There are several numbering systems that are used to determine the size of shoes; they are named after the elementary units of measurement of the shoe tree (foot) print length: inch (1 inch is equal to 2.54 cm), centimeter, millimeter, stych (6.67 mm).

In Belarus, as well as in the countries of CIS at large, foot length without an allowance for decorative elements of the shoe tree, warm socks and so on is considered for size determination.In other words, regardless of whether shoes have rounded or tapered toes, size shows for what foot length they are meant. Of course, whether the shoes will fit or not depends both on the model and on peculiarities of the foot, but in general the system remains the most precise one and easy for determination. Recommendations for measuring the foot and a table for size determination are given below.

To determine your shoe size you have to measure your foot. It is recommended to do that at the end of the day, because feet trample and tend to become larger. Stand on a sheet of paper and outline the foot with a pencil. To determine the length of the foot measure the distance between the most protruding points (A and B) as shown on the picture. It is necessary to measure both feet and choose the longer length. Round the obtained result to 5 mm and find your size in the table.

 

 

Table for Determination of Women’s and Men’s Shoe Sizes

 

Women
Stych System	34	35	36	37	37,5	38	38,5	39	40	41	41,5	42	42,5
Metric System (cm)	22,5	23	23,5	24	24,5	25	25,5	26	26,5	27	27,5	28	28,5
Men
Stych System	38,5	39	40	41	41,5	42	42,5	43	44	45	46	47	47,5
Metric System (cm)	25,5	26	26,5	27	27,5	28	28,5	29	29,5	30	30,5	31	31,5

 

 

To determine a child’s shoe size it is necessary to measure the foot. It is recommended to do that at the end of the day, because feet trample and tend to become larger. Dress the child in the socks he will wear with shoes and measure the foot with them on. This is of prime importance if you are going to buy winter shoes, this way there is a bigger chance that he will not outgrow his shoes until the end of the season. Put the child on a sheet of paper and outline both feet with a pencil. On the acquired picture measure the distance between the most protruding points. If the results for the right and the left feet are different, choose the longer length. Find the necessary size in the table considering the fact that shoes are chosen with additional spare 0,5 – 1 cm.

Foot length in centimeters for which the size is designated is indicated in the column named Metrical Foot.

The actual inner sole length, that is the inner sole always with additional spare 0,5 cm, is indicated in the column Inner Sole Length.

Orthopedists do not recommend to leave a stock of more than 1 cm (for winter shoes 1,5 spare cm are allowed).

For instance, size 20 shoes will suit a foot 12 – 12,5 cm long (spare 5 millimeters are a must).

Remember that you should measure the child’s foot when he is standing, because the length of foot becomes larger under body weight as compared to that in suspension.

 

Table for Determination of Children’s and Teen’s Shoe Sizes

 

 

Children’s shoes
Stych System	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28
Metric System (cm)	10,5	11	11,5	12,5	13	13,5	14,5	15	15,5	16,5	17	17,5
Inner Sole Length(cm)	11	11,5	12,5	13	13,5	14,5	15	15,5	16,5	17	17,5	18
Children’s and teen’s shoes
Stych System	29	30	31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38	39	40
Metric System (cm)	18,5	19	19,5	20,5	21	21,5	22,5	23	23,5	24,5	25	25,5
Inner Sole Length(cm)	19	19,5	20,5	21	21,5	22,5	23	23,5	24,5	25	25,5	26

 

Width is an important parameter that generally determines the convenience of shoes, or, according to the shoe manufacturers, their ‘fitness’

Feet having the same length have different width, that isgirth around the heads of metatarsal bones. The interval between neighboring widths under the metric system is as follows:

•  8mm – for casual shoes;
•  5-6mm – for fancy shoes.

According to GOST 3927-88 men’s and women’s shoes should be produced in 12 widths and bear Arabic numbers from 1 to 12.

About 17 widths are distinguished abroad. In the English system the interval between widths equals to 5 mm, widths are denoted by letters (A, B, C, D, E and F). According to this system there are five more widths for decreasing girths (2А, 3А, 4А, 5Аand 6А) and five increasing girths (2F, 3F, 4F, 5F, 6F). There are widths Е2, Е3, Е4. There are other width numberings as well: letter - WWW, WW, W, M, S, SS, SSS.Shoe producers from many countries specialize in making shoes of certain widths only – narrow, medium or broad - for opportunistic considerations.

Shoe width is determined by measuring the girth of the broadest points of the toe area with the use of a tape-measure, as shown on the picture.

 

Mapping Table of Widths for Basic Marking Systems

 

French	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
English	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	J	K
American	AAAA		AAA	AA	A	B	C	D	E	EE

 

 

Shoe width in the English marking system:

•  type F- for regular feet;
•  type G- for more full bodied (‘massive’) feet;
•  type H- for full bodied feet (wide feet with wide bones);
•  type H 1/2- for very full bodied (very wide feet with wide bones);

If width is not indicated, the shoes are of regular width.