Why should we measure our feet in centimetres instead of relying on a labelled size?

We measure foot length in centimetres because international systems and brand charts use actual foot length (mm/cm) as the reliable starting point, which reduces guesswork when mapping to a brand’s size chart and last.

When is the best time and what do we need to measure our foot correctly?

We should measure at the end of the day with the socks we’ll wear in the sneakers, using a sheet of paper, pen, ruler or tape and a wall so the heel sits lightly against it; if we’re between sizes we should measure both feet because one is often slightly larger.

How much toe allowance should we allow for everyday walking and for running shoes?

For everyday walking, we allow about a thumb’s width (roughly 1.0-1.5 cm) from the longest toe to the shoe front; for running shoes we typically leave a slightly larger gap to allow for forward foot movement under load and follow any model-specific notes.

What fit zones should we check when trying sneakers on and what indicates a good fit?

We check three zones: the heel should be firm with no slipping when walking or jogging on the spot, the midfoot should feel snug without pressure points and laces should secure it, and the toe box must give enough room to wriggle toes with no pinching on the sides or top.

If our larger foot is exactly between two sizes, which size should we choose and how can we adjust the fit?

We choose the larger labelled size and can fine-tune fit by adding thicker socks or a 3-5 mm insole for a snugger feel; if we’ll wear them barefoot or in hot weather, favour the larger size to reduce blister risk, and for performance running follow the model notes which sometimes recommend sizing up 0.5-1 size.

Men’s sneaker size & fit guide - how to measure

Why measuring matters more than the number

A labelled size (for example UK 9 or EU 43) is only useful if it matches the shoe’s last and the brand’s marking system. We start with the foot, not the number: two men who both wear a UK 9 can find different sneakers fit differently because lasts, linings and intended use (running versus casual) change how space is used.

What you need and when to measure

Measure at the end of the day when feet have naturally expanded, wearing the socks you’ll normally use with the sneakers. You’ll need: a ruler or tape, a sheet of paper, a pen and a wall to sit the heel against. If you’re between sizes, measure both feet - most people have a slightly larger dominant foot.

Step-by-step: measure your foot length and width

Place the paper against the wall and stand with your heel lightly touching the wall.
Mark the longest point of your toes on the paper (this may be the big toe or the second toe).
Measure the distance from the wall edge (heel) to the toe mark in centimetres - round to the nearest 2 mm.
To check width, trace the widest part of the foot and measure across; many sneakers use standard (D) or wide (E) fittings, but brands label width differently.

Why centimetres (cm) are the starting point

International sizing systems and modern standards base conversion on foot length in millimetres or centimetres (Mondopoint / ISO guidance), so start with your cm measurement and then map to the brand chart. This reduces guesswork compared with converting one numeric label to another. For reference, ISO technical guidance explains why foot length is the most reliable starting point.

Practical checks before you buy

Measured length is necessary but not sufficient. Use these checks to predict the real-world fit:

Compare your cm to the brand’s official chart - not a general conversion chart. Where available, prefer the centimetre/box label on product pages.
Read the model notes: performance runners may ask for a 0.5-1.0 cm gap at the toe; lifestyle sneakers often fit truer to foot length.
Check return and exchange options before you buy - a comfortable online purchase starts with a clear returns policy.

If you want to browse models after measuring, our Sneakers category has a wide range of men’s styles to try. Sneakers

A simple comfort rule

Allow roughly a thumb’s width (about 1.0-1.5 cm) of space from the end of your longest toe to the inside front of the shoe for everyday walking. For running shoes, many experts suggest a slightly larger allowance to account for forward foot movement under load. For hobby or team sports, follow the brand advice for that model.

Fit zones to check when trying sneakers on

Heel-firm, no slipping when you walk or jog on the spot.
Midfoot-snug but not tight; laces should secure the foot without pressure points.
Toe box-enough room to wriggle toes; no pinching on the sides or top.

If you’re comparing across brands, keep a short log: model, measured foot cm, labelled size and how it felt. Over time this makes buying online much faster and more reliable. For related tips and background reading on men’s shoe sizing, see our Men articles collection. Men articles

Add as a preferred source on Google

Converting your measurement: a practical approach

Conversion charts online vary slightly because systems (UK, US, EU, Mondopoint) use different steps and rounding. Treat conversions as approximate and always check the product’s centimetre or mm listing. If a product page shows foot length (cm) and last length, choose the size where the listed foot length equals or slightly exceeds your measured length.

What to do when you’re between sizes

If your larger foot sits exactly between two sizes, pick the larger label and use the following adjustments:

Use thicker socks or an insole to take up 3-5 mm if you prefer a snug fit.
If you plan to wear the sneakers barefoot or in hot weather, favour the larger size to avoid blisters.
For performance running, consult the model notes - many runners size up 0.5 to 1 size depending on toe-box depth.

Materials and seasonal fit changes

Leather and some woven uppers will stretch and mould to the foot over weeks; engineered mesh and synthetics often keep their original shape. In hot South African summers feet swell more, so expect a slightly roomier feel in summer than winter. If you plan to wear the sneakers across seasons, pick a neutral fit that remains comfortable when feet expand.

Using insoles, heel pads and lacing tricks

Thin insoles (3-4 mm) can fix a small loose fit without changing shoe shape.
Heel pads stop slipping but avoid over-tightening laces; that creates pressure across the instep.
Lacing patterns (heel lock / runner’s loop) secure the heel without extra pressure on top of the foot.

Buying online with confidence

Before you click buy: confirm the product’s listed centimetre measurement, read recent review notes about sizing, and check the returns window. Keep a short record of what worked: foot cm, the labelled size, and any insole or sock changes. Over time that record is the fastest way to trust online choices.

If you’d like model suggestions after measuring, explore our wider Men section for curated styles and fit notes. Men For deeper reading on sneaker construction and fit, the Sneakers articles collection covers last types and intended use. Sneakers articles

Quick checklist before finalising size: measured foot length in cm, brand chart match, toe gap 1.0-1.5 cm for walking, heel secure, and clear returns policy.

Common South African examples (practical scenarios)

Example 1: A commuter who walks daily and wears medium-thick socks - choose the size matching your foot length in cm and aim for a 1.0-1.5 cm toe gap. Example 2: A weekend runner who prefers a snug lockdown - measure and opt for the brand’s running fit notes; you may size up 0.5 if your toes hit the end when running downhill.

Final thoughts

We treat sizing as a practical system, not a superstition: measure, check the centimetres, note the model’s intended use and use simple in-shoe adjustments when needed. Over time, a small log of measurements and model notes makes shopping faster and more reliable.