How to measure your foot and find your sandal size

Ordering footwear online is easier when you know your measurements rather than guessing from an old pair. Sizes can vary between brands and even between styles, so a measurement in centimetres is the most reliable starting point.

What you need

• A sheet of paper larger than your foot
• A pen or pencil
• A ruler or measuring tape
• A wall or a door frame to stand against

Step by step

1. Measure later in the day. Feet are often slightly larger in the evening, especially after a lot of walking or standing.
2. Place the paper on a hard floor with one edge against the wall.
3. Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall and your weight evenly on both feet. Wear the kind of socks you would normally wear with the footwear, or go barefoot for sandals.
4. Ask someone to mark the tip of your longest toe — which is not always the big toe. Keep the pen upright.
5. Measure from the edge of the paper to the mark. That is your foot length.
6. Repeat for the other foot. It is common for one foot to be a little longer; use the longer measurement.

Turning your measurement into a size

Compare your foot length with the size chart on the Amazon.in listing of the product you want. Each listing’s chart reflects that particular style, so check it even if you know your usual size.

• In open sandals and thongs, your heel should sit fully on the footbed with a little room in front of your toes.
• In strap sandals, adjustable straps can make up for width differences, but not for length.
• If you are between sizes, many people choose the larger size in open styles and use the straps to fine-tune.

Width matters too

If shoes often feel tight across the widest part of your foot, look for adjustable hook-and-loop straps. They let you open the sandal wider and fasten it where it is comfortable.