Why should I measure my foot before buying shoes on Bash?

Sizes vary between brands and styles, and small differences in length or width change comfort; measuring gives us the numbers we need to match a product’s size chart and reduce returns.

What simple tools do we need to follow the measuring routine at home?

You only need a piece of paper larger than your foot (A4 is fine), a pen or pencil, a ruler or tape measure in centimetres, a thin sock you’d wear with the shoe, and a flat wall or skirting board to rest your heel against.

How do we measure foot length and width for the most reliable result?

Stand weight-bearing with your heel against the wall, trace your foot with the pen upright, then measure from the wall edge to the longest point for length and across the widest part of the forefoot for width, recording both in centimetres to the nearest millimetre.

Which foot measurement should we use when one foot is larger?

Use the larger foot’s measurements when choosing size, because most people have a size difference and the bigger foot needs to fit comfortably.

How do we translate centimetres into a Bash shoe size and when should we size up?

Match your measured length in cm to the brand’s length-based size chart on the Bash product page, add about 0.5-1.0 cm to your foot length if the chart lists internal (insole) length for everyday shoes, and favour the next size up for active shoes, thicker socks or if you measure between sizes.

How to measure your foot for online shoe fit

Step-by-step method to measure foot length and width at home, tips for translating cm to brand sizes, and practical South African examples.

Published:July 11, 2026

Updated:August 18, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Jerms on Pexels

Measure standing

Stand with weight on the foot for the most realistic length and width.

Why measuring matters before you buy shoes online

Buying shoes online saves time, but sizes vary between brands and styles. Small differences in length, width or how a shoe sits on your foot make the difference between a comfortable pair you keep and a pair that needs returning. We’ll walk through a reliable measuring routine you can do at home with simple tools - no special gadgets needed - and explain how to translate those numbers into a better fit when shopping on Bash.

What you’ll need

Piece of paper larger than your foot (A4 works well)
Pen or pencil
Ruler or tape measure (metric centimetres are easiest)
Thin sock you would normally wear with the shoe
Flat wall or skirting board to rest your heel against

One reliable measuring routine (we recommend doing both feet)

Follow these steps slowly and standing up - weight-bearing changes your foot shape and gives the most realistic result for most everyday shoes.

Prepare: Place the paper on a hard floor with one short edge against the wall. Put on the thin sock.
Position: Stand with your heel lightly touching the wall and your foot flat on the paper. Keep weight distributed as you normally stand.
Trace: Hold the pen upright and trace the outline of your foot. Keep the pen close to the foot - avoid angling it outwards. Repeat for the other foot on the same sheet or a second sheet.
Measure length: Using a ruler, measure from the wall edge (heel) to the longest point of the tracing (usually the big toe or second toe). Record the measurement in centimetres to the nearest millimetre.
Measure width: Measure the widest part of the ball of the foot (across the forefoot). Record that width in centimetres.
Compare feet: Usually one foot is slightly larger. Use the larger foot’s measurements when choosing size.

Quick checks for a truer result

Measure at the end of the day when feet are at their largest.
If you’re between sizes, favour the next size up for active shoes or thicker socks.
Keep the tracing and measurements for reference when you check product size charts on Bash.

How to read centimetres against brand size charts

Most brands provide a length-based size chart. Take your measured length (cm) and match it to the brand’s chart. If a brand lists internal length (insole length), add about 0.5-1.0 cm to your foot length for a comfortable toe allowance in everyday shoes; sports shoes sometimes need slightly more. When in doubt, consult the product’s size guidance on its Bash product page.

For general browsing, start with the category that fits your need. If you want everyday trainers, explore our Sneakers category to compare styles and their size notes: Sneakers. If you’re looking at a specific brand, check the brand page on Bash for brand-specific size advice.

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Accounting for width, foot shape and activity

Length is the starting point, but fit depends on width, arch height and how you plan to use the shoe. Here’s how we think about those factors:

Width: If your measured forefoot width is above average for your length, look for shoes labelled with wider fittings or styles known for roomier toe boxes.
Arch and instep: A high instep may need shoes with laces or adjustable straps so the shoe can open wider to fit. Low or neutral arches generally use standard lacing.
Activity: Running shoes usually need a secure heel and a bit more length allowance; casual shoes can be slightly roomier. Think about sock thickness too.

Practical examples and South African scenarios

Example 1 - Commuter sneakers: Sipho measures 26.3 cm for his larger foot. The sports shoe’s chart shows 26.0 cm = size 8 and 26.7 cm = size 8.5. He chooses size 8.5 because he wears thicker socks in winter and prefers extra toe room.

Example 2 - Leather shoes for work: Lerato measures 24.8 cm with a narrow forefoot. The leather shoe will stretch slightly, so she selects the size that matches 24.8 cm exactly and orders narrow-fitting variants when offered.

When to size up or down - a quick checklist

Measure at day end - if your length is near the top of a size band, size up.
Prefer firm heel hold? If yes, avoid too much extra length that lets the heel slip.
If you have very wide feet, prioritise width over length: a roomy toe box prevents pressure points.

Remember: sizing rules differ by brand and material. Always check the product’s size notes on Bash and compare them with your centimetre measurements.

Making the final decision on Bash

When you’re on a product page, look for a size guide, customer fit notes and any insole or internal-length details. If a product lists internal length, match that to your foot length plus 0.5-1.0 cm allowance. Use reviews that mention fit - they often say whether a model runs large, small or true to size. For a broader read on comfortable everyday choices, you may find our article on choosing everyday trainers helpful: Best sneakers for everyday walking: comfortable choices for South African days.

If you want to shop categories after measuring, we recommend starting at the relevant Bash category pages - for example, explore more Shoe styles in Men or Women. For a quick look at general shoe types and fitting notes, visit our Shoes category: Shoes.

Small extra tips

Keep your foot tracing and measurements saved on your phone for future purchases.
If you order two sizes to compare, order them together so you can test with the same pair of socks and return the other quickly.
If a brand offers a downloadable insole length (cm), print it at 100% scale and place your foot on it for a direct visual check.

Sources

NHS - How to measure your feet
American Podiatric Medical Association - Footwear guidance
ISO footwear sizing principles
Healthline - Measuring your foot at home

Last updated: August 18, 2026

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How to measure your foot for online shoe fit

Measure standing

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Use centimetres

Pick the larger foot

Why measuring matters before you buy shoes online

What you’ll need

One reliable measuring routine (we recommend doing both feet)

Quick checks for a truer result

How to read centimetres against brand size charts

Accounting for width, foot shape and activity

Practical examples and South African scenarios

When to size up or down - a quick checklist

Making the final decision on Bash

Small extra tips

Sources

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