When checking for the perfect fit, our expert fitters are checking for six main points!

1. Length
2. Width
3. Depth
4. Ankle support
5. Heel grip
6. Watching walking

What do these really mean when we break it down? To understand these points, we first need to understand the support and structure of a show, let’s call this ‘Anatomy of a Shoe’.

Now that we know the technical names for each part of our shoe, we can breakdown our six point fit check and what it means.

1. Length: determined by the measurement of the insole (so from the heel counter, also known as, the heel cup to the toe cap).
2. Width: when checking for width, we are usually looking at the measurement across the toe box as this is where the widest point of the foot usually sits.
3. Depth: we are usually talking about the space from the insole to the instep and toe cap. If a shoe is considered to be deep, there is generous space between the insole and instep/toe cap. If a shoe is considered to be shallow, the instep and/or toe cap is low-lying.
4. Ankle support: depending on the needs of the foot, the height of the collar plays a major part in the support of the ankle. For example, after determining length, width, and depth we know the foot shape and measurement and can determine other potential foot needs such as a narrow Achilles. This could result in a higher collar shoe such as a boot that has extra padding to support the narrow back.
5. Heel grip: this could be as simple as whether a shoe has a heel cup at all or the firmness of a heel cup. If a shoe is too narrow it can often result in a narrow heel counter which could cause friction blisters. This works the same way on the other end of the spectrum – if a shoe is too wide the heel cup could also be wide, this could cause slipping and movement around the heel, also potentially resulting in pain and blisters from rubbing.
6. Watching walking: this is where five of our previous fit points can be properly checked. When checking walking we can see exactly how the shoe manoeuvres when the individual is walking in their natural state. It is important to go for a decent walk while in the store to ensure there is no pain or unnecessary movement that could cause problems later.

Now you’ve got the knowledge! Whether you’re in-store or shopping online you know what to look for when purchasing your next pair!