The most common problem when it comes to shoe fit is that not all shoes are created equal. The following guidelines are intended to help you be able to pick the best shoe with the best fit for the best comfort.

A good shoe fit is imperative to comfort. It is important to remember that the shoe industry does not have standard sizing. What one company calls a size 8 another company may call a 7 or a 9. Patterns, or the last shape a shoe is designed on is important to understand because all feet are different. Therefore, it is vital you know how to fit your footwear by size and shape. The following information will help you to determine your best shoe fit. This information is based on US sizes. Please refer to the conversion chart below for European and UK sizes.

• Shoe sizing charts on the web are inaccurate. You should go to a shoe store that uses a Brannock device to be measured.  A Brannock device will measure toe length, arch length, and width. The arch length is the most important measurement to understand.  For most people their arch length is usually longer than their toe length.  The arch length measurement is the reference point for a good fit. If your arch length is shorter than your toe length, which is rare, use the length measurement as your reference. Your width measurement will determine how narrow or wide your fit should be.
• Using the arch length as the reference point, start with that length when choosing a size.  A good shoe fit is not about the toes, it is all about the arch. It is necessary to secure the arch of the foot in the arch of the shoe. Refer to the Foot Placement Guide on proper shoe fit. Notice the 1st metatarsal joint or the big toe joint is sitting in the spot on the shoe referred to as the cradle. This is to be checked while standing because when the foot is weight bearing, the ball or the 1st metatarsal joint will move slightly forward. If the 1st metatarsal joint is forward of the cradle, go to the next size up. If it is sitting too far back of the cradle and more in the arch of the shoe then adjust the shoe size down. Most athletic shoes run small, anywhere from ½ to 2 sizes. Dress shoes vary, some run big and some run small. It depends on the pattern of the shoe and pitch of the heel. Some patterns are broad and some are narrow. Try to find a shoe that matches the same shape as your feet. If your feet are slender and tapered, then a tapered toe box shape will work well for you. If your feet are a bit broad and have a square toe box shape then a tapered toe shoe will not feel as comfortable to you as a shoe with a broader or boxier shape.
• If the shoes come in widths (higher quality shoes usually do) look for a shoe with your width measurement. Width measurement will be AAA,AA,A,B,C,D,E,EE,EEE,EEEE, or N for narrow, M for medium, W for wide, and either WW or XW for double wide. If the shoe comes in medium width only, you will be adjusting up for wider and down for narrower. Do not sacrifice proper length for a better width fit. Width can be altered, length can not. It is important to know that when a shoe size goes up in length it will also go up in width. So, if you are working with shoes that come in widths, and you need to adjust length size up you will need to adjust down in width to remain at the same width. In other words, a 9A is the same width as an 8 ½B.
• If you are sure the ball of the foot or 1st metatarsal joint is resting back in the cradle of the shoe, where it should be, but you have too much play in the toe box, simply add a metatarsal pad to the bottom of the shoe’s toe box. These can be purchased at any store selling foot care products.  Each layer will snug 1 width fit until finally there is very little play. Never snug too tightly as the forefoot needs good circulation to remain comfortable.
• If your shoes have a removable insole and you have purchased the ¾ length ezWalker® simply place the ezWalker® under the existing insole. If the insole is rather stiff it may need to be changed for a more pliable insole or simply place the ezWalker® on top of the existing insole. Comfort will depend on the construction of the existing insole. If you have purchased an ezWalker® with a full length top cover, you will need to take out the existing insole altogether to insert your ezWalker. If you have purchased an ezWalker for fashion or dance, simply place the ezWalker® in the shoe making sure it remains in the heel of the shoe as you place it on you foot. If you are having trouble fitting your ezWalker® comfortably, please contact us from our contact page.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Diagram A illustrates another problem related to poor shoe fit. As the foot moves forward, the longitudinal arch does not support the foot. This lack of support causes undue pressure on the metatarsal heads. The result is that neither the shoe nor the foot can function properly. A longer shoe is needed.

In Diagram A, the shoe does not flex at the point of foot flexion.

In Diagram B, the break point of the shoe cradles the foot and allows proper flexion.

Checking for Shear Checking for shear refers to the anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and even/oblique parallel movement of sliding, gliding motion that produces stress or tissue tearing. This motion creates problems on the plantar surface of the foot. If the shoe is fitted properly, the foot is more secure within the shoe, thus shear forces are reduced. This is where proper width fit becomes most important.

Shoe Sizing Chart

This information is for the purpose of helping you to become more knowledgeable and help you to understand that sometimes the shoes that fit your eyes are not necessarily the ones that fit your feet. Comfort starts with a good fit and ends with a custom fitted ezWalker® arch support from the Walkezstore.com.