Evaluating sneaker sizing

Jessikams

Fabbers, I’ve been getting more and more into fashion sneakers lately. I may even be in danger of turning into a “sneaker head” although not quite a “hype beast” yet.

I love the fun colors, textures and design elements that can be used in these kinds of shoes. However I have THE HARDEST time evaluating whether or not a sneaker fits, when I try them on in the store. It takes me ages to decide, and often I still end up returning or exchanging whichever I decided to buy!

I think I’m not accustomed to the lasts used for sports shoes… or maybe it’s the overall sponginess that throws me off….or I’m not sure how they’re “supposed” to fit. Do I want lots of space around the toes, or a little (assuming they will stretch)? What kinds of socks will I wear with them? Is the heel or ankle moving around too much? I just DON’T KNOW!

Please share with me any words of wisdom or rules of thumb when it comes to sneakers and fit. Thanks in advance!

1 year ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

kkards

Veteran

Jessikams—it sounds like you need to experiment with how you are lacing your shoes. Athletic footwear in particular provides many options and will provide more or less support and/or change how the heel and ankle fit, but different lacing techniques will work on all sneakers. I’m not an expert,but my experience with non leather shoes is that they will not stretch/conform to your foot in the same way. I personally want sneakers that are comfortable the 1st time I wear them, with not a lot of ‘squishy’ because I personally don’t find that comfortable, but YMMV. I don’t generally wear socks with fashion sneakers, but I’ve never had an issue with laced up sneakers when I do add a light weight wool sock (slip ons are a different matter)

Hope this helped

https://www.asics.com/nz/en-nz.....hoe/lacing

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm

1 year ago

Anonymous

I don't have experience with fashion sneakers, excepting an ill advised magpie galaxy print pair a few years ago. I just hate the way they feel and look on my feet. My running sneakers though were bought at a running store, and they made me walk on a treadmill and check my gait and such.

1 year ago

LJP

Veteran

The only rule I know is that there should be more room at the toes than you'd expect. This was a bit of an eye-opener last year when I had a pair of Asics fitted - and likely have been wearing my runners a half-size too small for years. But as kkards said, it's all in the lacing .

1 year ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

In almost all sneakers besides my Cons, I size up one half to one and a half sizes from regular Oxford size. But really size is the least important factor, since I truly can’t say what shoe size I am. Sandals and loafers are at least two sizes down from my latest running shoes. My shoes run from size 7.5 to 9.5 - just a range instead of a size, maybe?

I would agree with Lisa to fit the toe box larger than you think you need. I wouldn’t count on leather, nylon or canvas sneakers to stretch or mold, as the lacing is what allows the individual adaptation.

My biggest objection to some sneakers is a slant down from heel to the front, pushing my toes forward, which can happen while wearing even when the toe box is roomy. Arch support which doesn’t fit one’s own arch is worse than none, IMO. So I look for a comfortably level sole with not too much arch support, but supportive in the sense of low squish. I do add a thin foam insole to my Cons, which gives just a bit of padding.

Hoping these are tips you can use.

1 year ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't wear socks - only knee highs or barefoot.

I don't wear athletic sneakers - only fashion and very streamlined. So I'm not sure how to advise you there.

Personally, I MUST HAVE LOTS OF TOE ROOM!!! I have long toes. I will adjust the fit with insoles too. Road test at home.

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1 year ago

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I have similar issues when fitting sneakers! These days comfortable shoes are my #1, as Im commuting and on my feet all day. There are so many cool sneaker colors and designs to choose from, Im find myself interested in some of the more funky designs--

I usually wear a 40, or 9 in leather shoes (boots/etc) For my athletic and fashion sneakers I typically size up to a 9.5. In New Balance I wear a 10 as they seem to run a bit smaller. I don't find much consistency between brands, so I do end up with a few returns--since the best "cool" sneakers seem to be easiest found online. I have had a couple pairs I purchased 1/2 size too large, and found them to be too loose when actually worn around, so thats a bummer

I always wear socks, I like them to fit with a bit of room in the toes. nothing worse that squished toes! I want them to fit in the heel, so no moving around. I need a bit of arch support, so some of the styles for running seem to work well. so no totally flat sneakers, but I do have superfeet I can add. But then the overall shoe needs to be wider

Ironically this morning my husband said "Whats going on with your outfit...Your'e wearing "blue" jeans, Nike sneakers, a light t-shirt??" Guess he's more used to seeing me in lots of black and ankle boots!

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1 year ago

Suz

(website)

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My most usually worn fashion sneakers are fairly low profile and classic, I guess you'd say --- for the most part, though I have at times had some with platforms or other chunkier details. Those, and my athletic sneakers/ trail runners tend to be different sizes. Fashion ones are in my regular size (EU 37 or US 7, usually). The sports ones are in a higher size.

For fashion sneakers, I adjust the fit with Superfeet or other insoles. I can't wear a true flat shoe with comfort so this is a necessity for me or I will get plantar fasciitis after a while. That can happen with athletic sneakers, too, but I shop specifically for brands that have a last that works for me in that regard.

Sneakers, like most shoes, often slip off the back of my heel, so I have various lacing tricks I try to adopt to help prevent that. It doesn't always work perfectly.

I usually wear a thin Smartwool no show sock inside my fashion sneakers because otherwise my feet perspire too much in the summer.

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1 year ago

Roberta

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For me, it is important that they fit my Achilles tendon well, not too high or too low (feels like my heel is slipping). Second, when you find a pair that really works for you, buy duplicates.

Seriously, wear them around the house for HOURS until you are sure.

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1 year ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I wear the same size in all shoes except Converse, where I size down a half size. Like Suz I have Superfeet inserts for just about every shoe or boot I wear. I wear all sorts of thickness of socks and barefoot, and adjust lacings accordingly.

1 year ago

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Ahhhh this is helpful! It didn’t occur to me that the lacings could be adjusted (although actually I already do that with high tops— normally leave the ankle area open).

Sizing up and/or being sure to leave room at the toes is another good tip. I tend to prioritize the fit around the ankle opening and don’t notice the toes until they are painful after walking .

Thanks hive mind! I will wear my new New Balance pair around the house tomorrow to test.

1 year ago

rachylou

Veteran

For me shape of the shoe, piecing and location of seams, the sole of the shoe under the arch (arch support is important to me from the outer sole to the inner), ‘cushiness’ - really really cushy shoes breakdown faster in my experience and stop being so comfortable. I also like a high toe box. Even if the shoe is soft, I dislike that pressure from above. New Balance is one of my favourites; Under Armour I find tricky.

1 year ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I usually size up at least a half size in athletic trainers (if not a full size). I bought Cariumas (leather fashion sneakers) & even then I had to size up (despite claims they fit 'true to size' & accommodate wide feet).

But I have UK5.5 feet in a D-E width (the wider end of average to slightly wide) with a high instep, voluminous forefoot but average to narrow heels. YMMV depending on your own feet.

1 year ago

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