How Should Sneakers Fit?

Sneakers are active-wear shoes so they need to fit properly and provide sufficient support. Besides, aside from being painful, ill-fitting shoes can cause foot conditions like bunions, calluses, corns, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and more. When shopping for shoes, merely remembering your foot size is not sufficient. This is because feet can change after a while just like other sections of your body. So, how can you tell if sneakers fit? Read on to find out.

See also: Best Sneakers for Nurses

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How to Tell If Sneakers Fit

Finding the appropriate fit for sneakers can be challenging. However, the following tips can make the selection process simpler.

Sneakers that fit correctly will:

Fit cozily, not too loose or too tight
fit your heel securely
Have sufficient wiggle space for your toes
Be sufficiently broad to contain your foot’s width leaving no excess space
Allow no heel slippage in the shoes

Top Tips for Choosing Proper Fitting Sneakers

Measure your feet

If it is been a while since you have taken the measurement of your feet, visit a shoe store that offers that service. As you grow older, your feet change in shape and size. This will help you determine your precise shoe size before you make a purchase.

Put on your socks

The sock’s thickness can affect the size of your sneakers. Thus, when trying out athletic shoes, be sure to wear the socks you would typically wear with your sneakers.

Shop for sneakers in the evening

If your foot size is 6 in the morning, it may change to 7 in the evening due to fluid retention. It is best to buy sneakers in the afternoon or evening when your feet have swollen to their fullest. You want to ensure your feet are cozy and relaxed all day long, not only in the morning when you leave your home.

One foot Maybe Larger

Your feet might be a little different in size. One of your feet may be one full size or half a size bigger than the other. If your feet differ in size, you should select the size of your bigger foot.

Check the room at the tip of the sneakers

Stand up wearing both shoes and ensure there is at least 3/8 inch (10 mm, which is approximately your finger’s width) between the tip of the sneakers and your longest toe. Your sneakers will be uncomfortable if there is insufficient space and it is best to choose a bigger size.

Toe Box Sizing

Sneakers with pointed tips are common these days but the ones with rounded toes are best for your feet. This is because they leave sufficient space for the toes to comfortably spread out. You will typically not have any problem with an excessively wide toe box. However, a toe box that is not spacious enough may result in disorders like calluses or sores.

The Finger Test

This test can help you determine if a pair of sneakers is the appropriate fit for you. Put on the sneakers and tie the laces completely. Next, place one finger (preferably your index digit) between your heel and the shoe’s heel counter. The sneaker is a great fit if your index finger slides in effortlessly but feels fairly secure. The shoes are possibly too small if you cannot comfortably get your index digit in. The shoes are too large if you are able to fit two or more fingers at the rear of the shoe effortlessly.

Shoe Width

It is never a good idea to buy sneakers that are excessively tight expecting them to enlarge over time. The widest portion of the foot (usually the section where the toe joints meet the foot) should approximately match the broadest part of the sneakers.

Take a walk in the sneakers

If you are buying your sneakers in-store, the best method to test them out is by taking a walk in them around the store. Take no less than 50 paces and ensure they do not chafe or rub anywhere. Remember that some shoes require some breaking-in before they get comfortable, however, they should fit your feet at the time you buy them.

Before you settle for a particular pair of sneakers, you should also consider the design as well as the quality of the shoes. These can also be important when selecting the appropriate sneaker fit. Also, do not simply depend on the label size except if you have had prior experience with the brand.