We’ve all been there – dealing with sneakers that either slip off because they’re too large or rub painfully because they’re too tight. It’s a real hassle!
When you first try on sneakers, it’s easy to notice extreme discomfort from tightness or looseness. But beyond those glaring issues, many struggle to know if their sneakers fit just right.
But fear not! In today’s article, we’re diving deep into how sneakers should fit. We’ll also share valuable tips and tricks to help you nail that perfect fit for your sneakers.
So, let’s jump right in…
How Should Sneakers Fit
To make it simple, I’m going to split it up into four aspects:
- Front
- Back
- Heel slippage
- Width
Front
When you’re trying on those new sneakers, don’t forget to wear a pair of socks you normally wear with your sneakers. Slide your foot in, lace them up, and get a feel for how they snug up.
A good-fitting sneaker is all about letting your toes breathe upfront. So, when you’re upright, make sure you have about a thumb’s width (that’s roughly half an inch or 12.7 millimeters) between your longest toe and the front edge of your sneakers. That little bit of wiggle room will let your toes splay and do their thing. Your toes should not be restricted or crammed up, especially as you’re toeing off.
Your big toe isn’t always the longest toe. Keep that in mind! So, if the Brannock device suggests you’re a size 9, following this rule of thumb means you might need a slightly larger size for that perfect fit.
Related: Wonder how climbing shoes should fit? Give it a read!
Back
Check if your ankle feels snug and comfy, with the ankle bone sitting comfortably against the wall of the shoe. The ankle collar should be low enough so that it does not dig up into the ankle bone.
The heel counter should secure your heel and there shouldn’t be huge gaps or tightness against the back of your heel.
Here’s a handy test: try sliding your index finger between your heel and the heel of the sneaker. You should have about 1/8 of an inch or 3.175 millimeters.
It should be pretty snug but not so snug that it smashes your finger and is painful. If it fits snugly, it’s a good indication that the fit is just right.
If it’s too tight where you can barely insert your index finger or you’re forcing a way in, those sneakers are too snug, and you might need a larger size.
But if you can wiggle your finger freely without really touching either the heel or the shoe, that’s a massive warning sign your sneakers are too big and you need to get a smaller size.
Heel Slippage
Another indicator of a good fit at the back is slippage. When there’s excessive slippage when you’re walking around, it’s like a red flag waving that your shoes might be too large for you.
Width
Width is an aspect many people overlook. Feet come in all shapes and sizes: wide, medium, and narrow.
Make sure the widest part of your foot aligns with the widest part of your sneakers. If you’re feeling any squeezing or pressure on the sides of your foot, which you don’t ever want, it’s a sign those shoes might be too small or narrow for you.
If this happens, try going up a size and see if it helps. And if that doesn’t fix the problem, you want to try another brand that fits you better width-wise, especially if the brand doesn’t offer wide versions of their sneakers.
Make sure you don’t have too much width in the front because otherwise, your foot’s going to slide around a ton and it’s going to be uncomfortable.
If you have too much width, you’re going to have to work your foot muscles a lot harder to try to keep the foot from moving around too much in the shoe and keep yourself stabilized.
Not only that, you don’t want to easily pinch the material across the toe box. If you can easily pinch the material in the middle, it’s a clear sign that the shoe is too wide for you.
The toe box should have a bit of give for your toes to breathe without feeling tight around your toes or across the top of your foot.
In summary, you want the laces to fasten you into a nice firm heel counter, you don’t want that heel counter digging up into your ankle bones both laterally and medially, and you want plenty of room for your toes to spread out comfortably.
With that out of the way, these are tips you don’t want to miss when it comes to getting the best-fitting sneakers…
Sneaker Fitting Tips
Please, Measure Your Feet
Nothing works better than a 127-year-old Brannock device that measures heel to toe, heel to ball, and the width of your foot. If you don’t measure the foot with the Brannock device, you’re going to miss the boat.
Measure the length and width of your foot, but also check the instep and arch of your foot. Some of these factors are more important than others, but it’s good to know your starting point for where you should be buying sneakers.
Try in Store
I think this is the most important move to do. If the sneakers you’re eyeing are available in-store, seize that golden opportunity.
Head there and try them on to ensure you snag the best-fitting kicks before committing your hard-earned cash, no matter how badly you crave them.
Once you’ve found the perfect fit, you can always return home and purchase the right size online if it’s cheaper.
Another mistake that many people tend to make is they don’t consider the thickness of the socks when they’re purchasing a pair of shoes…
Bring Your Socks
Don’t forget to bring along the socks you plan to wear with your sneakers when trying them on. If you don’t try your sneakers on with the right pair of socks, they might end up being tighter or looser.
For example, if you’re wearing winter boots, you’re most definitely going to be pairing them with thick socks that are made out of wool while sneakers usually pair up with thinner socks.
Likewise, when you’re trying on your dress shoes, try them with dress socks, which are typically a little thinner.
Stand Up When Trying Sneakers
Here’s what most people do:
They sit down, try on their sneakers, and everything seems perfect. Feeling satisfied, they make the purchase. However, the next day, reality hits as they find the shoes don’t fit quite the same as they did in the store.
Here’s what you should do instead:
Always stand up when trying on sneakers. When you’re upright, there’s an even distribution of force down to your feet which actually causes your feet to be wider when you’re standing up compared to when you’re seated.
So, when you’re trying on shoes, don’t rush the process. Walk around in the store and be sure that your sneakers are actually comfortable and have no signs of rubbing or chafing.
Try on Sneakers at the Evening
Try to measure your feet and plan your sneaker shopping towards the end of the day, preferably in the evening.
This is because your feet tend to swell throughout the day as you walk or stand up all day, so be sure to try on the shoes when your feet are the largest, which is often in the evening.
Fun fact: Many people aren’t aware that their feet aren’t identical in size…
All Feet are Not Created Equal
Many people assume their feet are the same size, but that’s often not true. I guarantee that if you measure your feet, you’ll likely find differences – one foot may be larger, wider, or have a different arch than the other.
Research shows that around 60% of adults have one foot that’s wider and/or longer than the other
Be sure to get both feet measured, and then base your shoe size on the longer foot. Starting with the smaller foot can lead to discomfort, as the shoe for the larger foot may end up being too small.
Looser is Better Than Tighter
When in doubt, always get the shoe size that’s a little looser rather than one that’s tighter.
Sometimes, one size might fit you a little bit tighter, and if you size up one size, this size might fit you just a little bit looser.
If they don’t offer half sizes, always get the looser size. If the pair of sneakers is a little bit looser, you can still tighten up the shoelaces, put an insole or wear a thicker pair of socks to make it fit better whereas if the pair of shoes is a little bit tight, there’s nothing much you can do about it and you might just end up not wearing it at all.
Sizing is Not Consistent on Sneaker Brands
It might surprise you to know that most brands have their own unique sizing standards. Some brands offer wider options, while others tend to run narrower. This means that an 11 in Converse might not fit the same as an 11 in Nike shoes.
For example, I’m wearing:
- US 10 for Converse Chucks Purcell
- US 9 for Converse Chuck Taylors
- US 10 for Adidas NMDs
- US 9.5 for Adidas Stan Smith
- US 9.5 for Timberlands
- US 8.5 for Red Wings
You get the point.
Even within the same sneaker brand, sizing can vary. For instance, with Nike, I’ve experienced that sometimes a size 9 fits perfectly, while other times I need a 9.5, and in some snug models, even a 10.
So, if you don’t know these sneaker models intimately enough, you might end up with the wrong size even if it’s the same size you’ve worn before from the same brand.
Next, don’t count on stretching…
Won’t Sneakers Stretch?
Have you ever been told by a salesperson that your shoes will magically expand and stretch over time? This usually applies only to leather shoes, and even then, the expansion is minimal and won’t miraculously transform uncomfortable shoes into comfortable ones.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying sneakers expecting them to fit better after “breaking them in.” Sneakers should feel comfortable right out of the box. If they don’t, they’re unlikely to ever feel right.
Remember to always fit true to size and never depend on your sneakers getting more comfortable over time.
Ask Around
Let’s say you’re eyeing a pair of Yeezys but haven’t tried them on before. It’s a good idea to gather insights on how they fit from others.
Head to platforms like Instagram and engage in the comment section. Ask questions like: Do they fit true to size? Are they larger or smaller than expected? Getting various opinions on sizing from different people can be valuable, especially for a significant investment like Yeezys.
That being said, not everybody’s right. Somebody else that has that same size foot theoretically might not fit the shoe the same way. So, it’s important that you just get multiple opinions from different people.
Reach Out to the Brand
I think sneaker brands really need to be more uniformed on as how they size their sneakers, but it is what it is.
For instance, Adidas had Primeknit versions of the NMDs that ran half a size larger than the regular versions, and LeBron’s Primeknit editions were notably snug.
So, sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands and reach out directly to brands for sizing clarification. Nike and Adidas often have chat support where you can ask specific questions about their sizing.
Sneaker Sizing FAQs
How do you know if sneakers fit properly?
Start by trying your sneakers on with your usual socks and make sure there’s about a thumbs’ width (half an inch or 12.7 millimeters) between your longest toe and the shoe’s end for toe wiggle room. Check that your ankle sits snugly without rubbing, and ensure the heel counter secures your heel comfortably. Watch out for excessive heel slippage or squeezing at the sides, as these indicate improper fit. Remember, the sneakers should match the widest part of your feet comfortably.
How much space should I have in sneakers?
A good rule is to leave about a thumbs’ width of space between your longest toe and the end of your sneaker. Additionally, you should be able to comfortably insert your finger between your heel and the back of the shoe for a proper fit.
Is it better for sneakers to be tight or loose?
Your sneakers shouldn’t feel tight or loose; instead, they should fit comfortably snug. The heel should hug your foot securely, while the toe box should allow room for your toes to spread out comfortably.
However, if you must choose between a tight or loose fit, opt for a slightly looser sneaker as it’s generally more comfortable than a tight one.
Should sneakers feel tight at first?
No. Well-fitting shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you put them on. Avoid purchasing tight sneakers and expect them to stretch over time because they don’t.
How do you know if sneakers are too small?
You’ll know your sneakers are too small if:
- There’s no space between your toes and the front of the shoe.
- Your instep feels squeezed by the top of the sneaker.
- You can’t comfortably insert a finger between your heel and the back of the sneaker.
- Your toes are crammed up and lack room to move freely.
How do you know if sneakers are too big?
You’ll know your sneakers are too big if:
1. Your heel slips out of the shoe as you walk.
2. You can easily pinch excess material on the toe box.
3. You have to tighten the laces significantly until there’s little to no space between the two sides of the lacing system.
4. Your foot feels like it’s swimming inside the sneaker due to excess space.
Final Thoughts
Alright, folks, finding that perfect sneaker fit can be a bit of a puzzle, I get it. Starting with knowing your foot’s size and shape is key to getting closer to that ideal fit. But let’s be real, it’s not always a guarantee that every pair will fit like a dream – brands and sizing can be all over the map.
That’s where our sneaker community comes in handy; sharing experiences and tips on social media can be a game-changer. Remember, how your sneakers feel can totally make or break your day, so don’t rush the fitting process.
Got more questions or experiences to share about sneaker fitting? Drop them below, and let’s keep the conversation going!