Why does measuring my feet at home matter before buying sneakers?

Measuring gives a reliable baseline for comfort and performance and helps avoid blisters or sore toes, since feet change during the day and with activity; using a home measurement makes it easier to compare sizes across brands and styles.

When is the best time of day to measure my feet and which foot should I use?

Measure in the late afternoon or after light activity because feet swell through the day, and always measure both feet and use the larger measurement when choosing a size.

What tools and socks do we recommend for an accurate home measurement?

Use a sheet of paper larger than your foot, a pencil held vertical, a ruler or tape (cm preferred), a wall or straight edge, and the socks you plan to wear with the sneakers for the most accurate result.

How do I measure length and width at home and convert to a sneaker size?

Stand with your heel lightly against the wall, trace your foot keeping the pen vertical, measure length from the wall to the longest toe and width across the ball in centimetres, round up to the nearest half centimetre, then use the longer foot’s cm measurement against the brand’s size chart and allow about 0.5-1.5 cm toe room depending on activity.

What should I do if a sneaker feels tight at the toes, or my feet are wider than average?

If toes feel pressed even after allowing 0.5-1.5 cm, move up a half or full size or pick a model with a roomier toe box; if your width is above typical ranges, look for 'wide' or 'GT' fit options and compare measurements with the brand’s fit notes on the product page (we recommend checking the brand’s chart on Bash where available) .

How to measure your foot size for sneakers

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How to measure your foot size for sneakers | Bash

Why accurate foot measurement matters

Buying sneakers that fit is about comfort, performance and avoiding problems like blisters or sore toes. Feet aren’t fixed: they change through the day, with activity and across seasons. Measuring at home with a few simple tools gives a reliable baseline you can use when comparing sizes across brands and styles.

What you’ll need

A sheet of paper larger than your foot
A pencil or pen
A ruler or measuring tape (cm preferred)
Socks like the ones you’ll wear with the sneakers
A wall or straight edge to rest your heel against

When to measure

Measure in the late afternoon or after light activity - feet swell a little during the day. Measure both feet because most people have one foot slightly larger; always use the larger measurement when choosing a size.

Step-by-step measurement (best single-method for home)

This method gives a simple, repeatable result you can compare to brand size charts.

1. Prepare the paper and position

Place the sheet of paper on a hard, flat floor with one long edge against a wall. Stand with your heel lightly touching the wall and your weight evenly distributed. Wear the socks you plan to use with the sneakers.

2. Trace the outline

Keeping the pen vertical, trace around your foot. Don’t angle the pen inwards; a snug outline gives the most accurate length and width. Repeat for the other foot on the same sheet so both outlines are measured the same way.

3. Measure length and width

Length: draw a straight line from the wall edge (heel) to the tip of the longest toe on your outline and measure in centimetres. Width: measure the widest part across the ball of the foot on the outline in centimetres. Note both figures and round up to the nearest half centimetre for safety.

4. Convert to sneaker sizes

Many brands publish size charts that map foot length (cm) to standard UK/EU/US sizes. Use the longer foot’s measurement. If a brand uses half sizes or a different fit (narrow/wide), choose the size that leaves about 0.5-1.5 cm (about a thumb’s width) of room in front of the longest toe - this allows for foot movement during walking or running. If available, checked the brand’s own size chart when deciding.

A quick checklist before you pick a size

Measured late in the day and wearing usual socks
Used the larger foot measurement for sizing
Allowed 0.5-1.5 cm toe room depending on activity
Checked the brand’s own size chart where available

When you’re shopping on Bash, product pages often show brand size charts and fit notes - use them alongside your measurements. For help choosing a sneaker type for activity, see our related article How to choose Total Sports ladies sneakers for walking, gym and travel.

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Common fit issues and how to troubleshoot

Too tight at the toes

If the toe box presses on toes even after allowing 0.5-1.5 cm of space, consider moving up a half or full size or choosing a model with a roomier toe box. Different styles (running vs casual) have different shapes - compare your measurement to the model’s fit notes on Bash product pages like Sneakers for women.

Heel slippage or overall looseness

If your heel lifts, try tighter lacing, using the runner’s loop, or an insole to take up small gaps. If the shoe feels loose across the midfoot, a narrower model or a different size may fit better. Always test with a short walk on a hard floor to assess real-world feel.

Wide feet?

If your width measurement is above typical ranges for your foot length, look for 'wide' or 'GT' fit options. Many brands list width guidance on product pages; compare measurements and, when in doubt, choose the wider option to avoid pressure on the ball of the foot. See our sneakers category for models offered in multiple fits: Sneakers.

Practical tips and South African scenarios

Measuring for kids

Children’s feet grow quickly - measure every 2-3 months for toddlers and every 4-6 months for older children. Use the same method and allow about 1-1.5 cm of growth room, plus the usual activity allowance. Browse kids’ sneaker styles on our Sneakers page to find age-appropriate fits.

Local conditions and material tips

In our warm seasons many people prefer breathable mesh or lighter-knit uppers; in cooler months thicker socks add bulk, so re-measure if you switch sock types. Leather sneakers tend to stretch slightly; synthetic knits often conform to foot shape but offer less width adjustment.

If you’re unsure about brand sizing, check the product's size notes on Bash and read customer reviews for fit clues - they often mention whether a shoe runs small, true to size or large.

Next steps on Bash

With measurements in hand, compare them to the sneaker model’s size chart and filter by size on the relevant Bash category pages. If you prefer a guided browse, our sneaker categories let you narrow by activity, fit and brand - try Sneakers or the women’s Sneakers page to start.

Sources

NHS - How to measure your foot
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Shoe fitting
Health24 - Foot health resources (South Africa)

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How to measure your foot size for sneakers

Measure both feet

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Allow toe room

Check brand charts

Why accurate foot measurement matters

What you’ll need

When to measure

Step-by-step measurement (best single-method for home)

1. Prepare the paper and position

2. Trace the outline

3. Measure length and width

4. Convert to sneaker sizes

A quick checklist before you pick a size

Common fit issues and how to troubleshoot

Too tight at the toes

Heel slippage or overall looseness

Wide feet?

Practical tips and South African scenarios

Measuring for kids

Local conditions and material tips

Next steps on Bash

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