Whether large or small, identifying the correct shoe size is indispensable to wearing comfort and foot health. There are various shoe sizing systems and measuring methods, which can cause confusion.
The average men’s shoe size in Germany is 42, and has been for at least 40 years. Even though people are, on average, getting taller, their feet aren’t necessarily growing in conjunction. Whether large or small, shoe size is immensely important—albeit complicated.
In general, shoe size is understood to mean the length of the shoe. In fact, it also refers to shoe width. Shoe sizes are usually provided in numerical values. However, the problem remains that there’s no universally accepted ordering principle for shoe sizes. Shoe manufacturers determine the size of shoes during the shoe production process. Moreover, there are various different units of measure in existence. For buyers, finding shoes with a perfect shoe fit is indispensable; shoe size is a determining factor in achieving a perfect fit. Proper shoe fit supports healthy feet, boosting foot function and strength.
England introduced the world’s first shoe sizing system
The numerous shoe sizing systems used today are rooted in longstanding tradition. The English king Edward II introduced the »size« as the unit of shoe measurement in 1324. In doing so, he bestowed upon his country the world’s first shoe measurement system. In 1880, the US introduced the first half-sizes, which were followed 20 years later by the first quarter-sizes.
However, the latter were quickly discarded due to excessive storage costs. Additional shoe sizing scales subsequently appeared across the globe. Modern consumers face a problem that didn’t exist 80 years ago: they take international travel for granted, and thanks to the Internet, goods can be purchased globally with little to no hassle. As a result, the modern shoe buyer is likely confronted with the dizzying confusion of shoe sizing systems used worldwide. In the 1980s, the Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization attempted to introduce a shoe sizing system (Mondopoint) that would enjoy universal recognition—unfortunately, this endeavour ended in failure.
Shoe sizing in continental Europe
The shoe sizing system commonly used in Europe draws upon a metric scale. Beginning with zero, this system identifies 15 as the smallest shoe size and 50 as the largest—in theory, at least. In practice, small sizes and large sizes are far more difficult to obtain than are pairs in common sizes.
In this system (which is sometimes known as Paris point), consecutive shoe sizes differ precisely 6.67 millimetres in length. Since this difference is occasionally too great for finding the perfect shoe fit (for those who fall somewhere between sizes), this sizing system isn’t used in the upscale shoe sector.
Other international shoe sizing systems include: the English, American, Japanese, Brannock, and Mondopoint systems.
Shoes in the same size can still differ greatly in length
Finding the proper shoe size can be difficult due to the numerous shoe sizing systems in existence; it can also be hindered by the different methods shoe manufacturers choose in determining shoe size. Some refer to the length of the shoe last in determining the size of the shoes they produce. Others refer to the length of the insole, while others still refer to the length of the foot itself. The consideration of all these various factors, as well as the various units of measurement in use, mean that shoes in the same size can actually differ in length and width.
The shoes available at SHOEPASSION.com also vary slightly from commonly used measurements. We’d strongly recommend that interested buyers avail themselves of our shoe measurement printout in order to gauge their SHOEPASSION.com size. It’s easy to use, and the buyer is guaranteed to find the perfect shoe.
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