Do we need to measure both feet or is one enough?

Measure both feet and use the larger measurement when choosing size, because one foot is often slightly bigger and that ensures a more comfortable fit.

When is the best time of day to measure my feet for sneakers?

Measure at the end of the day if possible, since feet swell slightly after standing and this gives a more realistic fit for all-day wear.

How much toe room should we allow when choosing a sneaker size?

For most sneakers allow about 0.5-1.0 cm (5-10 mm) from your longest toe to the shoe’s inner end; add that to your measured length before matching a size on the product chart.

How do we check foot width and use that information when shopping?

Trace your foot while seated and measure the widest part across the ball in centimetres as a simple width indicator; compare this to product fit notes (narrow, regular, wide) and choose a wider model or go up half a size if your measurement shows a broader foot.

What quick home checks tell us about arch height and foot volume?

Wet your foot and step onto a surface to view the print - a full print suggests a low arch and a thin mid-foot suggests a high arch - and assess volume by trying on a similarly sized closed shoe to see if your foot slides or feels tightly packed, which may mean choosing a half-size up or a deeper toe box.

How to measure your foot for the right sneaker fit

Why measuring matters for sneakers

A well-measured foot reduces rubbing, improves performance and saves time returning shoes. We focus on practical checks you can do at home - no expensive tools required - and explain how those measurements map to the sizes you see on product pages for Sneakers. Small differences in length, width and arch shape change how a sneaker feels, so measuring is about fit, not just a number.

What you need

Paper larger than your foot (A4 or newspaper) and a pen.
A ruler or tape measure (metric mm/cm preferred).
A wall with a straight edge and a chair to sit on.
A pair of socks like the ones you’ll wear with the sneaker (thin or thick as appropriate).

If you prefer a tool, a basic foot gauge or printable sizing chart costs roughly between R50 and R300 depending on brand and durability - an optional convenience, not a necessity.

Quick note before you start

Measure both feet. One foot is often slightly larger; use the larger measurement when choosing size. Measure at the end of the day if you can - feet swell slightly after standing and will give a more realistic fit for all-day wear.

Step-by-step: length, width and arch checks

1. Measure foot length

Place the paper on the floor against the wall. Stand with your heel touching the wall and weight evenly on the foot you’re measuring. Mark the longest point at the toes (often the big toe or second toe). Measure from the wall edge (heel) to the mark in centimetres. Record to the nearest 0.5 cm. Repeat for the other foot.

2. Width - the everyday practical check

While seated, draw or trace the outline of your foot on the paper, keeping the pen vertical. Measure the widest part of the outline (across the ball of the foot) in centimetres. This gives a simple width indicator you can compare to product fit notes (narrow, regular, wide). Many sneaker product pages list whether a shoe runs narrow or wide; pair that with your measurement.

3. Arch and volume checks

Arch height and foot volume affect how snugly a sneaker holds your foot. A quick home check: wet your foot and step onto a surface that shows the print. A full print suggests a low arch; a thin mid-foot area suggests a high arch. For volume, try on a similarly sized closed shoe and see whether your foot slides side-to-side or feels tightly packed. High-volume feet often need a half-size up or models with deeper toe boxes.

4. How much space to allow (toe room)

For most sneakers we recommend about 0.5-1.0 cm (5-10 mm) of space from your longest toe to the shoe’s inner end. That gap prevents toes banging during walking and quick starts. For performance running shoes, some running-specific guidance may prefer slightly more space; check the product notes on the Sneaker product page before deciding. Use the larger foot’s length plus the recommended toe space to pick your shoe size.

Translating measurements to sizes

Most manufacturers publish size charts that map centimetres to local sizes. When a chart is available on a product page, use your measured length (plus toe room) as the controlling number. If a brand says a model fits narrow or wide, adjust: if you measured a wide foot, choose a wider model or go up half a size. To browse styles that list fit notes, visit our Sneakers category to compare options and read size guidance from each brand. Sneakers

We keep size suggestions simple: when between sizes, prefer the larger size for casual everyday sneakers; for very snug performance shoes, choose the size recommended by the brand and try the shoe on with the socks you’ll train in.

When to choose a half-size or a different width

If your length puts you exactly at a whole size but your width measurement shows a broader foot than typical, consider stepping up a half-size or looking for models described as wide. Conversely, a narrow foot may find better fit with a half-size down or models described as narrow. Use product fit notes and customer reviews as additional evidence; our Sneakers articles often explain how specific models fit compared with standard sizing. Sneakers articles

Practical examples for South African shoppers

Example 1: Thabo measures 25.6 cm on his larger foot and likes a comfortable everyday sneaker. He adds 0.8 cm toe room = 26.4 cm. On the brand chart this maps to a South African size 42 - he orders 42 and chooses a model described as regular width.

Example 2: Ayesha has a 24.2 cm foot but a wide ball measurement. She keeps the 24.2 cm length mapping to a size 38 but prefers models that list wide fit, or she orders a size 38.5 / half-size up when the model doesn’t offer width options.

These small adjustments reflect everyday choices we make - comfort, purpose and shoe shape all matter.

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Trying on and final checks

When the sneakers arrive, try them on indoors on a clean surface. Wear the socks you used when measuring, lace them as you normally would, and stand for a minute. Check these points: toes have the 0.5-1.0 cm breathing room; heel sits firmly without excessive slip; no uncomfortable pressure across the ball of the foot; and walking a few steps feels natural. If you plan to use insoles, try them during this fitting - insoles change volume and may require a different size choice.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Measuring only one foot - always measure both and use the larger measurement.
Measuring barefoot when you’ll wear thick socks - repeat measurement with the same socks.
Ignoring the brand’s fit notes - many sneaker models run narrow or wide compared with standard sizing.
Not allowing toe room - tight toes cause discomfort, especially over long days or active use.

If you’re buying for sport, check the specific activity fit notes (e.g., running versus casual). For fast decisions, our Sneaker product pages list fit guidance and customer feedback to help you choose more confidently. Sneakers

When to exchange or return

If the sneakers feel tight after the indoor check or cause pressure points, exchange for the next size or width option. Keep the original box and packaging for returns. We recommend trying any break-in period gently: a few short walks first before committing to long runs or full-day wear. If you need more choices, explore our broader Shoes categories to compare styles and fits. Sneakers

Final tips from our team

We measure feet for real life - commuting, grocery runs, weekend walks. Keep a simple record of your measured length and width for each foot (e.g. Left: 25.6 cm / Width: 10.2 cm; Right: 25.2 cm / Width: 9.8 cm). When you find a brand or model that suits you, note it for future orders. If you need product ideas or alternatives, our Brands page helps you filter by fit and style. Brands

How to measure your foot for the right sneaker fit

Measure both feet

Sources

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Allow toe room

Check width and volume

Why measuring matters for sneakers

What you need

Quick note before you start

Step-by-step: length, width and arch checks

1. Measure foot length

2. Width - the everyday practical check

3. Arch and volume checks

4. How much space to allow (toe room)

Translating measurements to sizes

When to choose a half-size or a different width

Practical examples for South African shoppers

Trying on and final checks

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When to exchange or return

Final tips from our team

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