Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Shoe Sizing and Comfort

Are you wearing the wrong shoe size? Chances are you haven’t had your feet measured since you’re a child, so that makes it rather likely. It’s true that we tend to think that our feet remain the same size throughout adulthood, but there's a possibility you’re wearing the wrong shoe size and don't even know it. That’s because our feet can change size throughout our lifetime due to pregnancy, injuries and you guessed it - squeezing your feet into ill-fitting shoes that can alter our feet shape. While it may not seem like it, a few centimeters can make all the difference, which is why a shoe fitting guide is so important.

“From a woman’s perspective, finding the right fit can mean a lot of different things: the right fit for my lifestyle, the right fit for my closet and the right fit for an occasion.”

- Anne Truscott, founder and director of Revere

Wearing the correct shoe size is vital for so many reasons. Practically speaking, the right shoes must fit into your lifestyle - are you walking to work? Do you stand on your feet all day? Finding proper shoes that fit the criteria is a must - otherwise, you’ll end up with a host of foot-related problems. You’ve heard us speak about plantar fasciitis and no one wants to suffer that (trust us!). Your shoes must work for you and that involves proper support, comfort and fit.

Now, if you’re wearing ill-fitting shoes, it can also have a knock-on effect on other parts of your body, besides your feet. Your entire lower body can feel the impact of wearing the wrong-sized shoes - your ankles, knees, hips and then up to your back. This will affect how you carry yourself, the way you walk and can lead to aches and pains that we simply don’t want. So, let's avoid those negative side effects.

Apart from health, wearing the wrong shoe size is not a good idea for your actual footwear. We believe that your shoes should have longevity, whether you’re shopping for loafers or sandal wedges. If you’re constantly choosing the wrong sized footwear (and you most likely don’t even realize it) then the lifetime of your shoes gets shorter. Leather shoes adapt to your feet over time in order to feel soft and comfortable, but if they don’t fit then it will only cause creases, cracks and damage to the shoe, so you’ll end up having to make another purchase sooner than later. That’s a big no-no in revere world!

But how to find the right shoe size? Finding the perfect fit is one of our values and a huge reason why we include unique design features across our shoe range - features that we deem essential for optimal foot health. Think adjustable straps, trim marks and our signature fillers and fitters. But first thing’s first, shoe size! So now it’s time to help you find the right shoe fit, no matter if you’re shopping in-store or online.

Shoe fitting guide

Who remembers the “Brannock Device"? That measuring instrument we would place our little feet into when shopping for new shoes as a child. Well, let’s be honest, we’re unlikely to have one of those lying around the house. The next best thing is measuring your feet yourself.

We touched on how interesting it is that we only measure our feet as a child and then don’t continue this when we are grown up, assuming that we are always the same size. However, with our feet constantly changing, it’s important to get back into this habit. That way, when you’re perusing online, spot the ultimate pair of flats but can’t try them on - this will help you figure out what your best shoe size would be.

Measuring your feet at home:

Before you purchase your new pair of shoes, you need to measure your foot length and width to ensure a good fit. That’s how to find the right shoe size.

How measure your foot length:

1. Set a ruler flat on the floor, ensuring zero is against the wall. For larger feet, you can use a measuring tape.
2. Stand with your heel against the wall and toes pointing forward.
3. Measure the distance from your heel against the wall to the end of your longest toe.

How to measure foot width:

1. Place the ruler on the ground horizontally. Again, you can use a measuring tape instead.
2. Step the ball of your foot onto the ruler/ tape.
3. Measure the widest part of your foot, from one side to the other.

Revere’s 3 top tips:

• Remember sizing varies across shoe types and brands
• Measure your foot flat on the floor - not in a shoe
• Always check the size guide on the product page for sizing tips on each shoe style

Finding comfortable shoes

Comfort is key when it comes to choosing footwear - and for us, it’s also key when designing footwear. At revere, we know just how important 'happy feet' are in our life, which is why we design our shoes with that in mind, not just style. Our shoes are inspired by fashion and designed for comfort.

Just take a look at the lengths we go to to ensure we live up to this. Our closed footwear, such as sneakers and loafers come with removable footbeds so you can insert your very own orthotic to achieve a supportive, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoe that’s bang on trend. When things heat up outside and you want to don a pair of sandals, we ensure they fit perfectly too. All revere sandals come with strap extensions for a customized fit. That means you can alter the sizing whenever you like so your sandals fit snug with every wear.

While you can widen the fit with strap extensions, some styles even feature trim marks to shorten the straps! But, of course, our revere signature when it comes to the perfect fit is our Personalized Fit Kit which features a full-length filler, half foot fitter and shoe horn. Once you’ve measured your feet and know your perfect size, if your shoes feel a bit roomy, our custom fillers can be trimmed and placed under the footbeds to provide that extra snug fit. They are also great for half-sizes and those who have narrow feet as they reduce the volume in the shoe.

The forefoot fitters can also be placed under the footbed to prevent your heel slipping and again to reduce the volume inside the shoe. The shoe horn enables you to slip your feet into your shoes with ease. Regardless of whether your feet are a narrow, wide or standard width, the revere fit kit is an exceptional way to easily customize your shoes to the perfect fit every time.

Always remember, when it comes to footwear, it involves finding the right shoe, finding the right size and finding comfortable shoes.