Choosing Carefully · Episode 1
When we're torn between two shoe sizes, we often think the difference is minimal.
Ultimately, it's just a matter of one size up or down.
But in reality, there's a precise difference between two consecutive sizes: about 6 millimeters of the shoe's internal length.
It may seem like very little.
Yet those millimeters can significantly impact the way the foot moves inside the shoe and the comfort we experience throughout the day.
This is precisely where the first tip in the Choosing Carefully column comes from, our space dedicated to better understanding how to choose a shoe that truly suits your feet.
How many millimeters differ between two shoe sizes?
In the European shoe sizing system, the measurement is based on the so-called Paris point.
One Paris point corresponds to approximately 6.67 millimeters.
This means that:
- between sizes 38 and 39
- between 40 and 41
- between 42 and 43
the difference in internal length of the shoe is always about 6–7 millimeters.
It's a small measurement, but very important for the foot.
Because when we walk, the foot doesn't stay still inside the shoe: it moves, stretches slightly, and needs minimal space to do so naturally.
Why Paris?
In the past, European shoemakers used different local units. With the development of French fashion and craftsmanship, especially in Paris, this measuring system called "point de Paris" (Paris point) became popular, which later became the European standard for footwear.
✔️ In practice: Paris point = French unit for measuring shoes
Why a few millimeters can make a difference
The human foot is a complex structure: it is made up of 26 bones, joints, and numerous muscles that work together to accompany the body's movement.
When we walk or stand for long periods of time:
- the foot expands slightly
- the toes need space to move
- the point where the shoe bends must correspond to the natural flexion of the foot
If the shoe is too short, even by a few millimeters, it may happen that:
- the toes touch the tip
- the foot is unable to move naturally
- comfort decreases after a few hours of use
This is why shoe length is not just a matter of size, but also of internal space and fit.
How much space should there be in front of the toes?
A simple rule that many shoemakers and industry professionals recommend is to leave a small margin in front of the toes, generally between 5 and 8 millimeters.
This space allows:
- the foot to stretch slightly during the step
- the toes to not touch the tip of the shoe
- the walking experience to remain natural and comfortable
Of course, this is not a rigid rule: much also depends on the shape of the shoe, the material, and the structure of the fit.
Why can two shoes of the same size fit differently?
One thing that often surprises shoe shoppers is that the same size doesn't always fit the same.
This happens because several factors come into play:
- Shoe shape: The toe box can be wider or more tapered.
- Materials: A soft leather shoe can adapt better to the foot than one made of rigid materials.
- Internal structure: Insoles, stitching, and shoe construction influence the interior space.
- Brand and model: Each brand uses different lasts and molds, so the same size can be more or less roomy.
For this reason, the size alone doesn't tell the whole story: it's always important to evaluate how the shoe accompanies the foot during movement.
Choosing carefully also means paying attention to the details.
When choosing a shoe, we often look primarily at:
- the design
- the color
- the style
But comfort often comes from small details:
- the space in front of the toes
- the flexibility of the sole
- the quality of the materials
- the shape of the fit
These are elements that may not be immediately noticeable, but they make a big difference when the shoe is worn for many hours.
One step at a time
The Choosing Carefully column was created with this very goal: to share small tips and useful information to help you choose shoes more consciously.
There are no universal rules that apply to all feet, but understanding how shoes really work can make the choice much easier.
And often, it's enough to start with a simple question:
What's the difference between two shoe sizes?
Sometimes it's just a few millimeters.
But those millimeters can change the way we walk.
👣 One step at a time.