (mm), usual size in local brands, and sock thickness. That quick note saves time when browsing. If you’re buying for a child, measure every 2-3 months for growing feet and keep the last measurement as reference.

Quick links to help you shop on Bash

When you’re ready to shop, browse our sneaker ranges for specific fits and styles. For men’s options try Sneakers. If you’re comparing women’s fits, see Sneakers. For kids’ sizes and kid-friendly designs use the Sneakers category.

How to translate mm to a shoe size (practical approach)

Brands publish size charts that map foot length in mm to sizes (EU, UK, US). Rather than memorising conversions, always check the brand’s chart for the specific model. If a brand offers both narrow (N), regular (R) and wide (W) fittings, compare your measured width to the chart’s width guideline. When in doubt, choose the size where your measured length sits in the middle of the chart’s recommended mm range - this allows a small toe gap for movement without excess heel slip.

Practical example: if your foot measures 265 mm and a brand’s size 8 UK fits 263-268 mm, size 8 is the best starting point. If you plan to use thick winter socks or orthotic insoles, consider sizing up half a size.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Common fit issues and how to check them at home

Before you buy, do a quick on-foot check: stand and bend the knee while wearing the sneakers (if you have them in-store or after delivery). There should be about a thumb’s width (10-12 mm) of space from the longest toe to the front of the shoe when standing. If toes touch the front under load, the shoe is too short; if you feel sliding at the heel, the shoe may be too large or the lacing needs adjustment.

Width and volume considerations

Some people need extra width without changing length - others need more volume through the instep. If your measured width is above average for your length, look for models listed as wide or with roomy toe boxes. Certain running or lifestyle sneakers are built with broader shapes; product descriptions usually mention 'roomy toe box' or 'narrow last'.

When to size up or down - simple rules

If you’re between sizes and you wear thicker socks or use insoles: size up.
If you have narrow feet and prefer a snug, performance feel: size down cautiously.
If the model is a low-profile skate or fashion sneaker with minimal cushioning, trust the length measurement and consider going with your measured size.

Buying online - how to reduce returns

We recommend saving your measurement notes and checking the product’s size chart before checkout. Read the product description for clues about fit (words like 'roomy', 'classic fit', 'narrow last'). If the listing includes customer reviews, look for comments about true-to-size or narrow/wide fit - these are practical signals. For kids, allow around 8-12 mm growth room depending on age: younger children need less extra space than older ones.

Simple at-home test if a sneaker arrives and you’re unsure

With socks on, lace the sneaker and stand. Push down on the shoe’s upper above your toes; if your toes lift away from the insole, you may need a larger size. Walk a short distance - your heel should feel secure with no painful rubbing. If needed, use extra padding at the tongue or heel to correct small slippage, but avoid using thick inserts that crowd the toe box.

Sizing for different sneaker types: short notes

Running sneakers: allow a small toe gap (8-12 mm) for forward movement during runs.
Casual/lifestyle sneakers: length close to measured size; comfort matters more than minimal movement room.
Skate and minimalist sneakers: often lower volume - size by length and expect a snugger fit.

Ready-made shopping pathways on Bash

If you want to explore models after measuring, try browsing curated categories: Sneakers for men, or refine by brand via Brands to match a preferred fit profile. These category pages group items by style and make it easier to compare size charts across similar models.

Quick practice: measure both feet, record length in mm, note width, and keep this note when you shop. It reduces returns and helps you find a comfortable, long-lasting fit.

If you’d like, we can create a printable measurement sheet you can use at home. Measuring once carefully saves time - and makes shopping on Bash easier and more reliable.

How to measure feet for sneaker fit: a clear step-by-step method

Measure both feet

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Record length in mm

Check width & volume

Why accurate foot measurement matters for sneaker fit

What you’ll need

Step 1 - prepare and stand naturally

Step 2 - trace the outline

Step 3 - measure length and width

Quick links to help you shop on Bash

How to translate mm to a shoe size (practical approach)

Common fit issues and how to check them at home

Width and volume considerations

When to size up or down - simple rules

Buying online - how to reduce returns

Simple at-home test if a sneaker arrives and you’re unsure

Sizing for different sneaker types: short notes

Ready-made shopping pathways on Bash

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