0537 395 78 95Whatsapp Destek Hattı

Ana Sayfa Blog Leather Footwear How to Measure Your Foot Size When Buying Shoes Online? The Definitive Guide | Derimarket
How to Measure Your Foot Size When Buying Shoes Online? The Definitive Guide | Derimarket
11 March 2026 | Update: 11 March 2026
Leather Footwear

How to Measure Your Foot Size When Buying Shoes Online? The Definitive Guide | Derimarket

Online shopping is now a natural part of everyday life. You can order a leather boot you like or a stylish sneaker with a single click and have it delivered to your door. However, when it comes to shoes, the first question that always comes to mind is the same:

“Will it actually fit my feet?”

Trying shoes in a store is easy. With just a few steps you can understand whether the heel slips or whether the toes feel tight. Online, however, you only see numbers and a “Buy Now” button. Choosing the wrong size can lead to frustrating results such as return processes, waiting for shipping, and items going out of stock.

However, choosing the correct shoe size is not a game of chance. It is a matter of measurement and correct interpretation. As Derimarket, with the experience of matching thousands of customers with the right shoes over the years, we prepared this guide. By the time you finish reading it, you will be able to determine not only your own shoe size but also the correct size for your loved ones with confidence.

Quick Summary

  • Shoe size is not fixed; it varies depending on the last, material and country standards.
  • Always measure your feet in the evening when they have carried the weight of the day.
  • The most reliable home method is the paper method; measure both feet and use the larger one.
  • Not only length but also the width of the foot is critical for choosing the right size.
  • Genuine leather stretches sideways but does not lengthen; suede adapts faster to the shape of the foot.
  • Boots with genuine sheepskin lining may feel tight on the first day but soon adapt to the shape of the foot.
  • Buying children's shoes “a size bigger for next year” disrupts proper walking.
  • A proper fitting routine significantly reduces the possibility of returns.

The Shoe Size Myth: Why Every “38” Is Not the Same

Before starting the measurement, let’s clarify the most common misconception. Saying “My size is 38” does not mean you can buy size 38 from every brand. There are three main reasons for this.

Last Differences

The last is the structure on which the shoe is built, and each brand has its own last philosophy. It can even vary between different models of the same brand.

Slim and long Italian lasts and wider American lasts are among the most well-known examples of this difference.

In Derimarket product descriptions, the character of the last (narrow, regular or wide) is usually specified. However, for universal accuracy, centimeter measurement is always the most reliable reference.

Material Differences

Patent leather, suede and genuine leather may feel different on the foot even when they share the same last.

Especially in boots with lining such as Pegia and Cool Moon models made with sheepskin, the foot may feel more wrapped during the first wear. After several uses, the lining settles and the boot fits perfectly.

Country Standards

EU, UK and US sizing systems do not match exactly. US 7 may correspond to EU 37.5 in some charts and EU 38 in others. Therefore, instead of memorized conversions, the brand’s own centimeter size chart should always be used.

Before Measuring: The Right Time and Preparation

Golden Rule: Evening Measurement

Feet change in volume during the day. They are rested in the morning and carry the weight of the day in the evening.

Feet measured in the morning may cause shoes to feel tight in the evening. Therefore, measurements should always be taken in the evening.

Materials Needed

  • A piece of paper larger than your foot
  • A thin pencil
  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • Tape to fix the paper
  • The socks you plan to wear with the shoes

The Most Reliable Way to Measure Feet at Home: The Paper Method


Prepare the Surface

Place the paper on a hard surface. Carpets create flexibility and distort the measurement. Place the short side of the paper against a wall.

Take the Correct Position

Stand up and distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Measurements taken while sitting can be misleading. Lightly touch the wall with your heel.

Marking

Hold the pencil vertically and mark the tip of your longest toe.

The longest toe is not always the big toe. If the second toe is longer, use that as the reference.

Measurement

Measure the distance between the wall edge and the mark.

Measure both feet and use the larger measurement.

As Important as Length: Foot Width

The complaint “The size fits but it feels tight on the sides” is usually related to foot width.

The widest point of the foot lies between the base of the big toe and the little toe.

If this distance is above standard measurements, you likely have wide feet.

Tips for Wide Feet

  • Pointed toe models may feel narrow even in your usual size.
  • Lace-up models provide an advantage for adjusting width.
  • Pay attention to “wide fit” notes in product descriptions.

Finding the Right Size: Reading Size Charts

Now you have a clear measurement in centimeters. Open the brand’s size chart.

24.5 cm may not correspond to the same size in every brand.

Should I Leave Extra Space?

Yes. Your toes should move comfortably inside the shoe. Leaving about 0.5 – 1 cm of extra space is sufficient.

Special Cases: Leather, Suede and Sheepskin Boots

Boots with Sheepskin Lining

Feeling tight on the first wear is normal. The lining compresses slightly over time and adapts to the shape of your foot. As long as your toes do not hit the front firmly, choosing your normal size is the best option.

Men Shearling Boots

Genuine Leather Shoes

Leather stretches sideways but does not lengthen. Shoes that press from the front will not improve over time.

Suede Shoes

Suede is soft, adapts quickly and is one of the most comfortable options for wide feet.

Women's Loafer Shoes

Trying Shoes at Home When the Package Arrives

  • Try them on in the evening.
  • Test them on a carpet.
  • Wear your usual socks.
  • There should be about half a finger space between your toes and the front of the shoe.
  • Slight heel movement is normal; if it slips constantly, the size is too big.

The Most Common Mistake in Children's Shoes

Buying shoes “a size bigger so they can wear them next year” disrupts a child’s walking. In the thumb test, 1–1.5 cm of space is ideal. Since children’s feet grow quickly, regular measurement is essential.

Kids Shearling Boots

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If my feet are different sizes, which one should I use?

Always use the larger foot measurement. The smaller foot can be balanced with an insole.

Should extra space be left in high heels?

Yes, but minimal. Otherwise the heel will slip.

Are sneaker and classic shoe sizes the same?

Sports shoes are usually chosen half or one size larger.

Will Pegia or Cool Moon boots feel small in my normal size?

These models are designed with the sheepskin lining in mind. Choosing your normal size is the correct option.

If the shoe feels tight, will using a shoe stretcher help?

In genuine leather shoes, the width area can expand up to about half a size.

Conclusion: Conscious Measurement, Comfortable Steps

Shoe size is not a fixed identity detail. It varies depending on the brand, model and material.

When you follow the steps in this guide, buying shoes online stops being a risk and becomes an informed choice.

At Derimarket, shoes selected with the right measurement feel as if they were made specifically for your feet.

Remember: comfortable steps start with the right measurement.

CATEGORIES
POPULAR ARTICLES
WhatsApp Order
Working Hours
Weekdays 09.00 - 18.30
Home My Account My Favourites
Bonus Bankkart Maximum World CardFinans bonus paraf troy visa master ssl cloud 3d secure