How should I measure my feet to find the right sneaker size?

We recommend measuring standing with your heel against a wall, wearing the socks you’ll normally use, and marking the tip of your longest toe; record heel-to-toe in millimetres or centimetres and always use the larger foot measurement.

Why should I use centimetres or millimetres instead of UK/EU/US size labels?

Centimetres or millimetres reflect the actual foot length brands use to build lasts, so match your foot length to a model’s size chart where possible rather than relying on conversion labels that vary by brand.

What do 'length', 'width' and 'volume' mean for sneaker fit?

Length is heel-to-toe space (aim for roughly 10-12 mm toe room for everyday sneakers), width describes how the shoe sits across the ball of your foot, and volume is the overall internal space affecting high insteps or orthotics.

If I don’t see a model-specific size chart, how should I choose a size on Bash?

Use your foot length in cm as an anchor and compare it to general conversion charts as an estimate, check product fit notes (e.g., 'true to size', 'narrow' or 'roomy') and read customer reviews for repeated fit comments before buying.

What practical fixes can we try if a sneaker doesn’t fit right after delivery?

For a half-size too large try thicker insoles, tongue pads or heel grips; if too narrow look for the same model in a wide option or a different brand with a broader last; if toes are tight but length is fine, request an exchange for a different last.

Kicks sizing and fit advice: how to measure, choose

Kicks sizing and fit advice: start with a real measurement

We begin where most sizing mistakes happen: assuming sizes are universal. They aren’t. Different brands and models use different lasts and fit differently. The simplest way to narrow down your size is to measure your feet standing, with the socks you normally wear with the shoe. Use a piece of paper against a wall, stand with your heel against the wall, and mark the tip of the longest toe. Measure heel-to-toe in millimetres or centimetres and repeat for both feet - always plan for the larger foot.

A quick checklist to measure correctly

Stand, don’t sit - weight-bearing shows true foot length and shape.
Wear the socks you’ll use with the sneaker (thin trainer socks vs thicker winter socks matters).
Measure both feet and use the larger measurement.
Record length (mm/cm) and note any width/arch differences - these affect fit more than a single size number.

Why centimetres win over size numbers

Sizing conversions (UK, EU, US) can help as a first step, but centimetres or millimetres are what brands actually use to build lasts. When a brand provides a size chart, match your foot length in cm to the chart rather than comparing arbitrary size labels. If the brand doesn’t publish a chart, use the measurement as a decision anchor and check returns before you buy.

If you want to try styles or browse curated selections, our Kicks Sneaker Factory - Find Your Sneakers on Bash is a good place to start because it groups sneaker styles and often shows model-specific fit notes. Kicks Sneaker Factory - Find Your Sneakers on Bash

Common fit terms and what they mean for you

Length: space from heel to toe. Aim for about a thumb’s width (roughly 10-12 mm) between longest toe and shoe end for everyday sneakers - more for running shoes if you need toe splay during activity.
Width: how the shoe sits across the ball of your foot. If a shoe feels tight across the ball, a wider last or half size up may help.
Volume: overall internal space (length + width + depth); important when you have high insteps or wear orthotics.

How to translate that measurement into a size you can buy

First, check the model’s size chart where possible. If a chart is missing, use your foot length in centimetres and compare to general conversion charts as an interim guide - but treat these as estimates. For many sneaker shoppers in South Africa, the UK sizing column often matches labelled sizes on stock because many international releases use UK or EU labels; still, confirm with brand-specific notes where possible.

If you’re shopping on Bash and browsing sneaker assortments, look for product descriptions that mention whether a shoe runs "true to size", "narrow", or "roomy". We also recommend checking customer reviews for repeated comments on fit - multiple voices often reveal consistent sizing patterns.

Sizing quick-rules we use in our teams

If between sizes: pick the larger size for performance or running shoes, or if you plan to wear thicker socks.
If width is the issue but length feels right: try the same size in a brand with a wider last rather than sizing up in length.
If you have a high instep or use an insole: allow for extra volume; sometimes one full size up is needed depending on the shoe shape.

For specific category browsing, our sneakers selections for men and women can help you compare similar styles and read fit notes. Explore Men sneakers here: Sneakers

Add as a preferred source on Google

Dealing with fit problems: practical fixes that save time

Even with careful measuring, fit issues happen. Here are tested, low-effort fixes we use and recommend:

Half-size too large: try thicker insoles, tongue pads, or heel grips to remove slippage without changing length.
Too narrow: check for the same model in a wide (W) option if available, or try a different brand with a broader last.
Too tight at the toe but OK elsewhere: this often signals the shoe is simply the wrong last for your foot; exchange if possible.

Break-in expectations and when to insist on a return

Some shoes will soften a little with wear, especially leather. But a shoe that causes persistent hot spots, numb toes, or blistering in the first few wears is likely the wrong fit. We treat a short break-in period (a few light walks) as acceptable for certain leathers and work shoes; for most modern sneakers, immediate comfort is the right expectation.

Buying online: reduce the risk

Measure in cm and check the product’s size chart before checkout.
Read at least three recent reviews that mention size or fit for the same model.
Check the returns window and cost - a R50-R150 shipping return is worth comparing against the wrong size keeping you uncomfortable.

If you’d like to explore styles across brands and see fit notes in one place, our Kicks category groups curated sneaker options to help you compare fits and features. Kicks Sneaker Factory - Find Your Sneakers on Bash

Practical South African examples

Example 1: A commuter in Cape Town who measures a 26.5 cm foot buys a size consistent with that measurement rather than relying on their usual labelled size, because the running trainers they prefer run narrow. Example 2: Someone in Johannesburg who swaps between work shoes and weekend sneakers keeps two insoles: a firmer insole for dress shoes and a cushioned one for trainers, making the same shoe feel right for different uses. Small kit swaps like that often save buying a second pair.

Final checklist before you buy

Have your foot length in cm recorded (largest foot).
Compare that to the product or brand size chart.
Check fit notes and at least three customer reviews mentioning size.
Confirm the returns policy and window so you can exchange if needed.

We know sneaker fit can feel personal. By measuring carefully, using centimetres as your anchor, and choosing fixes that address where a shoe actually fails (length, width, or volume), you’ll avoid most painful surprises. If you want a curated starting point, browse our Sneakers collections for men, women and kids to compare styles and fit notes: Sneakers

Quick note: When we suggest thumb-width or 10-12 mm of toe room, that’s a general everyday guideline. Sport-specific shoes may need more or less room. If you have medical concerns about foot shape, consult a podiatrist.

Kicks sizing and fit advice: how to measure, choose and trust your sneakers

Measure in centimetres

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Match brand charts

Fix, don’t force

Kicks sizing and fit advice: start with a real measurement

A quick checklist to measure correctly

Why centimetres win over size numbers

Common fit terms and what they mean for you

How to translate that measurement into a size you can buy

Sizing quick-rules we use in our teams

Dealing with fit problems: practical fixes that save time

Break-in expectations and when to insist on a return

Buying online: reduce the risk

Practical South African examples

Final checklist before you buy

Sources

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

Thandi

Vuyo

Elanie