I wear a size ____

So you walk into the shoe section of your favorite department store and find a style you simply cannot live without. You turn to the associate and say "I would like to see these in a size ___." The associate brings out the style in the size you requested....but the shoes do not fit. 

Sound familiar? 

Stating your shoe size is a habit and not necessarily the best habit to have. Plain and simple, your feet change over time from genetics, weight fluctuations, trauma and illness just to name a few. Instead of stating "I would like to see these in a size ___." try "Would you please measure my feet, I would like to try on some styles." this simple request will lead you to more options for you to consider and help the associate select the right size for your foot type.

Measuring each foot requires using a brannock device which tells the associate the length and width of each foot. Feet are often different sizes so both feet should be measured. Shoes should be fit to the larger foot. When each foot is measured, socks should be worn. The socks worn should be the type you are planning to wear with the shoes i.e. dress socks/hosiery for dress shoes versus athletic socks for sport shoes.

How often should you have your feet measured? While it would be great to have your feet measured each time, at least once or twice a year is helpful. Keep in mind, shoe manufacturer's vary in sizing just like jean sizes so even though you may measure a size 7, the fitter may bring out a half to whole size larger or smaller depending on how the shoes are sized.

So the next time you are shoe shopping, get your feet measured. It will lead to happy feet when you wear the correct size of shoe!