Mis-Matched Sized Shoes for Different Sizes Feet

SOME SIZE DIFFERENCE IS NORMAL

60% of the population have different size feet that is picked up when measuring at a shoe store. Contrary to popular belief, the left foot is 80% of the time, the larger foot.

HALF SIZE DIFFERENCE OR ONE WIDTH DIFFERENCE

So a half size difference is very common and you will normally fit the the larger foot in oxfords. The definition of a true shoe size is that it will have one full size of length or space (3/8 of an inch) beyond the end of the toes. So if you have a difference of a half size, you would have the full size beyond the toes of the longest foot and a size and a half, 9/16 of an inch, beyond the end of the toes of the shorter foot. In other words, you will ignore the difference and fit the larger foot. This is usually true for all tie shoes, adjustable hook and loop closure strap shoes and athletic shoes. Remember, you have to convert true foot size to shoe.

SHOES A LITTLE LOOSE

In very open shoes like dress shoes, you may have to modify size of shoe. In pumps, flats and loafers, you may have to fit the shorter foot. This is especially true if the smaller foot is also narrower. These shoes are open, less contact with the foot, therefore looser to begin with. They can not be adjusted tighter as they are worn and tend to stretch and get looser with time. Therefore, you have a need to tighten the fit. When new, slip on shoes should be tight or at least snug on the instep of the foot. Dress shoes and slip on shoes are held on by contact with the instep of the foot as they stretch, they will only get looser. If loose in the beginning, the heels will slip and shoes drop away from the foot as the instep stretches. Another solution is to fit the same length and go down one width. If the shoe is loose, one of these two changes should solve the situation. Another minor correction is to add an innersole inside the shoe of the smaller foot.

Sizes are like a diamond. Two lengths, two widths. All four combinations will be close. Some may not be able to feel the differences. In others, two size combinations will be poor and the other two so close that you may have to make a judgment call, as both are good. One may be slightly better, but it will be splitting hairs.

FULL SIZE DIFFERENCE OR MORE AND/OR MORE THAN ONE WIDTH DIFFERENCE

From the above explanations, we now get more complex. For a full size difference, you fit the size between the two feet. So you measure a 7 1/2 and a 8 1/2 on the other foot. We will pretend the intended shoe fits true. You would buy a size 8. Remember, a shoe that fits true has one full size of toe room beyond the end of the toes by definition. So a true 8 has toe room to a 9 on the measuring device. So your 7 1/2 would have a size and a half in front of the toes and a half size in front of the toes on the larger foot.

In widths, you may again have to add or remove an insole in the shoe to compensate for the lack of volume of the smaller foot. The thickness of the insole will depend on the difference of the two feet. If both feet are close in length, this is a real easy fix. However, it there is a lot of length and width differences. Our Drew Shoes line offers layered insoles so removing is an easy fix.

MORE THAN A FULL SIZE DIFFERENCE IN LENGTH TO MULTIPLE DIFFERENCES

You can fit a size and a half difference without mis-mating, however, you have to fit the larger foot a full size short. Measure 9 put in a size 8 (If the shoes fit true - adjust the size if the shoes fit long or short). There will be no room in front of the toes of the longer foot. The shorter foot will have a size and a half in front of the toes. The other possible solution is to fit the larger foot a half size short (only a half size toe room) and give the smaller foot two full sizes in front of the toes.

In some cases mis-mates would be better for foot health and long term protection of the feet. However, if money is a problem, the same compromise as for a size and a half difference. The small foot will then have two full sizes of room in front of the toes. Insoles will almost always be demanded for the smaller foot.

Over 1 1/2 size in length difference will always indicate mis-mating the shoes as a solution.

ORDERING MIS-MATES

Visit our Mismatched Shoes for Men and our Mismatched Shoes for Women for the entire selection of shoes available for this program.

To order mismatched shoes email us with your size information to cservice@healthyshoestore.com or call us toll free at 866.510.7463.

Mis-Matched Sized Shoes for Different Sizes Feet

Different Sized Feet