How should I measure my feet at home to choose the right sneaker size?

We recommend measuring in the afternoon on a hard floor with the socks you’ll wear in the shoes: stand heel against a wall, trace your foot, and measure from heel to the longest toe; use the longer foot measurement when choosing a size.

When should I size up from my measured length?

Use the brand’s size chart if available, and size up by about half a size if you’ll wear thicker socks, plan long walks, or the product notes say the shoe runs narrow; if you’re between sizes and the model is listed as narrow, choose the larger size.

How do I check sneaker width and what if I need more room?

Length is only part of the fit-look for ‘wide fit’ or ‘roomy toe box’ in product notes, press the material above your toes while standing to check for tightness, and favour flexible fabrics or lace-up designs if the brand doesn’t offer width options.

What should I do when trying sneakers in-store or after delivery?

Wear the socks you’ll use, stand and walk for at least five minutes (include stairs or a ramp if possible), check for about a thumb’s width (1-1.5 cm) of toe space, ensure heel slip is minimal, and avoid shoes that create immediate hotspots.

What should I inspect in online listings before buying sneakers in South Africa?

We check fit notes (narrow/true-to-size/wide), materials and internal lengths or centimetre guides, favour listings with photos of shoes on feet and many customer images, and verify return/exchange terms since returns in South Africa can sometimes carry a small cost.

Women’s sneaker fit guide - find the right fit every

Why fit matters for women’s sneakers

We treat sneakers as something you live in - for running errands, for work, for weekends. A good fit protects feet, keeps movement efficient and helps shoes last longer. This guide walks through practical checks you can do at home and in-store so you make choices that suit your feet, activity and budget.

Before you measure: know your purpose

Start by naming how you’ll use the sneaker: everyday walking, gym sessions, long walks or casual wear. Different uses change the ideal fit. For example, trainers for running often need a little extra toe room compared with sneakers meant for style. Keep that purpose in mind as you measure and compare models.

Measure your feet the easy way

We suggest measuring in the afternoon (feet swell slightly during the day). You’ll need a ruler, a sheet of paper, a pen and the socks you plan to wear with the shoes.

Place the paper on a hard floor and stand with your heel against a wall.
Trace the outline of your foot while standing normally; keep the pen upright for accuracy.
Measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe - that’s your foot length.
Repeat for the other foot and use the longer measurement when choosing a size.

Convert length to shoe size (and when to size up)

Use the brand’s size chart when available. If a chart isn’t provided, treat your measured length as the baseline and size up by half a size if you’ll wear thicker socks, expect long walks, or if the shoe is narrow in the product description. If you’re between sizes and the sneaker is listed as narrow or slim, choose the larger size.

Check width, not just length

Length is only half the story. Some of us have wider forefeet, higher insteps or bunions. Look for product notes that mention “wide fit” or “roomy toe box.” If the brand doesn’t offer width options, consider styles made from flexible fabrics or those with lace-up systems that allow you to loosen across the instep.

For a quick at-home width check: press the material above your toes when standing - if it feels stretched or the sides push tight, the shoe may be too narrow.

If you often buy multiple sneaker brands, keep a simple reference: note which brand runs small, which runs true-to-size and which offers the room you need. This saves time next time you shop.

Try-on checklist for in-store and delivery returns

Wear the socks you plan to use with the shoes.
Stand and walk for at least five minutes - test inclines if possible (stairs or a ramp).
Check a thumb’s width (about 1-1.5 cm) of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Ensure heel slip is minimal when walking downhill - a small lift is normal, excessive lift causes blisters.
Pay attention to hotspots - anything painful at first try is likely to worsen.

When buying online: what to inspect in listings

Product descriptions should list the fit notes (narrow/true-to-size/wide), materials and an internal length or centimeter guide. When those details are missing, favour listings that show the shoe on a foot or have many customer photos and reviews. For more guidance on what to look for when buying sneakers online, see our article What to check before buying sneakers online.

What to check before buying sneakers online

Quick size-troubleshooting rules

If the sneaker feels slightly tight across the toes on first try but is soft elsewhere, it may stretch slightly with wear - leather and mesh can relax. If the shoe is tight around the midfoot or the heel rubs, try a different size or model; those issues rarely resolve with wear and often require an exchange.

When in doubt, check return and exchange terms up front. In South Africa returns sometimes carry a small cost or require you to pay for return shipping - factor that in if you need to try two sizes. We keep an eye on affordable options in our Sneakers collection for straightforward returns and sizing notes.

Sneakers

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Fit fixes and simple adaptations

Small fit problems are often fixable without replacing the shoe. Gel heel pads help with mild heel slip; a cushioned insole can take up half a size if a shoe feels slightly large. Shoe stretchers or a cobbler can add a little room in leather uppers, but fabric-knit sneakers are harder to widen.

Selecting the right sole and support

Low-profile casual sneakers sit closer to the ground and are forgiving for city walking. If you have high arches, look for sneakers with built-in arch support or plan to add an orthotic. If you need extra cushioning for long walks, choose a model described as cushioned or with a thicker midsole.

Activity-specific fit notes

Walking / everyday: a roomy toe box and a cushioned midsole help with comfort across a workday.
Gym / HIIT: secure midfoot hold and a stable heel prevent injuries during sudden moves.
Casual / fashion: lightweight, flexible uppers are fine - prioritise visual comfort plus that thumb-space in front.

Practical South Africa examples

If you travel between Joburg and Cape Town frequently, allow a half-size more for long walking days; heat and walking on mixed surfaces mean feet expand. For coastal towns where salt air can stiffen leather, choose breathable fabrics or synthetic uppers that need less maintenance.

How we recommend you choose on Bash

When browsing, filter by fit notes and read the first few reviews looking specifically for comments about sizing and width. If a listing offers multiple colourways, check whether reviews call out a consistent size difference between them - sometimes the same model fits differently in different materials.

For a brand-focused sizing walk-through, our Sportscene measuring article shows how to measure and prepare for returns at home. It’s a helpful companion if you need a step-by-step measurement refresher before ordering.

Sportscene sneakers for women - measure at home and return with confidence

Final checklist before you order

Use your measured foot length (longer foot) and the brand size chart.
Decide whether you need more toe room for long walks or thicker socks.
Confirm width notes or pick flexible materials for wider feet.
Read 3-5 recent reviews for sizing comments and photos.
Check return/exchange terms and any small return costs so you can order with confidence.

Where to go next

Try our Sneakers category to compare styles and read sizing notes from brands - or use the measurement steps above before you add to cart. We’re here to make the choice easy: measured, practical and fair.

Sources

South African Podiatry / Foot measurement guidance
NHS - Foot problems and fitting advice
ISO - Shoe sizing standards (overview)

Women’s sneaker fit guide - find the right fit every time

Measure in the afternoon

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Use the longer foot

Check return terms

Why fit matters for women’s sneakers

Before you measure: know your purpose

Measure your feet the easy way

Convert length to shoe size (and when to size up)

Check width, not just length

Try-on checklist for in-store and delivery returns

When buying online: what to inspect in listings

Quick size-troubleshooting rules

Fit fixes and simple adaptations

Selecting the right sole and support

Activity-specific fit notes

Practical South Africa examples

How we recommend you choose on Bash

Final checklist before you order

Where to go next

Sources

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