Imagine going to your favorite local shoe store only to discover that they carry every size but yours. Is this something that you can personally relate to? It can be a very disappointing experience that will cause you to have to find the shoe online. However, when you see the identical shoe online, you might have noticed that they still do not have your size.
At this point, you are probably wondering why there is such a limited number of shoes. In addition, you may be curious about the origin country of the shoe. For example, was it a shoe made in the United States, or was it made in China? Will your shoe size be the same?
Shoe sizes differ depending on the region of the world you are from, but you probably didn’t know this because of the lack of knowledge on the history of shoe sizes. However, you can learn plenty of info by reading a book or reading this article about shoe history. Ease your frustration by filling your brain with the following interesting facts.
The early days for measuring shoe sizes
Shoes are almost as old as humans, and they used them for the primary purpose of protecting the bottom of the feet. During ancient Roman times, shoemakers used barleycorn to measure your foot for sandals. Three barleycorns equal an inch of length. In England, during the reign of King Edward, he signed a decree in 1324 to make barleycorn the standard shoe size system. A size seven shoe is equivalent to 21 barleycorns. The average shoe size for men was 39 barleycorns. This system is still used today in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Separate colonies that might have originated from England still use this method of shoe measuring.
Shoe measurements differ from place to place
The United States uses a different system for measuring shoe sizes. Initially, the same ‘barleycorn concept’ was used in the United States, but this changed over time. The most noticeable difference is that they began with the number one instead of zero like in England.
So a size 13 in the US and Canada is the same as a size 12 in the UK. The Footwear Industries of America adds a one number difference between men and women. So a man’s size 12 is a size 13 for a woman.
Most US stores use the Brannock device so they can measure and convert the length and width of your foot to your exact shoe size. Charles Brannock invented this method in 1925.
Varying measurement systems
Paris points are a popular method for measuring shoes in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It is the equivalent of 2/3 of a centimeter. This method was created in the early 1800s by French shoemakers.
The Mondopoint system was created in the 1970s by the International Organizational for Standardization. The mondopoint system is the ideal method for getting ski boots and military shoes. It measures the mean from heel to big toe, and it takes into account the width of the shoe.
Countries in Asia use the metric system by measuring foot length in centimeters. As a result, there is a 5mm size increase for every shoe marked with letters A to G.
Getting the right fit
It is crucial to find a properly fitting pair of shoes so you don’t develop sores and discomfort. This can be a task since your feet can change sizes in a single day due to health issues and allergic reactions.
Before you get your feet measured, ensure that you have done a decent amount of standing or walking for the day. Our feet expand throughout the day as we move around, so this is an important step.
Don’t get anything too tight or too loose. For example, if you have children and are on a tight budget, buy a half size up and make your child wear thick socks. Wearing tight shoes can cause both foot deformities and sores.
Conclusion
Once you find the shoe with the perfect style and comfort attached, you will be able to conquer life on top—no more struggling with shoes that want to fly off of your feet or cut off circulation.
