Everyone’s feet are unique. Our feet continue to change shape throughout life. Therefore, we recommend that your feet be measured whenever you purchase new shoes. Everyone has a foot size, not a shoe size. At Alfa Slippers we are proud to have a team of trained fitting specialists who are experts in size and fit.

1. Finding The Right Size, Fit & Support

  • Always measure your feet. Your foot size and shape can change over time. We recommend you not rely on the fact that you’ve always worn a certain size.
  • Measure your feet late in the afternoon when they are the largest. Your feet swell and settle if active during the day. You want to make sure your shoes fit comfortably throughout the day and not just when you head out of the house in the morning.
  • Measure both feet when standing (weight bearing) and sitting. Measure your feet from the back of your heel to the longest toe. Measure your width across the widest part of the foot.You should measure the width of your feet when standing.
  • Fit your shoes to the larger foot. Most people have one foot that is larger than the other, so make sure you measure BOTH feet. Adjustments can be made to your footwear to help fit the smaller foot.
  • Don’t rely on the shoe size alone. Just like clothes, the size marked inside the shoe may fit different depending on the brand. Your shoe size is just a starting point in selecting the correct shoe.
  • Check the width of the shoe. The ball of your foot (the widest part just before your toes begin) should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
  • Check the depth of the shoe. The shoe should be deep enough to fit your toes, especially if you have hammertoes or other conditions. If the shoe’s toe box is too small, your toes will rub against the top of the shoe and you will get calluses or sores.
  • Purchase footwear that matches the general shape of your foot. Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole.
  • Check the space at the end of the shoe. Stand up and make sure there is about the width of your finger between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Always wear the socks you intend on wearing when trying on shoes. A thicker sock will require a larger size shoe.
  • Always stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable and fit well They should not rub or chafe anywhere. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking. Make sure there are no pressure points from seams.
  • Don’t rely on shoes stretching over time. They should fit well when you buy them.
  • Shoes should have a comfortable snug fit but should not feel tight or binding.

2. How To Measure Your Feet

This is a quick and easy tool that will help you find your proper size and width.  Print out one of our size guides and measure your feet before you order.  The instructions are conveniently included on the document.  

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

3. Sizing & Conversion

Shoe sizes can vary between shoe companies because of the lasts they use. A last is a form that a shoe is moulded around. Each company uses their own lasts and they may be different. A size 8 New Balance will not fit the same as a size 8 Nike. Shoe sizes will vary from each manufacturer. Most brands do their best to maintain consistency in fittings. This is often how people select their shoes. If the shoes are very comfortable, you probably will look to the brand first. Many companies source their footwear from different factories and different countries every year. At Alfa Slippers we monitor the consistency of fit and only carry footwear that we understand the fit of. You can trust our professional fitters both in person and online.