I often get questions from people who choose between two sizes in a pair of shoes, one is a bit tight and the other is slightly spacious. As a rule of thumb, I always answer that they should go on the larger size. Here I explain why.
Usually, it’s people who ordered two different sizes at online purchases, or those who tried out two in the store but were not satisfied with the staff’s knowledge and advice, often it is something like the smaller size is pinch somewhere and are a bit snug, while the other size is slightly big at places. The question they ask is then whether they should go on the smaller one, thinking that it will be stretched with wear and get well over time, or if you they should go on the larger one and maybe put in a thin insole. Or similar.
A pair of nice full brogues from Alfred Sargent that I had a few years ago. They were tight from the start, and I should have replaced them with the larger size immediately.
As I said, I think that in the vast majority of cases you should go with the larger size. There are many reasons for it, but just to name a few of the most important ones, it’s a very limited amount of time when you try it in store, or even at home, too, without doing any walking worth mentioning. In regular use, the shoes will always feel tighter, especially when you walk in them a bit longer, and the places a shoe is tight can be experienced as really uncomfortable. Of course they can be stretched, but you’re not sure it will be enough, and ideally shoes should not be perceived as tight even when they are brand new. The larger size may be a bit big in some place, but as I’ve been writing in other contexts, a shoe that is bigger will not be stretched as much as tight shoes, since the leather is not exposed to the same pressure. And it’s much easier to correct the fit on shoes that are a bit big, but with shoes that are tight, there is only one (in principle) way to correct fit being, which is stretching.
I recently bought a pair of Carmina jumper boots and the length is nice and width narrow which is good for my foot. I have narrow short feet UK 6.5 in most brands. However the instep place which my foot arch meets the upper part of the shoe is tight. If it’s tight there will it be detrimental to the durability longevity of the shoes will they look worse over time?
Daniel: I’m not sure exactly if I understand, but doesn’t sound like something that will affect durability. Most important is that they are comfortable though.
I think you shouldn’t buy none of those that are not proper size of yours. For me the number 1 rule is when you buy shoes first of all i check if it is my size, are they comfortable, if they are not! I dont care if they have 90% discount or they are very beautiful.
I understand your points, but still often find myself going for shoes that pinch a little in the little toe since even then in a G or H fit i still will add a tongue pad and have a little looseness in the heels. Flat feet/low instep, small heel and wide at the front. Oddly I do find some trainers work decently. 2 tongue pads perhaps? While this is an older post it’s the second time I’ve read about going for slightly looser recently and I guess I just envy those who can do so without their shoes falling off with every step (slight exaggeration but it can get bad)
Excellent post. Great resources!
Great article! It provides valuable insights for those who struggle to choose between two sizes when buying shoes. The tips on fit and comfort will definitely help readers make better decisions, ensuring they pick the perfect size for their feet. Very helpful!