How to choose the right size when buying shoes in the USA
Everyone sometimes has situations like this, when new shoes suddenly become “not suitable” after purchase. You spent a long time choosing them, tried them on several times, and the price was not the cheapest. And now — they rub somewhere, pinch somewhere, press somewhere. As a result, the shoes are simply put away in the closet and wait for better times. But all of this is not without reason, and then the question arises: how do you choose the right shoe size?
First, you need to understand the question: what type of shoes you need, and for what purpose. For example, if these are high-heeled shoes that are worn several times a year, then comfort is not so important here. They may be very elegant and beautiful, and completely uncomfortable. A couple of times a year, you can put up with it. But when it comes to everyday shoes that you spend the whole day in, you need to know how to choose them not only by appearance. They should not stretch if you want your foot to fit snugly. Or if you are buying them with the expectation that “I’ll break them in,” you need to be careful, because not every shoe has the ability to stretch.
You need to choose shoes by US size, width, and type of material.
- Conversion tables for American clothing and shoe sizes to Russian sizes.
16.05.2025
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Choosing by US size
There are French (35-48) and English (2-12) shoe sizes. Shoes should not be too small, otherwise you can end up with a foot deformity, or become the owner of “that very” protruding bunion on the side. If the shoes are too big, there is too much room left in them for stable walking. This means that instead of a smooth rolling motion, the foot roughly strikes the floor. Wearing such shoes a couple of times is not scary, but if you walk like that all the time — you can ruin your joints, and over time your leg may start to cramp. In winter, shoes that are 1-2 sizes bigger are not so bad. You can manage by putting in thick insoles and wearing thick socks. This way it is warmer and there is less chance that your feet may get wet.
Shoe size in the USA is measured according to the English system.
How to choose shoe size in the US by foot width
Most often, people buy shoes one size larger because they are wider. Width is calculated by the circumference at the widest part of the foot, and its instep . In America, width is indicated from A to E.
women's width:
4A — suitable for a very narrow foot
3A — for a narrow foot
2A — simply narrow width
B — standard
C — slightly wider than standard
D — wide
E — very wide
men's width:
3A — the narrowest size
2A — slightly narrower than the previous one
A — narrow
B — standard
C — slightly wider than standard
D — even wider
E — wide
2E — very wide
3E — even wider
It is important not only to choose the right size. If the shoes do not fit you in width — they will not be comfortable. Too much width does not allow the foot to sit securely in the shoe, which over time causes spasms. And if it is too narrow — it squeezes the foot too much. Walking like this is very uncomfortable, and it can lead to deformity of the toes or foot.
To choose shoes correctly by width — you should at least once visit a shoe store with a huge assortment and use the services of a consultant. You will know your foot size and width, and will be able to спокойно order shoes from online stores in America or other countries. Children's shoe sizes can also be selected with the help of a store consultant.
How to choose a child's shoe size
Children's shoe sizes are slightly different from adult sizes. You can review the size conversion chart. Measure your child's foot size and find the needed American or European size in the chart.
Shoes are categorized by age: New Born (up to 3 weeks), Baby (up to 1 year), Toddler (from 1-5), and Youth/Junior (5-12).
American sizes for little kids range from 0,5 to 13,5. After that, the scale starts over again (transition to adult size). For children older than 10-12 years, you can choose shoes using the adult scale, which is divided into women's and men's.
How to choose shoes by material and type
It is known that low-quality material will not last long. It will be uncomfortable to be in bad shoes during the day. Shoes made of leatherette or artificial leather keep their shape, while genuine leather tends to stretch. For example, in the evening, after a work day, our feet swell. In this case, leather shoes stretch and adapt specifically to your foot. This prevents burning, your feet are not as tired, and they sweat or freeze less.
The quality of the materials should be chosen according to your preferences and needs.
- Genuine leather. The most popular and suitable material for shoes. Pigskin is mainly used to make winter boots and ankle boots; it is waterproof and durable for walking. Calfskin is mainly used for soft summer or autumn boots, shoes, or Oxfords. Leather shoes are durable and strong, but often very expensive.
- Artificial leather. It stretches poorly, feet breathe less in it, and in severe frosts, shoes made of artificial leather protect poorly from the cold. Its advantage is waterproofness and a low price. It can quite reasonably be bought for autumn and not very cold winter, for children and teenagers. Artificial leather is easier to process, and original and unusual shoes are made from it.
- Natural and artificial nubuck. Nubuck — is sanded genuine leather. Requires careful care. Nubuck looks very high-quality and expensive. It is a breathable and durable material, but sometimes lets moisture through. It is not cheap, but with proper care, it will last a very long time. Artificial nubuck does not let air through, so the foot will not be as comfortable. But it is inexpensive, does not let moisture through, and does not require special care.
- Suede. The material is very demanding in care. It cannot tolerate wet weather, so if you walk through puddles in it, it can deteriorate very quickly. By the way, suede is very often bought for children; it is soft and breathable, and for growing little feet, it is just what is needed!
- Leather substitute. It almost does not differ outwardly from genuine leather. If you constantly wear such shoes. after some time, wrinkles appear on them, which turn into cracks. Faux leather is cheap, but short-lived. You will have to replace it every season, at best every 2.
- Felt. Felt shoes are mainly suitable for harsh and dry winters. They are completely unsuitable for wet weather. Such shoes are soft and pliable. They are very expensive, so they are bought rarely. By the way, insoles are often made of felt; they perfectly absorb excess moisture from the foot and retain warmth in shoes made of any material.
- Textile. The second most popular material. Mainly used for summer and early autumn shoes. Textile is used to make sneakers, trainers, slippers, light moccasins, sandals, and summer shoes for toddlers. It can be machine washed, it is practical and breathable. It is always inexpensive, but is considered short-lived.
In America, it is customary to hold major discount days, and some believe that shoes on sale are cheap and poor quality. That is not true, because discounts in the USA are real, so it is quite possible to grab a good pair of shoes for next to nothing.
Ordering shoes in the USA is much more profitable and cheaper than in Russia. The only downside is shipping, which can cost almost half the price of your item. With Pochtoy.com US delivery forwarding service this problem is solved! Shipping through our service will cost only from $10, while in American online stores it can cost from $40 to $100 (3000 - 7000 rub)!
- US shoe online stores on the Pochtoy.com website.
Buy shoes in US online stores and ship your purchases выгодно through our service.
Which stores should you test your knowledge in?
General list of shoe and clothing stores in America.
Stores with special terms for pochtoy.com clients:
- Amazon USA order and buy clothing and shoes at closed sales.
- eBay USA order and buy clothing and shoes at closed sales.
