Shoe Size Guide: How to Measure Your Feet at Home in 3 Steps (+ Size Chart)
Quick answer: To find your shoe size, stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall, mark the tip of your longest toe, and measure the distance in inches or centimeters. Measure both feet in the evening and use the longer one. Then match that length to the chart below. For loafers, which have no laces, choose the size that holds your heel without pinching the top of your foot.
Handy rule: a US women's size is about 1.5 sizes larger than the same US men's size (women's 8.5 ≈ men's 7).
In this guide
- What you need
- Measure your feet in 3 steps
- Size chart by foot length
- Check your width
- How loafers should fit
- Between two sizes?
- 6 fit tips
- FAQ
What you need
Two sheets of paper, a pencil, a ruler or tape measure, a wall, and the socks you plan to wear with your loafers. It takes about 5 minutes.
How to measure your feet in 3 steps
Set up
Tape a sheet of paper to a hard floor with one short edge flush against a wall. Do this late in the day, when feet are at their largest, and wear your usual socks.
Mark your length and width
Stand with your heel touching the wall and your weight evenly spread. Holding the pencil straight up, mark the tip of your longest toe (not always the big toe) and the two widest points of your forefoot. Repeat with the other foot.
Measure and match
Measure from the wall to the toe mark. Use the longer foot and compare it with the chart below, then with the size notes on the product page.
Shoe size chart by foot length
Women
| Foot length | US Women | EU (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 8.7 in / 22.1 cm | 5 | 35–36 |
| 9.0 in / 22.9 cm | 6 | 36–37 |
| 9.3 in / 23.7 cm | 7 | 37–38 |
| 9.6 in / 24.5 cm | 8 | 38–39 |
| 10.0 in / 25.4 cm | 9 | 39–40 |
| 10.3 in / 26.2 cm | 10 | 40–41 |
| 10.7 in / 27.1 cm | 11 | 42 |
Men
| Foot length | US Men | EU (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.5 in / 24.1 cm | 6 | 39 |
| 9.8 in / 24.9 cm | 7 | 40 |
| 10.2 in / 25.8 cm | 8 | 41 |
| 10.5 in / 26.7 cm | 9 | 42 |
| 10.8 in / 27.5 cm | 10 | 43 |
| 11.1 in / 28.3 cm | 11 | 44 |
| 11.5 in / 29.2 cm | 12 | 45 |
| 11.8 in / 30.0 cm | 13 | 46 |
Charts are a general reference. Sizing varies by brand and shoe shape, so the chart on each product page always takes priority. Kids' sizes and more conversions: US to EU Shoe Size Conversion Chart.
Check your width
Length is only half the story. Measure across the widest part of your forefoot, then compare with your length:
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How should loafers fit?
Loafers have no laces to tighten, so the shoe itself must hold your foot. Use this checklist on your first try-on:
Between two sizes?
Narrow feet
Size down half. Leather softens in width and heel slip is your bigger risk.
Wide feet
Size up half. Length never stretches, so don't squeeze.
Thick socks in winter
Size up half if you'll mostly wear wool socks.
6 fit tips most people miss
- Measure both feet. Most people have one slightly longer foot. Size for the larger one.
- Measure twice. A tilted pencil can add a quarter-size.
- Measure in the evening. Feet swell during the day.
- Don't rely on old shoes. Sizes vary between brands and feet change over time.
- Suede gives a little, patent gives almost nothing. Size more carefully in patent.
- Length never stretches. If your toes hit the end, it's the wrong size.
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Shoe size FAQ
How do I measure my shoe size at home?
Place paper against a wall, stand with your heel on the wall, mark your longest toe, measure the length, and match it to a size chart.
Should loafers be tight at first?
Snug, yes. Tight, no. Leather softens slightly across the width, but pain or pressure on the toes means the size is wrong.
Should I size up or down for loafers?
Start with your measured size. Size down half for narrow feet, up half for wide feet or thick socks.
What is the difference between men's and women's US sizes?
A US women's size is roughly 1.5 sizes larger than the equivalent US men's size. A women's 8.5 is about a men's 7.
How do I stop loafers from slipping at the heel?
Check that the size isn't too big. For minor slip, add a heel grip or a thin insole, and wear slightly thicker socks.
Do feet change size over time?
Yes. Feet can lengthen or widen with age, weight changes, and pregnancy, so re-measure every year or two.
The takeaway
Measure both feet in the evening, use the longer one, check your width, and match to the product's chart. For loafers, prioritize a secure heel and a comfortable toe box, and you'll get a pair that feels right from day one.
