Should shoes fit bigger or smaller?

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.
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Is it better to get a smaller or bigger shoe?

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 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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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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Is it OK if shoes are a little too big?

Other painful effects of wearing shoes that are too big include: Corns and calluses: caused by excessive pressure on the toes. Metatarsalgia: caused by too much pressure on the balls of your feet. Disrupted natural stride: resulting in Achilles tendonitis, arch pain, and pain in the calf muscles.
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How to Make your Foot Size SMALLER👈💥



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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How tight should a shoe fit?

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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Is it OK to wear a half size bigger shoe?

Christine Luff from verywell.com recommends going up half a shoe size because one's feet swell when they run and it is important to have plenty of room in the toebox. If one's toes are crammed in the front of the running shoe, you could develop blisters or black toenails.
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Is it normal for a new shoe to be tight?

It's normal for new shoes to feel tight around the toes, rub at the heel and pinch a little bit with every step. Because leather is an organic material and it stretches as it adapts to your feet, every new pair of shoes requires a break-in period.
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Should shoes be tight when you first buy them?

Never ever buy shoes that feel too tight when you first try them on in a shoe store. The general rule of thumb is that shoes should feel super good as soon as you put them on. If a pair of shoes feels in any way uncomfortable when walking around the shoe store, it means they are not properly fitted to your feet.
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How do you know if your shoes are too big?

If your feet slide back and forth while you walk, the shoes are too big in length and you may consider going down a half or full size. However, if your feet are sliding side to side, the shoes are too wide for you.
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Should toes have wiggle room in shoes?

Your toes need wiggle room so that you don't get blisters, calluses or damaged toenails. You should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably in the toe box and if you aren't sure how much room is enough, use the “rule of thumb” when purchasing new shoes.
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Should you be able to stick a finger in the back of your shoe?

The Finger Test

While wearing the shoes, place one finger between your heel and the heel counter (back of the running sneaker). Ideally, it will slide in easily but feel relatively snug. If you can't get your index finger in or have to force it, the sneakers are probably too small.
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How much room should be at the end of a 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. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking.
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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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Why do people stick pennies to bottom of shoes?

Simply take a pair of your kids shoes (preferably a pair they don't wear often) and glue pennies on the top and bottom. Then BAM they have tap dancing shoes and it cost you pennies to make, literally! If your kids like to make noise, here's a fun new way!
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Do shoes get bigger as you wear them?

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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Should toes curl in shoes?

Curled toes are stronger than flat toes and will help you stand on small foot holds. You never want your toes to be so curled that it feels like you're standing on your toenails – that's a sure sign that your shoes are too small. In contrast, a shoe that's too large will shift when you're standing on small foot holds.
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Is an inch of toe room too much?

Is an inch of toe room too much? There should be about a 1/2 inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe. Generally, this is about the size of the tip of your index finger (small hands) or pinky finger (large hands).
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Should I go half a size up or down?

If you have to go with a different size you're better going a half size up. Going smaller the shoes will be tight and uncomfortable. By the end of the the feet will hurt and if you're on your feet all day it will be even worse.
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What can I do if my shoes are half size too big?

Shoes too big? How to make shoes smaller (or seem that way!)
  1. Insoles are your new best friend. ...
  2. Heel grips are handy, too. ...
  3. Toe inserts not toilet paper. ...
  4. Ball cushions for bounce. ...
  5. Heel cups can help. ...
  6. Heel liners for a slip-free stroll. ...
  7. Shoe tongue pads for pressure relief. ...
  8. Stack up your socks.
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Should sneakers fit snug or loose?

Well-fitting shoes should fit snugly around your midfoot and heel, and they should comfortably cup the back of the heel.
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Do tight sneakers loosen up?

Wear your sneakers for 4-5 hours at a time around your home.

They'll break in even if you're just sitting down. The heat and sweat from your feet will soften up the shells of the sneakers and cause the shoes to mold to the shape of your feet. Be aware that it can take 5–7 days to break in a pair of shoes.
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What to do if a shoe is tight?

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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Can tight shoes affect 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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