Why is measuring my foot in millimetres important when choosing sneaker size in South Africa?

We recommend measuring in millimetres because it gives a more precise comparison to insole lengths and brand charts, helping you pick the best fit when sizes and lasts vary between models.

How do I measure my foot at home so I can choose the right sneaker size?

Stand with weight on the foot on a blank sheet on a hard floor, trace the outline with the pen vertical, then measure heel-to-longest-toe and the widest forefoot point in millimetres; use the larger foot’s numbers when selecting a size.

How much toe room should I allow for everyday walking, training and kids’ sneakers?

For everyday walking/commuting aim for 5-10 mm from longest toe to shoe front; for training prefer a snug heel and midfoot with slightly more toe-box room; for children allow about 10-12 mm growth room for toddlers and younger school children and 8-10 mm for older kids.

What should I check during try-on to avoid blisters and poor stability?

We suggest wearing the socks you’ll use, stand and walk a few minutes including short jogs or lateral steps, check that heel slip is no more than one finger width and press the toe box to ensure visible room at the front while standing.

My feet are wider or have a high instep - how should I choose a sneaker?

Look for models labelled as wide fits or try a half size up and test for pressure across the forefoot; also consider stretchable uppers or different lasts and prioritise a secure heel to reduce slipping and discomfort.

Sneaker size & fit guide for South Africa

Why fit matters more than just the number

A size label is only a starting point. Fit affects comfort, foot health and how long a pair of sneakers will work for the way you move - walking, commuting, gym sessions or weekend walks. We focus on three practical outcomes: comfort right away, room to grow (for kids), and enough stability for the activity you’ll use the sneaker for.

What we measure first

Foot length (heel to longest toe).
Foot width at the widest part of the forefoot.
Heel-to-ball length for accurate insole fit (helps with arch/stability).

You can do these measurements at home with a ruler or tape, but take them standing (weight on the foot) and at the end of the day when feet are slightly larger. Write the measurements down in millimetres - that makes comparing to shoe size charts more precise.

Quick at-home measuring method

Place a blank sheet of paper on a hard floor. Stand with one foot on it and your weight evenly distributed.
Trace the outline of your foot with a pen held vertical to the paper.
Measure heel to tip of the longest toe and across the widest forefoot point. Repeat for the other foot.
Use the larger foot’s numbers when choosing size - most people have a dominant foot slightly bigger than the other.

How sneaker sizing maps to real feet

Different brands and models fit differently: some run narrow, others generous in the toe box or high in the instep. That’s why we recommend using measurement plus a short in-store try method or checking the product’s notes. When shopping online, prefer product pages that list internal insole length in millimetres or provide a brand-specific chart.

If you want to learn more about materials that affect stretch and fit, see our article on Best sneaker materials for durability: what to choose and why. That page helps explain how leather, knit and canvas change comfort and break-in behaviour.

Choosing the right fit by use case

Not every sneaker needs the same fit. Below are short, practical rules we use when selecting a sneaker for a particular purpose.

Everyday walking / commuting: Aim for 0.5-1 cm (5-10 mm) of space from longest toe to the front of the shoe while standing. This prevents toe jam on stairs and during short sprints for public transport.
Training / gym: Prefer a snug heel and midfoot with slightly more room in the toe box for dynamic movement. A secure strap or lacing system that holds the heel is helpful.
Casual / fashion sneakers: Fit can be slightly roomier if the material is rigid; if the upper is stretchy knit, choose a size that keeps the foot secure without pressure points.
Kids: Allow roughly 1-1.2 cm (10-12 mm) of growth room for toddlers and younger school children; for older kids approaching adult sizes, 8-10 mm is usually enough.

When in doubt for mixed use (e.g., gym + daily wear), pick the fit that keeps your heel secure - slipping at the heel is the most common cause of blistering and inefficient stride.

Try-on checklist (in-store or when you receive delivery)

Wear the socks you would normally use with those sneakers.
Stand and walk a few minutes; include short jogs or lateral steps if you’ll train in them.
Check heel slip: up to one finger width is acceptable; more means the heel isn’t secured.
Press the toe box from above to confirm there’s visible room at the front when standing.
Check width: pressure across the forefoot suggests you need a wider last or different model.

For more model-led inspiration and editorial styling, our feature Sneaker Couture: Pairing Premium Sneakers with South African Streetwear shows how fit and silhouette change the finished look - useful if styling is a priority.

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Sizing tips for different foot shapes and common problems

Feet aren’t one-size. If your feet are wide, low-arched, or have a high instep, simple measurement alone won’t solve fit. Here’s how we accommodate typical differences.

Wide feet

Choose models labelled as wide fits or try a half size up and test the forefoot for pressure. Look for stretchable uppers (engineered knit) or soft leather panels that relax over time.

High instep

High insteps can make lacing feel tight. Look for deeper lacing boxes, or sneakers with adjustable straps. A removable insole lets you experiment - sometimes a thinner replacement insole frees a little extra volume.

Narrow feet

A narrow foot can slide inside a standard last. Try models with a narrower heel cup or use heel pads / thicker socks to improve hold. Avoid overly wide-toed silhouettes if stability is important.

If you want to shop immediately, explore our Sneakers category to compare fits and see product-specific notes. We list model details that help pick between narrow and regular lasts.

Online ordering, returns and when to size up or down

When you order online, follow these practical rules we use at Bash to reduce returns:

Always check the product’s sizing notes and any insole length published by the brand.
If between sizes and the shoe is for active use, choose the larger size for comfort and to avoid toe impact. For a tight, fashion-forward fit, choose the smaller size only if the brand is known to stretch.
Keep the box and tags until you’re sure of the fit; that makes returns straightforward if needed.

A simple rule-of-thumb

Measure both feet, use the larger measurement, allow 5-12 mm depending on use (less for snug fashion fits, more for kids and active footwear), then compare to the brand chart or product notes. When a chart isn’t available, prioritise heel hold over a little extra length - slipping is harder to fix than a small toe gap.

Real South African examples we see in store

Commuters in Cape Town often prefer a little extra toe space for day-long comfort; parents in Pretoria favour a growth allowance for children to extend wear across a school term. Coastal shoppers choosing breathable knit sneakers for humid summers usually size true and pick stretchable uppers. We factor these local rhythms into our product notes so you can choose with context.

Aftercare to keep the fit comfortable

Rotate sneakers - give them a day to breathe after heavy use.
Replace insoles if they compress; this restores support and can improve fit.
For leather, gentle conditioning prevents tightness as the material dries out.

We hope this guide makes choosing and testing sneaker fit simpler. If you’d like model-specific fit advice, our product pages often include notes from testers and insole measurements to make an informed choice.

Sources

South African Podiatry Association - foot health guidance
Research on footwear fit and foot pain - National Center for Biotechnology Information
Consumer education on shoe fitting - reputable consumer advice site

Sneaker size & fit guide for South Africa

Measure standing, not sitting

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Pick fit by use

Test with socks

Why fit matters more than just the number

What we measure first

Quick at-home measuring method

How sneaker sizing maps to real feet

Choosing the right fit by use case

Try-on checklist (in-store or when you receive delivery)

Sizing tips for different foot shapes and common problems

Wide feet

High instep

Narrow feet

Online ordering, returns and when to size up or down

A simple rule-of-thumb

Real South African examples we see in store

Aftercare to keep the fit comfortable

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