Why is it important to measure my foot before buying women's sneakers online?

We measure our feet to remove guesswork so length, width and style match your needs; a correct fit reduces slipping, rubbing and early wear and makes sneakers more comfortable for walking, training or everyday use.

How do I measure my foot length correctly at home?

Place A4 paper against a wall, stand with your heel touching the wall and weight on the foot, mark the longest toe point, then measure from the wall edge to the mark in millimetres or centimetres and record both feet, using the larger measurement when choosing size.

What’s the right way to measure foot width for sneakers?

With the same paper outline draw or note the widest points across the ball of the foot and measure the straight-line distance between them in millimetres, or gently wrap a tape measure across the ball without squeezing; record this width to compare with brand width charts.

How do I convert my foot measurements into the correct shoe size?

We use the larger foot length to match the shoe brand’s size chart because lasts differ between manufacturers, and we recommend choosing the size for your larger foot or adding half a size if you plan to wear thicker socks or want extra toe room for running.

What common mistakes should I avoid when measuring for sneakers and do seasons matter in South Africa?

Avoid measuring only one foot, measuring while seated with no weight, and ignoring the sock thickness you’ll normally wear; in South Africa keep seasonal sock thickness in mind and allow slightly less extra length for summer and more for winter.

How to measure women's foot for sneakers - accurate

Why measuring matters when buying sneakers

We know buying sneakers online or in a busy store is easier when the fit is predictable. Measuring your foot removes guesswork: it helps you choose the right length, width and style for walking, training or everyday wear. A correct fit reduces slipping, rubbing and early wear - and it makes sure your sneakers feel like they were made for you.

What you’ll need

One sheet of A4 paper (or similar), a ruler or tape measure calibrated in millimetres or centimetres.
A pen or pencil, socks you normally wear with sneakers, and a hard floor surface.
A chair to sit on and a helper if you prefer.

Step 1 - measure length (the most important number)

Place the paper on the floor against a wall. Stand with your heel gently touching the wall (or place your heel against the wall while seated). Put your weight on the foot so the arch and toe settle naturally. Mark the longest point of the foot (usually the tip of the big toe or second toe) on the paper. Measure from the wall edge (heel) to that mark in millimetres or centimetres. Record the length for both feet - use the larger measurement when selecting size.

Step 2 - measure width (to avoid tight toes)

With the same paper outline, draw lines at the widest points of the forefoot (across the ball of the foot). Measure the straight-line distance between those two points. If you have a tape measure, wrap it gently across the ball of the foot where toes meet foot; avoid squeezing. Record the width in millimetres.

Step 3 - check arch and instep notes

Note any high arch, low arch or a particularly prominent instep. These affect how a sneaker feels even when length and width are correct. A higher instep often needs deeper-lasted sneakers or an extra lace run; a low arch may feel better with thinner insoles. We recommend keeping these notes when you read product descriptions.

Step 4 - convert measurements to shoe sizes

Use the foot length (the larger foot) to match the brand size chart. Different manufacturers use slightly different lasts, so always consult the size chart for the shoe you plan to buy. When in doubt, choose the size corresponding to your larger foot length and add half a size if you plan to wear thicker socks or want extra toe room for running.

Common measurement mistakes to avoid

Measuring only one foot - many people’s feet differ in size by a few millimetres.
Measuring when seated with no weight on the foot - standing gives a truer length.
Ignoring sock thickness you’ll normally wear with the sneakers.

Quick note: in South Africa seasonal fits matter. For summer sneakers we often suggest a little less extra length than for winter when thicker socks are common. Keep your usual season and activity in mind when choosing final size.

Sizing decisions we make for different sneaker types

A single measurement doesn't suit every sneaker. For everyday casual sneakers we prefer a snug mid-foot with 8-12 mm of space in front of the longest toe. For running or training shoes allow slightly more toe room - about 10-15 mm - because feet swell during exercise. If you’re shopping for performance shoes, check the product notes and our specialist piece on women's performance sneakers for gym, HIIT and running for guidance specific to training fits. Women's performance sneakers for gym, HIIT and running

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How to use width together with length

Length gives the baseline; width determines comfort across the ball of the foot. If a brand offers narrow/wide fits, compare your width measurement to the brand’s width table. Where width options are absent, choosing a size up can help but may create heel slip. Consider insoles or orthotic-friendly models when width is a recurring issue.

Trying sneakers at home - a practical checklist

Wear the socks you'll normally use and lace the shoes as you would for activity.
Stand and walk for at least five minutes on a hard floor; try a few short sprints or squats if you bought training shoes.
Check for uncomfortable pressure points, heel slippage or excess side-to-side movement.
Test tied tightness: your toes should wiggle and the midfoot should feel secure.

When to size up or down - practical rules

Size up when: you plan to wear thicker socks, your foot measurement sits between sizes, or you buy running shoes for long-distance use. Size down when: your foot is narrow and the brand’s width tends to run wide, or you prefer a very locked-in fit for court sports. When uncertain, favour a slightly larger size-return windows on many products allow easy exchanges.

If you want to browse options after measuring, try our Women's Sneakers collection for a range of everyday and performance styles. Sneakers is a good starting point to compare fits, and our Women articles category offers more on styling and fit advice. Women articles

Small feet, swollen feet, pregnancy and other special cases

Pregnancy and afternoon swelling change fit - measure late in the day when feet are largest. For anyone with sensitive toes, bunions or foot conditions, prioritise models with roomier toe boxes and softer uppers. If you have recurring fit problems, a podiatrist can provide lasting advice tailored to your foot shape.

Recording your measurements for future purchases

Keep a simple note: ‘Left: 245 mm / Right: 252 mm / Width: 94 mm / Instep: medium’. Include the brand and model when you find a great fit - that helps next time you shop. We also suggest saving measurements to your Bash account if you regularly order online; consistent notes speed selection and reduce returns.

Experience-based tips from our team

When trying a new brand, assume a 4-6 mm variation in fit from what you usually wear - different lasts behave differently.
For R-running: leave slightly more toe room (10-15 mm) because feet expand during long runs.
Keep receipts and try shoes at home first; many of our customers swap sizes after a single trial walk.

We hope these steps make buying women's sneakers simpler and more confident. Measure, compare with brand charts, and try shoes at home before committing - and if you want a quick place to start after measuring, explore our Sneakers category to find styles that match the fit notes you recorded.

How to measure women's foot for sneakers - accurate steps for buying online

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Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Measure standing

Record length & width

Match brand charts

Why measuring matters when buying sneakers

What you’ll need

Step 1 - measure length (the most important number)

Step 2 - measure width (to avoid tight toes)

Step 3 - check arch and instep notes

Step 4 - convert measurements to shoe sizes

Common measurement mistakes to avoid

Sizing decisions we make for different sneaker types

How to use width together with length

Trying sneakers at home - a practical checklist

When to size up or down - practical rules

Small feet, swollen feet, pregnancy and other special cases

Recording your measurements for future purchases

Experience-based tips from our team

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