Proper fit for a shoe?

Hey guys,

I've been looking for some shoes recently (specifically casual sneakers), and having some issues with sizing so I thought I'd ask here.

In particular I'm wondering how long is too long. I've heard that anywhere from 1/8th of an inch to a full inch of space is OK to leave at the end of the shoe, where the toes are. A thumbnail width has also been mentioned.

In trying on some shoes the past few week I've noticed that there seems to be closer to an inch of space at the end of the shoe and it does feel kind of funny when I walk, at least in terms of where the shoe is bending at the start of my toes.

However, I've noticed I've for at least an inch if not more space in the two pair of shoes I am currently alternating, and things worked out well in there. Maybe I just got used to the bend and it stopped being an issue, or maybe it's just a harder shoe and didn't bend as much.

Is there a standard amount of space I should be leaving at the end of the shoe? If it feels a little long but I'm not stepping out of the shoe is it alright? Does this totally depend on the shoe (less room in a runner vs a longer, pointed dress shoe?)

I imagine some of it comes down to personal preference as well.

Hope you guys have some advice.

Thanks,
m

To answer your question, I'd say a thumbnail's space at the toe is appropriate for sneakers, but that may not be the best answer, because there's a lot to consider.

Just like in dressier shoes, the sneaker should fit in the instep first and then the heel.  Most stores will measure your feet if you ask, so you should find out if your feet are a little wider or narrower than averege to determine a little more about what fits.

Also, most experts on the subject say that you should go up a half-size above your street shoe size, and if you plan to run in them (i.e. technical running shoes) they may need to be a full size longer.

In additon, some shoes tend to have different quirks in regard to fit.  Modern athletic shoes tend to run shorter and narrower, while old fashioned styles tend to be truer to size and wider.  

To complicate matters more, throw in brand quirks.  Modern Nikes tend to run shorter and narrower overall, while old-school Nikes are full bodied and true to size.  New Balance tends to be a fuller fit regardless of width.  Adidas and Puma tend to have a narrow fit overall, but especially in the older styles (though the Puma Suede/Clyde is built on a EEE last.)  I haven't worn Reebok in ages so I can't comment on them.

Confused?  Hope not.  Good luck.

1/8" would not be enough room. Even if they feel ok on the quick tryout, once you start walking in them your toe will hit the front, and don't forget about height of toebox and how this fits your foot as well. I tend to like my toes to have room, so now I go for a wider toe box, and that does not mean square toed.....I have narrow feet and in order to make shoes fit I was always sized down, this of course resulted in damage to my feet, so I am very particular about shoe fit and I only buy from companies that make different lasts and widths. You really need to try on shoes and see what works for you, good toe room, minial to no slippage in the heel, comfort around the instep. As shoes break in some slippage at the heel will self correct, but that is generally with stiff souled shoes. Some shoes can be worn closer to the toe and some people like a close fit, I like room in the toe with a nice close fit around the rest of the foot, and remember, your foot swells as the day goes on.

How about for dress shoes? I'm breaking in a pair I recently bought in my size, but that have about an inch of room at the top. I've got a dime-sized hole on the top of one foot (yes, I mean a hole in my foot ), and both feet are getting pinched on top just behind the cap. Just about broken-in, though.

How about for dress shoes? I'm breaking in a pair I recently bought in my size, but that have about an inch of room at the top. I've got a dime-sized hole on the top of one foot (yes, I mean a hole in my foot

), and both feet are getting pinched on top just behind the cap. Just about broken-in, though.

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You need to go to a reputable shoe store and have your feet professionally measured. Â This sort of stuff shouldn't happen. Â Like I said above, get a proper fit in the instep and then fit the heel. Â Those two things are more important than the length of the shoe because of the way the foot bends.

I had to lookup instep and cap on google but after getting the info that makes some good sense.

Thanks for the info guys.

m

If a shoe does not fit/feel good when you try it on don't buy it..there is a certain amount of breakin, but it shoud not be painful. The advise to go to a reputable shoe shop and get fitted it good advise, but be careful, some folks doing the fitting really do not know what they are doing. Find a shop that has been around for many years and ask for the owner or the manager of the department to do the fitting. Believe it or not Nordstroms has a good mens shoe department and the managers are generally very knowledgeable...good luck.