Accurate foot measurements are one of the easiest ways to reduce sizing uncertainty when ordering handmade medieval boots or shoes online. A normal street-shoe size is useful, but it does not describe foot width, left-to-right differences, or how much room your preferred socks require.
Use this method before shopping our medieval boots or medieval leather shoes.
What you need
- Two sheets of paper large enough for your feet
- A pencil or fine marker
- A ruler or measuring tape
- The socks you intend to wear
- A hard, level floor
Measure at the end of the day
Feet can be slightly larger after a day of standing and walking. Measuring later in the day can give you a more realistic fit reference than measuring immediately after waking.
Measure while standing
Stand normally with your weight distributed on the foot being measured. Sitting can make the foot appear narrower and shorter than it is under load.
Method 1: heel-to-toe length
Place the paper on the floor against a wall. Stand with your heel gently touching the wall and mark the end of your longest toe. Measure the distance from the wall edge to the mark in centimeters.
Method 2: trace the foot
Stand on the paper and have someone trace around the foot while keeping the pencil vertical. Measure from the back of the heel to the longest toe and across the widest part of the forefoot.
Measure both feet
It is common for one foot to be slightly larger. Record both measurements and use the larger foot as the main reference unless a maker advises otherwise.
Measure width at the widest point
Width is usually taken across the ball of the foot, not the heel. If you consistently need wide everyday shoes, tell us that as well as sending the numerical measurement.
Account for socks
Wear the socks you expect to use most often. Thick wool socks can change the required volume enough to affect fit, especially around the instep.
Do not add random extra centimeters
Send the actual foot measurement rather than trying to calculate your own allowance. The maker or size guide can account for the intended fit of the footwear.
What measurements should you send for fit help?
- Heel-to-longest-toe length for both feet
- Widest forefoot measurement for both feet
- Your normal US/EU/UK shoe size
- Whether you usually need wide sizes
- The sock thickness you plan to wear
- Any major fit issue such as a high instep or unusually large calf
When custom sizing is worth considering
If your feet are very wide, significantly different in size, or outside the normal size range, selected handmade styles may be adjusted. Send your measurements through our Custom Orders page before ordering.
Use the measurements with the right guide
Once you have the numbers, read our medieval leather boots sizing guide. For a lower-profile option, compare Medieval Shoes for Viking & Renaissance Wear.
