How to Choose Footwear

How to Choose Footwear — Complete Guide for Men, Women & Kids

Buying shoes online is harder than buying clothes. Width matters. Arch support matters. And every brand fits differently.

This guide covers everything — from measuring your feet to making shoes last — so you can buy with confidence for the whole family.

Step 1 — Measure Your Feet Correctly

Most people wear the wrong shoe size. Here's how to get it right.

What you need: Paper, pen, ruler, and a wall.

  1. Place paper against the wall

  2. Stand on it with heel touching the wall

  3. Mark the longest toe (not the tip of the shoe)

  4. Measure from wall to mark

  5. Do both feet (one is often larger)

Size conversion:



Inches US Men US Women EU UK
9.25" 6 7.5 39 5.5
9.6" 7 8.5 40 6.5
10" 8 9.5 41 7.5
10.3" 9 10.5 42 8.5
10.6" 10 11.5 43 9.5
11" 11 12.5 44 10.5

Pro tip: Measure at the end of the day. Feet swell throughout the day. Morning measurements will be too small.

Step 2 — Width Matters More Than You Think



Width Letter Who it's for
Narrow A, AA, AAA Slim feet, women mostly
Medium B (women), D (men) Most people
Wide C, D (women), E, EE (men) Broader feet, bunions, high arches
Extra Wide EEE+ Very broad feet

If your toes feel cramped but length is correct, you need wide width. If your heel slips, you may need narrow.

Step 3 — Leather vs Synthetic vs Fabric



Material Durability Breathability Break-in Best For
Full-grain leather Excellent (5-10 years) Moderate 1-2 weeks Dress shoes, boots
Genuine leather Good (2-4 years) Moderate 1 week Casual shoes
Synthetic/vegan Fair (1-2 years) Poor None Budget, vegan
Mesh/fabric Good (2-3 years) Excellent None Sneakers, running
Suede Good Low None Casual, boots

What we sell: Leather options for durability, mesh for breathability. Avoid cheap synthetic — it cracks and doesn't breathe.

Step 4 — Arch Support (Your Feet Will Thank You)



Arch Type Test What to Look For
Low/flat Wet footprint shows almost entire foot Firm midsole, stability features
Medium Wet footprint shows curve along inside Neutral cushioning, wide range
High Wet footprint shows heel and ball only Soft cushioning, curved last

Not sure? Wet your foot, step on a paper bag. Compare to the descriptions above.

Most shoes have flat insoles. Good shoes have built-in arch support or removable insoles you can replace with custom orthotics.

Step 5 — How Shoes Should Fit (Try This Test)

When trying new shoes:

  • Thumb test: With shoes on, press thumb at the longest toe. You should have a thumb's width (about 0.5 inch) of space.

  • Heel test: Heel shouldn't slip more than 1/8 inch when walking.

  • Width test: You shouldn't see the sides of your foot bulging over the sole.

  • Toe test: You should be able to wiggle all toes.

If any of these fail, try a different size or width.

Step 6 — Types of Shoes and When to Wear Them

Casual:

  • Sneakers: Everyday, walking, errands

  • Loafers: Business casual, no-sock looks

  • Boat shoes: Summer, weekends, casual

Formal:

  • Oxfords: Suits, interviews, weddings (closed lacing)

  • Derbies: Dress pants, business casual (open lacing)

  • Monk straps: Dressy, no laces

Boots:

  • Chukka boots: Casual, jeans, chinos

  • Chelsea boots: Sleek, dressy-casual

  • Work boots: Outdoor, construction, heavy use

Athletic:

  • Running shoes: Maximum cushion, for running only

  • Cross-trainers: Versatile, gym, classes

  • Walking shoes: Firm sole, rocker bottom

Step 7 — Kids' Shoes (What Parents Need to Know)

Kids' feet grow fast. On average:



Age Shoe Size How Often to Replace
1-2 years 4-7 Every 2-3 months
3-5 years 8-11 Every 3-4 months
6-10 years 12-3 Every 4-6 months
11+ years 4+ Every 6-12 months

Signs your kid needs new shoes:

  • Complaints of foot pain

  • Visible wear on soles

  • Toes touching the end

  • Blisters or red marks

For toddlers: Flexible sole, wide toe box, no laces (Velcro or slip-on).

For older kids: Same fit rules as adults — thumb's width of space, heel doesn't slip.

Step 8 — Shoe Care (Make Them Last)

Do:

  • Use shoe trees (cedar absorbs moisture)

  • Rotate between 2+ pairs (shoes need 24 hours to dry)

  • Clean leather with damp cloth and conditioner

  • Wash mesh/fabric with mild soap, air dry

  • Apply waterproofing spray to suede and leather

Don't:

  • Wear the same shoes every day

  • Put shoes in dryer or near radiator

  • Use harsh chemicals (bleach, alcohol)

  • Ignore worn soles (resole before holes appear)

A well-cared-for leather shoe can last 5-10 years. A neglected shoe lasts 6-12 months.

Step 9 — When to Replace Your Shoes



Shoe Type Replace After Signs
Running shoes 300-500 miles Heel worn, no cushion
Casual shoes 1-2 years Sole wear, broken lining
Dress shoes 3-5 years (can resole) Holes, cracked leather
Kids' shoes When outgrown Toes at end, no room

Step 10 — Shipping, Returns & Duties for US Buyers

  • Free worldwide shipping — including all 50 US states

  • Duties and taxes included — no surprise fees

  • 30-day easy returns — no restocking fee

  • Free exchanges on wrong sizes

FAQ — Quick Answers

How do I know my shoe size if I'm between sizes?
Size up. You can always add an insole or wear thicker socks. Too small can't be fixed.

Do your shoes have arch support?
Most do. Check product descriptions for "cushioned insole" or "arch support." Some have removable insoles for orthotics.

Can I return shoes that don't fit?
Yes — 30-day returns. Shoes must be unworn (tried on carpet is fine). No restocking fee.

Do you ship to all US states?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam.

How long do your shoes last?
With proper care, 2-5 years depending on material and use frequency.

What about vegan shoes?
We carry synthetic/vegan options clearly labeled. They last 1-2 years with normal use.

© Family Shopolf — Premium footwear for men, women, and kids. Free shipping to the US. Duties included.