You want to buy shoes online but don't have a foot measuring tape? Are you wondering how to choose a pair of shoes that fit your feet? Don't worry! In this article, Shondo will guide you on how to measure shoe size without a tape measure simply, effectively and accurately. Let's explore with Shondo now!
1. The importance of choosing the right shoe size
Choosing the right shoe size is extremely important, directly affecting your health and experience. A pair of well-fitting shoes will bring comfort and confidence when moving, while protecting your feet from unnecessary injuries.
Benefits of wearing the right size shoes:
- Comfort: Well-fitting shoes allow your feet to move freely, without feeling cramped, tight or chafing, giving you the confidence to move around all day long.
- Health protection: The right size shoes support the feet, reduce pressure on joints, prevent bone and joint problems, foot pain, calluses, blisters,...
- Increased performance: For sports activities, well-fitting shoes help increase performance and reduce the risk of injury.
- Enhance your beauty: The right size shoes help your feet look slimmer, more balanced and harmonious, contributing to enhancing the aesthetics of the overall outfit.

Consequences of wearing the wrong size shoes:
- Foot pain: Shoes that are too tight will squeeze the toes, causing pain, numbness, and even deformity of the toes. Shoes that are too loose will cause the feet to slip, rub, and cause blisters and calluses.
- Bone and joint problems: Wearing the wrong size shoes for a long time can lead to bone and joint problems such as arthritis, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis,...
- Reduced performance: Shoes that are too tight or too loose affect the flexibility and stability of the foot, reducing performance, especially during sports activities.
- Unsightly: Ill-fitting shoes make your feet look big and clumsy, ruining the balance and harmony of your overall outfit.
Therefore, choosing the right shoe size is extremely important to protect your health and enhance your user experience.
2. How to measure shoe size effectively without a ruler
If you don't have a measuring tape handy, don't worry! You can still measure your shoe size relatively accurately using the following simple methods:
2.1. Use paper and pen
This is the most popular and easiest way to measure shoe size without a ruler.
Steps to follow:
- Prepare a blank sheet of paper, pencil and ruler (if available).
- Place your foot on the paper, putting your weight evenly on the entire foot.
- Use a pencil to trace the shape of your foot. Make sure the pencil is perpendicular to the paper.
- Use a ruler (or any straight-edged object) to measure the length from the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
- Record your measurements and compare them with the brand's shoe size conversion chart to choose the right size.
Note:
- Measure both feet as they can be different sizes. Choose your shoe size based on the larger foot measurement.
- Measure shoe size in the late afternoon, when your feet are fully active and expanded.
- Wear the socks you plan to wear with your shoes when measuring for size.

2.2. Use fixed-size items
You can use fixed-sized objects such as money, ATM cards, name cards, etc. to measure foot length.
Steps to follow:
- Place your feet on the floor.
- Place a fixed-sized object (for example, a 100,000 VND note 150mm long) along the foot, from the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
- Count the number of items needed to cover the entire length of your foot.
- Multiply the number of items by the length of each item to calculate the foot length.
- Compare the results with the shoe size conversion chart to choose the right size.
Note:
- This method is only an estimate and is not as accurate as using paper and pen.
- Use items that are fixed in size and easy to measure.

2.3. Compare with old shoe size
If you already have an old pair of shoes that fit well, you can use it to estimate your new shoe size.
Steps to follow:
- Take the insoles out of your old shoes.
- Place your foot on the insole.
- Compare the length of your foot with the length of the insole.
- If your foot is about 1cm longer than the insole, you should choose a new shoe size 1 size larger than your old shoes.
- If your foot is shorter than the insole, you should choose a smaller new shoe size.
Note:
- This method is for reference only, the accuracy depends on the shoe form of the old shoe.
- You should compare with shoes that have a similar shoe form to the shoes you want to buy.

2.4. Use the shoe size measuring app on your phone
Currently, there are many shoe size measuring applications on phones using AR technology (augmented reality) to help you measure shoe size quickly and accurately.
Steps to follow:
- Download and install the shoe size measuring application on your phone.
- Open the app and follow the instructions.
- Normally, you would need to place your foot on a white sheet of paper and scan it with your phone camera.
- The app will automatically measure your foot length and width and suggest the appropriate shoe size.
Note:
- The accuracy of the app depends on the camera quality and the app's algorithm.
- It is recommended to use highly rated and downloaded apps.

3. Reference shoe size conversion table
After measuring your foot length, you can refer to the shoe size conversion table below to choose the right size:
Foot length (cm) |
US shoe size (Men) |
US Shoe Size (Women) |
EU shoe size |
UK shoe size |
22.5 | 4 | 5.5 | 35 | 3 |
23 | 4.5 | 6 | 36 | 3.5 |
23.5 | 5 | 6.5 | 37 | 4 |
24 | 5.5 | 7 | 38 | 4.5 |
24.5 | 6 | 7.5 | 39 | 5 |
25 | 6.5 | 8 | 40 | 5.5 |
25.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 41 | 6 |
26 | 7.5 | 9 | 42 | 6.5 |
26.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 43 | 7 |
27 | 8.5 | 10 | 44 | 7.5 |
27.5 | 9 | 10.5 | 45 | 8 |
28 | 9.5 | 11 | 46 | 8.5 |
28.5 | 10 | 11.5 | 47 | 9 |
29 | 10.5 | 12 | 48 | 9.5 |
29.5 | 11 | 12.5 | 49 | 10 |
30 | 11.5 | 13 | 50 | 10.5 |
Note:
- Shoe size conversion table is for reference only, actual shoe size may vary depending on brand, style and shoe form.
- You should refer to the manufacturer's shoe size conversion chart to choose the most accurate size.
4. Tips for choosing the right shoe size
In addition to measuring your shoe size, you should also keep in mind the following tips to choose the best-fitting pair of shoes:
- Consider the shoe form: Each shoe brand has its own shoe form . European shoe forms are usually wider than Asian shoe forms. You should learn carefully about the shoe form before buying.
- Choose shoe size according to purpose of use: Running shoes are usually chosen to be larger than office shoes to create comfort when moving.

- Try on shoes in the late afternoon: Feet tend to swell in the late afternoon, so try on shoes at this time to ensure the right size.
- Walk and move around while trying on shoes: Don't just stand still while trying on shoes. Walk around and move around gently to get a feel for the comfort and fit of the shoes.
- Pay attention to shoe material: Genuine leather shoes can stretch over time, so choose a tight fit. Canvas shoes usually do not stretch much, so choose a more comfortable size.
- Consult the seller: If you are still wondering, consult the seller for advice on the appropriate shoe size.
How to measure shoe size without a ruler is very simple and effective, helping you easily choose shoes that fit your feet, even when buying shoes online. Apply the methods and tips shared in this article to own the shoes you like, bring comfort, confidence and protect the health of your feet.
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