How to Find Your Perfect Shoe Size & Fit: The Complete Guide

Why Getting the Right Shoe Size Matters

Buying shoes online shouldn't feel like a gamble. Whether you're shopping for running shoes, casual sneakers, or everyday comfort footwear, fit is the single most important factor — more than brand, style, or price. Wearing the wrong size causes blisters, foot fatigue, and long-term issues like plantar fasciitis.

At OFFBLOCK, we help Canadians buy premium footwear below retail. That means you deserve a fit guide that's just as premium. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

Step 1: Measure Your Feet (Yes, Both of Them)

Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other — always size for the larger foot. Here's how to measure at home:

1. Grab a piece of paper, a pen, and a ruler or tape measure.
2. Trace your foot while standing (not sitting — your foot spreads under body weight).
3. Measure the length from your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
4. Measure the width at the widest part of your foot.
5. Measure in the evening — feet naturally swell during the day, so evening measurements reflect your largest size.

Step 2: Use a Size Chart

Canadian sizing typically follows US sizing for adults. Here's a quick reference:

Always check the specific brand's size chart — sizing can vary by up to a half size between brands.

Step 3: Know Your Foot Width

Length is only half the equation. Foot width is equally critical for comfort:

• Narrow (AA/B) — Slim feet that slide in wider shoes. Look for styles with a snug, tapered fit.
• Standard (D/M for men, B/M for women) — The most common width. Most shoes fit this range.
• Wide (2E/EE) — Common in men. Look for styles labelled "wide fit" or "relaxed fit."
• Extra Wide (4E) — Less common but available in select athletic and casual styles.

If you're between widths, sizing up a half size can provide more volume in the toe box.

Step 4: Match the Shoe Type to Its Purpose

Different shoe categories have different fit expectations:

Running & Athletic Shoes

Leave a thumb's width (about 1 cm) between your longest toe and the shoe's end. Your foot needs room to move forward on impact. A tight athletic shoe causes black toenails and numbness on longer runs.

→ Shop Men's Shoes | Women's Shoes

Casual & Lifestyle Sneakers

These can fit slightly closer to your actual foot length — a 0.5 cm allowance is typically enough. Prioritize width comfort and ensure the heel doesn't slip when you walk.

→ Browse all Shoes at OFFBLOCK

Kids' Shoes

Children's feet grow fast — size up by about 1–1.5 cm beyond their measured length. Check fit every 2–3 months. A shoe that fits well in September may be too snug by December.

→ Shop Kids' Shoes

Step 5: The 5-Point Fit Check

Before finalizing any shoe purchase — online or in store — run through this checklist:

1. Toe room — Can you wiggle all toes freely? No cramping or curling?
2. Heel grip — Does the heel feel secure without slipping? No more than 3–5 mm of movement.
3. Arch support — Does the arch contour feel supportive, not just flat?
4. Width comfort — No pinching at the sides of the forefoot or little toe?
5. Instep pressure — Does the lacing area feel snug but not tight? No pressure on the top of the foot?

If you tick all five, you've got the right fit.

Half Sizes: When to Size Up vs. Size Down

When you're between sizes, the rule is simple: size up for length, use insoles to adjust volume. Sizing down creates pressure points that no break-in period will fix. A slightly longer shoe with a thin insole insert fits far better than a shoe that's even slightly too short.

Shopping for Shoes Below Retail: What to Watch For

At OFFBLOCK, we source premium footwear at prices below what you'd pay at traditional retailers. When shopping discounted or clearance footwear, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the model, not just the brand — Sizing varies between a brand's running, hiking, and casual lines.
• Read product descriptions carefully — We note when a style runs large, small, or narrow.
• Buy the size that fits, not the size you want — It's a common mistake when a deal is on the table.

Browse our current selection:

• Men's Shoes
• Women's Shoes
• Kids' Shoes
• All Shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do shoes stretch over time?

Leather and canvas shoes stretch slightly with wear. Synthetics and knit uppers stretch very little. Never count on a shoe stretching to fit.

My left and right feet are different sizes — what do I do?

Always buy the size that fits your larger foot. Use a thin insole or heel pad in the slightly larger shoe to take up the extra volume.

I'm between sizes. Should I size up or down?

Size up. Every time. A half size too long is almost always more comfortable than a half size too short.

How do kids' sizes convert to adult sizes?

A kids' size 13 is roughly equivalent to a women's size 1–1.5. Kids' sizes typically top out around size 6–7, which corresponds to a women's 7–8 or men's 6–7.

Ready to shop? Explore OFFBLOCK's full range of premium footwear at below-retail prices — and now you know exactly what size to grab.