Size Guide for Classic Men's and Women's Shoes

The size of classic shoes is always a controversial point regarding the purchase of footwear: the number worn, in fact, is not always the same and much depends on the model chosen, the structure of the shoe and its details. Often, in fact, the number of shoes we believe we are wearing is not the right size . In fact, in this case, the choice is much more delicate than the size of a dress: if the latter can later have some tailoring adjustments to adapt the garment perfectly to the body, it is not the same for the various models of shoes on the market. Furthermore, choosing the best shoe does not mean considering a shoe too large or too narrow, but there are numerous details to consider to be sure to buy the ideal shoe. Here is some advice on how to proceed in choosing the right shoe size, especially when purchasing online.

Shoe Length: How to Take the Correct Size

An important detail to consider when choosing the ideal pair of shoes to buy is that no two feet have the same size and shape , and they could even be differently proportioned to each other. At this point, you might think that the perfect shoe does not exist, but if you start to consider some factors, the choice is much simpler than it seems. First of all, you must consider the four steps of measuring the foot , which must be recorded at four different times:

• Resting length measurement : This is the fit of the shoe with the foot at rest;
• Weight-bearing length measurement : when a person stands up, physiologically the shape and size of the feet inevitably undergo a change in terms of stability and solidity.
• Dynamic length measurement : This is the standard measurement that is often done in stores. When trying on a new shoe, the dynamic conditions are also tested, that is, how the shoe reacts to the movements of the person wearing it while walking, sometimes running or jumping.
• Thermal length measurement : when weather conditions change, and there are sudden changes in temperature, then the foot can also undergo changes in volume linked to the circulatory conditions of the individual based on the temperature and humidity values ​​of the external environment.

For these reasons, the ideal time to measure the length of the shoes is towards the evening: at this time of day, the equivalence between the measurement of the dynamic length and the measurement of the thermal length is at its maximum value, since any swelling and stress would be taken into account, factors that would not occur in the morning, or when the foot is completely at rest.

How to choose the right shoe size: the conversion table

When you want to buy a new pair of shoes, there are certainly some myths to dispel, as well as some evergreen advice that always guides you towards a choice with a minimum margin of error:

• Never rely solely on the labels on the shoe box . The number displayed, in addition to some indications such as color, materials and model, depends greatly on the country in which the shoes were produced, and each manufacturer follows different norms and standards. For this reason, it is very important to keep in mind the conversion table, better if it presents the comparison between the sizes of Europe, UK, Japan, USA Women and USA Men, in addition to the wording in centimeters and inches.
• When purchasing, wear the type of socks that are suitable for the type of footwear chosen . It is important to check that the shoes are also tested with the socks that we want to wear most often with that type of shoe, since some types of footwear can lose their shape if worn with socks that are too thick or unsuitable.

• Shoes do not adapt to the foot either at the time of purchase or later. Often, especially during sales, the temptation is to buy the latest pair of super discounted shoes from the much desired collection, since they will adapt later. This is definitely not the case: while it is true that some delicate materials such as fine leather or nubuck can also give way slightly over time, this is not the case for soles and uppers, creating imbalances and discomfort that in the long run could be harmful to the health of the foot and joints.

When choosing a pair of classic shoes , in addition to always keeping the conversion table in mind, you also need to understand at what precise point the upper of the shoe bends, an important detail when buying lace-ups. Determining the flexibility of the model is essential to determine comfort , softness and whether or not it is congenial to the shape of the toes. Maximum comfort is allowing the foot to extend inside the shoe without the heel or toe suffering from pain, limited spaces or too much space. A good way to understand if you are oriented in choosing the right model is to notice if the tip of the toes is missing a centimeter, before touching the tip of the shoe, and if between the heel of the foot and the buttress of the shoe there is about a finger. In this way it is possible to also leave the sole of the foot the right space, especially on the sides of the foot: if an elegant shoe is too tight on the sides of our foot, it is better to opt for a different model.

Buying classic shoes online: how to choose the right size

One of the most popular questions among customers who buy clothing and accessories through online stores is precisely that regarding the right size. In fact, there are many questions about buying a pair of shoes online, especially classic ones , since it will not be possible to try them on before purchasing unless the store has a special try & buy service. First of all, it is essential to understand what size our foot is, thanks to a geometric simplification. The length of the foot is calculated from the heel to the longest toe; the width takes into account the most exposed point of both the inside and outside of the foot.

Classic shoe size: the A4 sheet method

A very satisfactory do-it-yourself method for measuring your foot is to use a sheet of A4 paper . The sheet should be placed against a wall, after which you can also place your foot against the wall, making sure your heel adheres well to the wall, and resting the sole of your foot on the sheet of paper. After that, draw a line from right to left on the sheet, using the longest toe as a reference: it could be the big toe, but this is not a given. At this point, you can measure the distance between the edge of the sheet of paper placed against the wall, which should also coincide with the start of the heel, and the line drawn. To the measurement obtained in this way, it is advisable to add 3 – 6 mm if the line was drawn using the big toe as a reference as the longest toe, or 2 – 4 mm if the line is in reference to the second toe. To be even more certain, you can place the insole of a shoe you already own on the sheet of paper and compare it so that the measurement obtained is consistent with shoes you have already worn.

Classic Shoes Made in Italy: High Quality and Detailed Measurements

Classic and handcrafted Made in Italy shoes often have intermediate models available, obtained thanks to half sizes. A notable help in finding the right length pair of shoes, especially if the foot is irregular or if there are numerous models of half-size shoes in the wardrobe, some of a smaller size, others of a larger size. Furthermore, when choosing a classic shoe, it is absolutely necessary to consider the shape of your foot: an Oxford model is ideal for those with a thin foot , without particular extensions of the instep, thanks to the fact that the quarters are sewn under the vamp. The situation is different for a Derby shoe model , whose sewing of the vamp under the quarters allows extreme comfort for those with a higher instep , as well as representing a decidedly less formal model than the Oxford lace-up. Finally, it is advisable to check the inside of the footwear carefully, even in the case of an elegant Made in Italy shoe: if some seams are raised, they could be annoying for the more delicate parts of the foot. Extreme attention, therefore, must be paid both to the purchase of footwear in a store and to the purchase of a pair of classic shoes online.

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