This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
The usual shoe size selection does not always work when ordering online. A more reliable reference is the length of both feet in centimeters, the size chart of a specific brand, and trying on the chosen pair before making a final decision.
Why the same size in different sneakers fits differently
The designation EU 38 or EU 39 does not fully describe the fit of the shoe. It is influenced by the shape of the last, the width of the forefoot, the upper construction, the model's purpose, and the manufacturer's sizing system. Because of this, two pairs with the same number on the box can feel different on the foot.
A telling example is provided by the brand's own size charts: in the women's Adidas chart, EU 38 corresponds to a foot length of 23.3 cm, while in New Balance, it is 23.5 cm. At the same time, Nike, Puma, and some other brands may indicate not Foot Length, but CM/JP – the size in the centimeter/Japanese system, which does not always equal the actual foot length. For example, in Nike for EU 38, CM/JP is noted as 24, but Foot Length is about 23.7 cm. Therefore, general charts only provide a guideline: before ordering, it's worth checking the specific brand's chart and the meaning of its designations.
The type of sneakers also matters. A running model, an everyday pair, and sneakers with a bulky construction can have different toe shapes and secure the heel differently. Adidas in its own size selection guide also advises focusing on foot measurements, not just the familiar number of the previous pair.
Online ordering does not eliminate the possibility of checking the fit. You can choose women's Adidas sneakers on Rozetka, and then the shoes can be tried on when received at the store or at the post office:https://rozetka.com.ua/ua/genskie-krossovki/c4634473/producer=adidas. Measuring the foot in this case helps narrow down the choice to the right size, and trying them on shows whether a specific last fits.
How to measure your foot correctly at home
For measuring, you will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a ruler or tape measure. You should measure the foot itself, not the insole from an old pair: these are different dimensions, and they should not be substituted in the chart as interchangeable.
The simplest order is as follows:
- Put on the socks you plan to wear with the sneakers. Their thickness affects the fit.
- Place the sheet on a hard, flat floor against the wall. The heel should touch the wall, and the foot should be fully on the floor.
- Mark the furthest point of your toes. The distance from the wall to this mark will be the length of your foot.
- Measure the other foot separately. Many people have feet that differ slightly in length, so for size selection, the larger measurement is taken.
- If necessary, measure the width. This is useful if the shoes often fit in length but pinch on the sides or in the toe area.
Adidas recommends conducting such a measurement at the end of the day when the foot has already undergone the usual daily load. The manufacturer also advises measuring both feet and focusing on the larger one.
How to convert centimeters to size without making a mistake
After measuring, the stage begins where confusion often arises. Some charts indicate foot length, others the length of the insole, and next to them may stand EU, UK, and US sizes. Before choosing a number, you need to read the column title.
For example, if your larger foot has a certain length in centimeters, you need to find the closest corresponding value in the brand's official chart and only after that see which EU size corresponds to it. The starting point should be the measured foot length and the corresponding parameter in the brand's official chart, not the number of old sneakers.
A more complicated situation arises when the value falls between two sizes. In this case, it is better to check the manufacturer's recommendations. At the same time, you should consider the shape of the foot and the purpose of the specific model.
Common mistakes when choosing sneakers online
- Relying only on old sneakers. The familiar size can be used as a starting reference, but not as definitive proof of the correct fit.
- Measuring only one foot. If the other is longer, it may determine the needed size.
- Confusing foot length with insole length. Before comparing numbers, check which parameter the manufacturer specified.
- Automatically adding a centimeter to the foot. Such a reserve cannot be applied equally to all charts.
- Using a universal chart instead of the brand's grid. The same EU size does not guarantee the same correspondence to centimeters across different manufacturers.
- Looking only at length. Shoes may fit in centimeters but pinch due to width or the shape of the last.
- Not checking the fit after receiving. Even an accurate measurement will not show how a specific design secures the heel or how comfortable it is for the toes.
Before ordering, it is enough to go through a short sequence: measure both feet → take the larger result → open the specific brand's chart → find the correspondence in centimeters → determine EU/UK/US → try on the pair upon receipt.
This approach does not turn online shopping into an exact science, as two models from the same brand can also differ in fit. But it eliminates the main source of error: the attempt to choose new sneakers just because the old box says "38".
More about shoe selection from the Rozetka team: Sports shoes: how to choose comfortable sneakers for daily urban walks
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