In the final part of our series on finding the perfect fit, we’re looking at trying on your shoes and how they should feel on your feet.
It’s important to remember that each brand, from Crockett & Jones to Corthay, will size their shoes slightly differently - so there’s no substitute for trying them on and seeing how they feel.
How should your shoes feel on your feet?
When thinking about the fitting of a shoe and how it should feel on your foot, we find it easiest to split the foot in three sections: toes, mid-foot/arch and heels.
The toes shouldn't feel squashed or cramped and there should be a tiny bit of wriggle room at the front of the shoe. The length of shoe is never going to stretch, so if your toes are at the end of the shoe or being crushed, you will need to size up in length or width.
The midfoot/arch should feel snug but not overly tight or loose. If the arch is properly supported you should feel little to no pressure at this part of the foot. The shoe ideally should 'hug' the arch of the foot.
The heels should have minimal movement. A little bit of movement is fine with loafers, monk straps and boots. However, if your feet are popping out of the shoes when you step or if there is significant movement the shoe may be too wide or too large for you. If you are suffering with heel slip, a tongue pad can be a good remedy to solve this and help lock the foot in place by reducing the instep.
Overall, you should be looking for a snug fit, not too tight and not too loose. You should feel the shoes all around the foot, as if you are wearing a well fitting pair of gloves. A well fitting pair of leather shoes will mould to your feet the more you wear them and will loosen over time, especially in width and at the footbed. Thus, it is important to not to choose a pair that are too loose as they will become even looser over time.
Wear the right socks
Always make sure you’re wearing the same type of sock that you will wear in the shoes on a regular basis. Close fitting dress socks which aren’t overly thick tend to work best.
How long should I wear them for?
It’s important to note that while shoes often take a little time to wear in, they should feel comfortable from the beginning - if they hurt in your first try, it’s likely they don’t fit as they should.
We encourage customers to wear purchased shoes for around 30 minutes on a carpeted surface around the house. Do not wear them outside as you could scratch or damage the sole which may mean you won't be able to return them. This will give you the best idea as to whether they are the right size.
If they aren't quite right, don't worry - at Abbot’s we offerfree UK returns and easy International returns in case you need to change your shoes.
Ask the experts
Abbot’s are always on hand to help you find the perfect shoe size for you. So if you have any questions, feel free toget in touchvia our email or give us a call!
Read part two: What's My width?
