Is it OK to wear a size smaller shoe?

If your shoes are too narrow or short, the extra pressure placed on your toe can lead to the edge of a toenail growing into your skin. Ingrown toenails can cause pain and the skin around your nail to become red or infected. Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe, but can also occur on other toes.
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Is it better to wear shoes bigger or smaller?

Buying a sneaker that is slightly larger than your foot allows for better circulation which minimizes swelling. If one foot is slightly larger than the other go for the bigger size and always consider the kind of socks you plan to wear with your shoes.
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Is it OK to go down half a shoe size?

Standard width in a men's shoe is a D. Standard width in women's shoe is a B. Sizing down a half size in width can sometimes compensate for the added width, if your feet are narrow. We also recommend adding an insole to increase foot volume while still staying in a size that runs true to your foot length.
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What to do if shoe is one size smaller?

How to make shoes a size smaller?
  1. Insert a full-size shoe insole.
  2. Add heel strips or liners.
  3. Insert toe cushions.
  4. Try wearing thicker socks.
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Does 0.5 shoe size make a difference?

Is a Half Size in Shoes a Big Difference? A half-size represents a 1/8” difference. It may not seem significant but is enough to distinguish between comfort and discomfort. Because there is no standardisation for shoe sizing, a half size difference will also depend on the brand of shoe.
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STOP WEARING THE WRONG SIZE SHOE! TOO TIGHT! TOO SMALL (SneakerHeads, HypeBeast, Runners)



Is it better to wear tight or loose shoes?

Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose? Shoes that are on the tighter side are likely to rub, and since this friction can cause blisters, it's best to have a bit of wiggle room.
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Should my toes touch the end of my shoes?

As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe. Pick the shoes that match your foot shape.
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What happens if you wear shoes that are too loose?

Shoes that are too loose can lead to poor arch support, shin pain, and arch collapse. Loose-fitting shoes may also cause trips and falls, as your foot can't feel the surface as well as it should.
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What is the shoe size difference between 8.5 and 9?

There is approximately 1/6” between size increments, so a size 9 is 1/6” longer than an 8.5 and 1/3” longer than a size 8.
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Can a size 10.5 fit a 10?

A size 10 shoe is significantly smaller than a size 10.5 shoe, and as such, it will not provide the same level of comfort or support. If you are looking for a comfortable, supportive shoe, then you should opt for the larger size. I wear a size 10.5 and can often wear a 10 or 11 without problem.
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How much room should you have in a shoe?

Check the space at the end of the shoe.

Stand up and make sure there is 3/8" or 1/2" (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe. Always stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable, fit well, and don't chafe or rub anywhere.
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Do shoes stretch over time?

Shoes will typically stretch all on their own as you wear them. Leather shoes, whether it be men's dress shoes or women's heels, will fit over time. But if they are too tight and uncomfortable to wear in, try some of these easy hacks to stretch your shoes up to half a size or so to accommodate your feet.
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What to do if one foot is a half size smaller?

If your feet measure within a half size of each other and you don't have any other problems with your feet, purchase shoes to fit your largest foot. Although, you should buy footwear that fits your larger foot, it's also important to make sure it fits your smaller foot.
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Do sneakers stretch over time?

Typically shoes loosen up naturally as you wear them from place to place, but that entire process could take weeks of tiptoeing around with crunched toes and blooming blisters.
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How much space is too much in shoes?

You should be able to slide your finger between them with little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large. Your toes need wiggle room so that you don't get blisters, calluses or damaged toenails.
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Can tight shoes damage your feet?

Bunions, Hammer Toe, Crossover Toe and Corn Treatment

Tight shoes are not just uncomfortable; they can cause permanent and painful damage to the feet. Women are more likely to buy and wear uncomfortable shoes in the name of fashion, making them more susceptible to foot problems caused by tight shoes.
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How much bigger is a size 10 shoe than a size 9?

There is a 1/6 inch difference between each half-size, such as the sizes between 9 and 10.
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Do feet get bigger with age?

Do people's feet change as they get older? They don't change in size, necessarily. But feet may get wider, not longer, as we age. They change in their elasticity the same way other body parts do – tissue becomes less tight, causing the increased width and sagging of the arches.
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Are shoes too small if toes hurt?

If your shoes are too narrow or short, the extra pressure placed on your toe can lead to the edge of a toenail growing into your skin. Ingrown toenails can cause pain and the skin around your nail to become red or infected. Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe, but can also occur on other toes.
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Should you have a thumb space in shoes?

Proper toe fit: You want a thumb's width of space between your toe and the end of the shoe. Midfoot and heel fit: You should have a snug (but not tight) fit at the midfoot and heel.
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Should my foot slide in my shoe?

When your foot bends to take a step in a new shoe, your heels should slip slightly. 1/8” movement is normal but can feel like much more. Loose slipping in the heels will not cause blisters when broken in gradually, but wearing shoes that are too small and tight will cause friction and then blister.
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Can shoes expand in heat?

Apply a little heat

To stretch leather shoes, a blow dryer and thick socks are all you need to address too-tight shoes. Put on a thick pair of socks with the shoes, then aim your blow dryer at the tight spots, using medium heat to soften the shoe until it fits comfortably.
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Does stretching shoes damage?

The long answer is: You can stretch shoes out in any direction, but it's not advisable to do it lengthwise. That's because you can't lengthen the insole, so when you stretch the uppers, you risk damaging the heel and toe stiffeners.
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How do you break in tight shoes fast?

Quick Tips For Breaking in Shoes
  1. Wear them around the house.
  2. Put them in the freezer.
  3. Leave them in the sun for a bit to get them heated.
  4. Massage your shoes to stretch out specific areas.
  5. Buy some gel pads, inner soles, or shoe cushions to put inside your shoes.
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