Shoe Fit

No matter how expensive your shoes are or how much technology your shoes contain, they will not do their job unless they fit correctly. Here are some useful tips that can help assure you are getting the proper fit [3,4,5].

• When trying on shoes put on all the equipment worn or used on your feet such as socks, braces and orthoses.
   
• Make sure there is adequate space in the toe box. Leave 1/4 of an inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This is about the width of your finger or thumb. This measurement should only be done while you are standing, since the foot elongates with weight on it. If this measurement is done while sitting, there is a good chance that the shoe will not fit properly when you go out for your first stroll or run.
   
• Check the heel counter to make sure your heel won't slide and is rigid enough to provide stability.
   
• Try on shoes in the afternoon or evening to insure you have enough room in your shoes as your feet expand through the course of the day.
   
• Walk, run and jump in the shoes. They should be comfortable right away, not needing to be "broken in." General rule of thumb: If it hurts in the store, it will hurt at home. Also the shoes that need to be broken in tend to actually reverse the role by causing the owners feet to "break in" to the shoe.
   
• Use the knowledge of the employees at a quality athletic shoe store.

For additional sizing tips, please visit our Width Sizing Section!