Finding the right size for orthopedic shoes is essential for both comfort and therapeutic benefit. Unlike conventional footwear, orthopedic shoes address specific foot conditions and require more precise fitting. Wearing ill-fitting orthopedic shoes can not only diminish their therapeutic value but potentially exacerbate existing foot problems.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the process of determining your correct size for orthopedic footwear, addressing the unique considerations that differ from regular shoe shopping.

Why Proper Sizing Matters More for Orthopedic Shoes

Before diving into measurement techniques, it's important to understand why accurate sizing is particularly critical for orthopedic footwear:

  • Therapeutic Function: Orthopedic shoes are designed to provide specific support, alignment correction, or pressure relief. These benefits can only be fully realized when the shoe fits properly.
  • Condition Management: Many people seeking orthopedic shoes have existing foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or diabetes-related sensitivity. Proper fit helps manage these conditions rather than worsen them.
  • Structural Differences: Orthopedic shoes often have deeper toe boxes, wider widths, and specific support features positioned at anatomical points. When sized incorrectly, these features won't align with your foot's structure.
  • Accommodation for Orthotics: Many orthopedic shoe wearers use custom orthotics, which require additional space and consideration.

Understanding Orthopedic Shoe Sizing Differences

Orthopedic shoe sizing often includes more variables than standard footwear:

Length Measurements

While length is measured in standard numerical sizes, orthopedic brands may use different scaling or have their own size charts. Some European orthopedic brands use different conversion charts than fashion footwear.

Width Options

Orthopedic shoes typically offer multiple width options, often using letters such as:

  • N or A = Narrow
  • M or B = Medium (standard women's width)
  • W, D, or C = Wide
  • WW, 2E, or EE = Extra Wide
  • 3E or EEE = Triple Extra Wide

Many orthopedic shoe brands offer widths up to 6E for those who need significant additional space.

Depth Measurements

Unlike conventional shoes, orthopedic footwear often specifies depth dimensions:

  • Standard depth
  • Extra depth (for high insteps or orthotics)
  • Double depth (for severe deformities or thick custom orthotics)

Heel-to-Ball Measurement

Some orthopedic shoes consider the length from heel to the ball of your foot (where it bends) to ensure proper alignment of the shoe's flex point with your foot's natural bend.

How to Measure Your Feet Accurately

Follow these steps for the most accurate measurement when shopping for orthopedic shoes:

Best Time to Measure

Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening when they are typically at their largest due to natural swelling throughout the day. This ensures your shoes will fit comfortably even when your feet are at their fullest.

Tools You'll Need

  • A ruler or measuring tape
  • A piece of blank paper larger than your foot
  • A pencil
  • Thin socks (similar to what you'll wear with the shoes)

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

1. Tracing Your Foot

  1. Place the blank paper on a hard, flat floor against a wall
  2. Sit on a chair and place your foot on the paper with your heel against the wall
  3. Keep your weight distributed evenly (partial weight-bearing position)
  4. Use the pencil to trace around your entire foot, keeping the pencil perpendicular to the floor
  5. Mark the widest points on both sides of your foot

2. Measuring Length

  1. Use the ruler to measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe on your tracing
  2. Record this measurement in millimeters for the most accuracy

3. Measuring Width

  1. Measure across the widest part of your foot tracing (usually at the ball of the foot)
  2. Record this measurement in millimeters

4. Measuring Both Feet

  1. Repeat the process for both feet, as most people have slight size differences between their feet
  2. Always use measurements from the larger foot when selecting shoe size

5. Measuring Instep Height (Optional but Recommended)

  1. While seated, wrap measuring tape around the highest part of your instep
  2. This measurement can help determine if you need extra depth footwear

Using a Brannock Device

If available, a Brannock Device (the metal measuring tool found in shoe stores) provides accurate measurements for:

  • Foot length
  • Arch length (heel-to-ball)
  • Foot width

Many orthopedic shoe retailers have these devices and can assist with proper measurement.

Converting Measurements to Orthopedic Shoe Sizes

Once you have your measurements, consult the specific brand's size chart for the most accurate conversion. Different orthopedic shoe manufacturers may have slightly different sizing standards.

General Size Conversion Guidelines

For length, use this approximate conversion (but always check brand-specific charts):

  • UK sizing is typically one full size smaller than US sizing
  • European sizing uses a different scale altogether

Width Determinations

Width needs often correlate with both the width measurement and the length. Wider feet typically need proportionally wider shoes at each length increment.

Allowing for Orthotics

If you use custom orthotics or inserts:

  • Consider going up half a size in length
  • Look for shoes specifically labeled as "orthotic-friendly" or with removable insoles
  • Choose shoes with extra depth if your orthotics are thick

Special Considerations for Common Foot Conditions

Bunions and Hammertoes

If you have bunions or hammertoes:

  • Look for shoes with a wider toe box
  • Consider shoes labeled as "stretchable" in the forefoot
  • You may need a wider width than your measurements suggest

Diabetes

For diabetic feet:

  • Consider extra depth shoes with seamless interiors
  • Choose one-half to one full size larger than standard shoes
  • Ensure there's at least 3/8 inch (1 cm) of space beyond your longest toe

Edema or Swelling

If your feet regularly swell:

  • Consider adjustable closure systems like Velcro
  • Look for shoes labeled as "adjustable" or "stretchable"
  • Measure your feet at their most swollen state

Flat Feet or High Arches

For these structural variations:

  • Flat feet often need wider widths and stability features
  • High arches typically require cushioning and extra depth

The Fitting Process: What to Look For

When trying on orthopedic shoes, assess the following:

Proper Toe Room

  • There should be approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch (1-1.3 cm) of space between your longest toe and the shoe's end
  • You should be able to wiggle your toes freely

Width Comfort

  • The widest part of your foot should align with the widest part of the shoe
  • There should be no pressure points along the sides of your feet
  • The shoe shouldn't slip on your heel but shouldn't pinch either

Midfoot and Heel Fit

  • The arch support should align with your foot's arch
  • Your heel should be securely positioned without slipping
  • The shoe shouldn't gap at the sides when you're standing

Walking Test

  • Walk on hard surfaces to test the fit
  • The shoes should flex where your foot naturally bends
  • There should be no slipping, rubbing, or pinching

When to Seek Professional Fitting Assistance

Consider professional fitting from a pedorthist or orthopedic footwear specialist if:

  • You have complex foot deformities
  • You've had foot surgery
  • You have diabetes with neuropathy
  • You've had persistent fit issues despite careful measurement
  • You use custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist

Many orthopedic shoe retailers offer professional fitting services with staff trained in accommodating various foot conditions.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Beware of these common pitfalls when sizing orthopedic shoes:

  • Assuming your size is the same across all brands
  • Not measuring both feet
  • Measuring feet while standing (this can distort measurements)
  • Ignoring width measurements
  • Buying shoes too small in hopes they'll "break in"
  • Not considering depth requirements for orthotics
  • Shopping for shoes early in the morning before feet have naturally expanded

Conclusion

Taking the time to correctly measure your feet and understand orthopedic shoe sizing pays dividends in comfort and therapeutic benefit. While the process may seem more involved than shopping for conventional shoes, the improved comfort and potential reduction in foot pain make the effort worthwhile.

At Trick-Charge, we understand the importance of proper sizing for orthopedic footwear. Our customer service team is available to assist with sizing questions, and we provide detailed size charts for all our products. Remember that investing in properly sized orthopedic shoes is an investment in your mobility, comfort, and overall foot health.

For personalized sizing assistance or questions about specific orthopedic shoe models, don't hesitate to contact our team of orthopedic footwear specialists.