How to Calculate Shoe Size?

A good shoe should make you feel good not only with its appearance but also with its comfort. Of course, the main rule for comfortable shoes is to choose the right shoe size. Shoe sizes follow some standard measurements. These measurements may vary depending on the country or shoe brand. But basically it is calculated based on the length and width of a foot taken in centimeters. Sizes of women's, men's, children's and baby's shoes are limited at certain intervals.

The shoe sizes used in Turkey correspond to the same sizes used in Europe. The numbers corresponding to a certain size in centimeters are the shoe size and may vary depending on the unit of measurement used by the country. The shoes you buy in Turkey are calculated using a shoe measurement method called the Paris Point system. Although the same system is used in many countries, shoe sizes are shown with different numbers. Due to the anatomical differences of men, women and children, measurements taken in centimeters are converted into shoe sizes with different molds.

How to Take Foot Measurements and Determine Shoe Size?

To take foot measurements, first measure foot length in centimeters. Some methods are used to measure accurately and foot width and length are determined precisely. Since each person's toe, comb width and heel width may differ anatomically, the most accurate measurement is always taken carefully. The measurements in centimeters are then matched with the corresponding number on the shoe size chart.

You can follow these steps to take foot measurements:

A blank A4 paper is taped flat to the floor at its corners.
The foot is placed vertically and centered on the paper.
A line is drawn from the end points of the longest toe of the foot (usually the thumb) and the heel.
The distance between the lines drawn on the paper is measured with the help of a ruler.
The foot length in centimeters is compared with the size chart used by the shoe brand.
If your feet are wider than normal and you want to find out your metatarsal width, you can do the following:

The foot is placed on A4 paper fixed to the floor.
A line is drawn from the widest points of the metatarsal bones.
The distance between the drawn lines is measured with a ruler to find the foot width.
People with wide metatarsal bones can be comfortable by choosing shoes half a size larger.
Another method you can use to calculate shoe size for children is as follows:

One foot is placed on the white paper fixed to the floor while standing upright.
The contour of the foot is carefully drawn with a pencil.
The distance between the heel and the longest toe (length) and between the thumb bone and the little finger bone (width) are measured with a ruler.
The same process is repeated for the other foot because people may have one foot larger than the other.
The shoe size is selected based on the foot that is longer and wider.

What are the Differences Between Shoe Sizes in Different Countries?

Countries use different shoe sizes according to their own units of measurement. You can quickly find the information you need for international number comparison with a little research. Since international measurements vary, it is useful to check which system the product you choose uses.

The French-origin Paris measurement system used in Türkiye and Europe is based on foot length. After measuring the foot length for shoes, molds are produced by adding 1 cm to the resulting number. For this reason, it is one of the methods that gives the most comfortable results for wide feet. The pont - punt - point system used in Türkiye and Europe can be seen in many brands. There are no half numbers in this measurement system, only whole numbers. For example, if size 36 shoes are too small, choose a larger size, 37. In the pont system, 3 numbers change every 2 centimeters, each pont is calculated as 0.6 cm. The French measurement system is included on the shoe label with the words TR and EU (Europe).

United States shoe sizes are marked US on the label. Usually women's numbers start from 5. Two different systems are used in the USA: Standard and International scales. The two numbering systems differ by half. The US international measurement system has half sizes, similar to the UK shoe measurement system, and changes one half size every 4.233 millimeters. In the standard measurement system, the +1 formula is applied between men's and women's sizes.

The same measurement system is used in countries such as England, Pakistan, South Africa and Ireland, where UK is expressed. It is a development of the old English Barleycorn system. Shoe sizes increase and decrease over 8.47 mm, i.e. 1/3 inch. Although the same numbering system is generally used for men and women, it may vary depending on the brand.

Shoe measurement systems used in other countries are as follows:

Although Canada uses standard numbers similar to the American system, children's, women's and men's numbers are generally calculated without adding +1.
In Japan, Taiwan and China, foot length and circumference are calculated and displayed in centimeters. Foot widths are expressed with different letters such as A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
The French Paris Point system is used in countries on the European continent such as Germany, Belgium, Denmark and Italy.
How to Determine Foot Size in Children?
Because children are constantly evolving, choosing shoes can be a challenging issue. You can find your child's current foot size by using the foot measurement methods for shoe size explained above. It is also possible to use shoe scales created by brands according to age, height and weight. However, since the developmental path of every child is not the same, the best result is found by taking foot measurements. Standard number tables therefore may not always work.

If your child's toe rests on the front part when he/she puts on the shoes and stands up, it may be time to buy a new shoe. If the front part of the shoe is too hard to be pressed, you can remove the insole and compare it with the measurement you took to understand the change in the size. Although it is common for children to choose shoes that are 1 size larger, the healthiest ones are the ones purchased according to their current foot size.

What are the Shoe Size Calculation Formulas?

Foot length and width can be calculated using different methods such as using a foot measuring device, taking measurements on paper, or measuring from insoles. Although foot molds may vary depending on the brand and even the model, these measurements generally give the most accurate results. When shopping in different countries, you can find the right model by using a shoe size converter. Entering the measurements in millimeters and centimeters is usually sufficient. However, if we talk about the different formulas used to calculate shoe size according to countries:

Paris Point: 3/2 x foot length + 2
United States (US) Method: 3 x foot length in inches – 22
United Kingdom (UK) Method: 3 x foot length in inches – 23
Canadian Method: 3 x foot length in inches - 22
How to Calculate Size for Women's, Men's and Children's Shoes?
There may be differences between women, men and children in the shoe size determination systems used depending on the country. While some measurement systems do not discriminate against gender, many include it in the calculation due to anatomical differences. For example, in the Paris Point system, which is also used in Turkey, 29 centimeters corresponds to number 47 for women and number 45 for men. For men, a foot of the same size would be 46 feet in China, 10.5 in Australia, 45 in Europe, and 11.5 in America.

What are the things to consider when determining shoe size?

If you want to determine your shoe size, you can get better results by paying attention to the following:

Since the feet swell in the evening hours, afternoons are suitable for measurement time. Measurement made by calculating foot swelling allows you to choose a comfortable shoe at all hours of the day.
To choose the right shoes, seasons and models should also be taken into consideration. For example, you may want to wear thick socks inside your boots and boots in winter. Therefore, by calculating the sock thickness, you can buy 1 size larger.
Although a half size difference does not have much of an impact on casual shoes, it can make a big difference, especially if you are choosing sports shoes. When the foot is exposed to harsh movements during sports, a half size difference may cause problems such as swelling and blistering.
Foot measurements should always be taken while standing, and shoes should be tried on while standing upright. Because when a person stands up, the base expands and when sitting, it narrows because it does not fully press on the ground.
What is the Shoe Size Unit of Measurement and How is It Calculated?
Shoe measurement units are calculated using different formulas in cm or inches. Shoe sizes are calculated by dividing the calculations in inches into shares according to country. It is converted into shoe size by making different additions and subtractions for men and women. Shoe measurement units are not only included in the calculation in centimeters, they are processed and converted into a system of shoe size increases and decreases with small differences.

It is important to always choose the right size and product for foot health. Shoes are not just a part of clothing, they are one of the most important tools that people use in their lives. You can always find quality shoes in the Derimarket range and use them in a healthy way. If you need stylish leather and fur bags to combine your shoes, don't forget to take a look at women's bag models!