Why does a women’s sneaker sizing chart matter for shoppers in South Africa?

In South Africa we see returns and sore feet caused by inconsistent sizing between brands and regions, so a sizing chart helps us translate millimetres to UK, EU or US sizes and pick a pair that fits on the first try.

How should I measure my foot at home to use the sizing chart?

Measure at the end of the day wearing the socks you’ll use, stand with your heel against a wall on a sheet of paper, mark the longest toe and heel, then measure the distance in millimetres and record the larger foot.

How do I convert my foot length in millimetres to common sizes used on product pages?

We recommend measuring in millimetres first and then matching that length to the brand’s UK, EU or US chart where available; as a practical example, about 245 mm typically corresponds to roughly EU 38 / UK 5 / US 7 in many casual lines, but always check the product notes for that specific model.

What should I do if my feet are wide or I use orthotics?

Allow roughly 4-6 mm extra length or choose wide-fit options when available, and if you use a custom orthotic measure its length to ensure the shoe’s internal length is equal or slightly longer.

How can I reduce the risk of returns when shopping for women’s sneakers online?

We suggest checking the product’s model-specific size notes, prioritising the brand’s official size chart when present, filtering for wide-fit or orthotic-friendly models on Bash’s sneaker pages, and reviewing the return policy before buying.

Women sneaker sizing chart - South Africa: measure

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Women sneaker sizing chart - South Africa: measure | Bash

Why a women sneaker sizing chart matters in South Africa

We hear from shoppers who buy sneakers online and in-store: inconsistent sizing is the biggest cause of returns and sore feet. Different brands and regions use different rules; a UK 5 may not feel like a European 38, and athletic models often size differently to casual sneakers. This short guide gives clear, usable steps so we can choose a shoe that fits comfortably on first try.

Quick checklist before you measure

Measure at the end of the day - feet swell slightly through the day.
Wear the socks you plan to use with the sneakers (trainer socks vs thin no-show).
Measure both feet; fit to the larger foot.

How to measure your foot at home (simple, reliable)

We recommend a low-effort method that works without special tools. You’ll need a sheet of paper, a pen and a ruler or tape measure.

Place paper on a hard floor and stand with your heel against a wall.
Draw a mark at the longest toe and another at the back of the heel while standing normally.
Measure the distance between marks in millimetres (mm). Record the longer of your two feet.
Note the width: press across the widest part of the forefoot and measure across. If your foot measures wider than typical, look for wide-fit options or size up slightly.

Turn millimetres into sizes - a practical approach

Manufacturers sometimes publish their own size charts, and we always prioritise a brand’s official chart when available. When we don’t have a brand chart, use this conversion as a practical reference: measure in mm, then match to the country sizing most likely used by the brand (UK, EU, or US). For South African shoppers, many international sneaker listings show a UK or EU size; if in doubt, check the product page.

If you want to browse styles and compare sizes across brands, explore our women’s sneaker collection on Bash for localised stock and product details: Sneakers.

Common fit notes by sneaker type

Everyday canvas / casual sneakers - usually true to size; match your normal street shoe size.
Running / performance trainers - some brands recommend sizing up 0.5 for toe space; read the product notes.
Slip-on and knit uppers - may stretch and feel snug at first; check return terms if between sizes.

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Using international conversions: practical rules and examples

A single universal chart would be ideal, but real life is messier. We find it helps to think in millimetres first, then convert. Example: a foot of about 245 mm commonly sits around EU 38 / UK 5 / US 7 in many casual sneaker lines. But some performance lines will list that same length as UK 5.5 - this is why we always check the specific product note.

Dealing with width and orthotic needs

If you have a wider forefoot or need to fit an insole, allow roughly 4-6 mm extra length, or try the same length in a wide-fit option when available. If you use a custom orthotic, measure the orthotic length and ensure the internal shoe length is equal or slightly longer. When in doubt, filter for wide-fit or orthotic-friendly models in the product filters on Bash's sneaker pages.

If you’d like more detailed trying-on advice with similar themes, our related article on measuring and trying-on tips for ladies’ sneakers covers testing on a quick walk and special-fit notes: Sportscene sneaker fit guide for ladies - measuring and trying-on tips.

Practical fitting steps when you try shoes on

Loosen the laces and make sure your heel sits flat without slipping when you walk two to three paces.
Check there’s roughly a thumbnail’s width (about 8-12 mm) from longest toe to the toe box front when standing.
Walk on different surfaces if possible (tile, carpet) - uneven surfaces exaggerate hotspots.
If your toes hit the front or you feel pinching at the forefoot, try the next half-size up or a wide-fit variant.

Shopping online - how we reduce the risk of returns

When we shop online, accurate product descriptions, model-specific size notes and clear return policies are essential. Look for listed internal lengths, brand fit notes, and customer reviews commenting on fit. On Bash product pages you’ll often find model notes; use those alongside your mm measurement to pick the best size. Browse our curated women’s sneakers to compare styles and read product-specific sizing information: Sneakers.

Consideration: If you frequently alternate between two brands, keep a short note of any consistent differences (e.g., "Brand X runs small by 0.5"). That small note saves time and reduces returns.

Quick troubleshooting - common sizing questions

Between sizes? If you stand and feel contact at the toes, choose the larger size.
Heel slip after walking? Try a half-size down or secure the heel with a thicker sock.
Shoes feel too wide? Add a thin insole or heel grip rather than sizing down if length is correct.

Next steps and where to learn more

We want buying sneakers to be simple. Start by measuring both feet and saving the longer measurement. Use product notes and our women’s sneaker collection to match the measurement to brand-specific charts. If you prefer hands-on support, visit the Bash women hub for more articles and curated collections: Women.

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Women sneaker sizing chart - South Africa: measure, convert and fit right

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Match brand charts

Fit checklist

Why a women sneaker sizing chart matters in South Africa

Quick checklist before you measure

How to measure your foot at home (simple, reliable)

Turn millimetres into sizes - a practical approach

Common fit notes by sneaker type

Using international conversions: practical rules and examples

Dealing with width and orthotic needs

Practical fitting steps when you try shoes on

Shopping online - how we reduce the risk of returns

Quick troubleshooting - common sizing questions

Next steps and where to learn more

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