comfort & fit

How Should Shoes Fit? A Simple Guide to Finding the Right Fit

• Corin Ripley

How Should Shoes Fit? A Simple Guide to Finding the Right Fit

Finding a comfortable pair of shoes isn’t just about getting the right size. We know that our feet come in all sorts of shapes, and different styles and brands can fit quite differently too.

At Moshulu, we design our shoes with a little more room than a standard fit, helping to create that easy, relaxed feel our shoes are known for. But the best and most joyful fit is always one that feels comfortable on your feet.

Your quick fit check When you try on a new pair, check these five things:
✓ Toes Leave a little space in front of your longest toe so your toes can move comfortably.
✓ Width The widest part of your foot should sit in the widest part of the shoe.
✓ Midfoot Look for a comfortable, secure hold without squeezing or too much movement.
✓ Heel A little movement can be normal, but your heel shouldn’t slip up and down as you walk.
✓ Overall comfort Your shoes should feel comfortable from the start.

Give your new shoes a little time

It’s a good idea to try new shoes around the house before wearing them out for the first time. Feet naturally swell and expand throughout the day, so a shoe that feels fine first thing in the morning can feel quite different later on.

Trying them for short periods gives you a chance to make sure they feel comfortable and that the shape of the shoe works well with the shape of your foot.

Your toes need room to move

Your toes like a little room to move. You don’t want them bumping against the end of the shoe, so leave a small space in front of your longest toe. The widest part of your foot should also sit in the widest part of the shoe. That way, your shoe can flex naturally with your foot as you walk. And yes, that matters for sandals too.

Around the middle of the shoe, you’re looking for a nice, comfortable hold. Your foot shouldn’t feel squeezed, but equally, you don’t want it swimming around. With leather and other natural materials, there’s usually a little bit of give as they soften and mould to your foot, but they should still feel comfortable from the start.

Then there’s your heel. A little movement is perfectly normal, especially with a new shoe, but it shouldn’t be slipping up and down as you walk. If your foot feels like it’s sitting a little too far forward, an insole can sometimes make all the difference, filling a bit of extra space and helping your heel settle nicely into the back of the shoe.

Polzeath shoes showing comfortable toe room Polzeath

Finding the right fit for your foot shape

Not all feet are the same, and at Moshulu we’ve done the legwork (pardon the pun) to find that out. Having worked with countless fit models over the years, we know that choosing the right style can be just as important as choosing the right size.

If you have wider feet

Styles with a little adjustment can make finding a comfortable fit much easier.

✓ Look for adjustability – laces, adjustable straps and elastic panels let you fine-tune the fit.
✓ Try round or square toe shapes – they can give your toes a little more freedom.
✓ Consider removable footbeds – swapping to a thinner insole can create a little more internal space.

Our Kensey trainers combine laces with easy side-zip entry, while our Prion loafers use double elasticated panels for a polished but comfortable fit.

Shoes with removable footbeds, such as Remi and Yardang, can also give you more flexibility with the internal fit.

Prion loafers showing a comfortable wider fit Prion
Shop shoes for wider feet

If you have narrower feet

If your feet are on the narrower side, look for styles that can be adjusted to give you a closer, more secure fit.

✓ Choose adjustable fastenings – laces, buckle bars and touch fastenings let you fine-tune the fit.
✓ Look for a slimmer toe box – this can help the shoe feel more secure around your foot.
✓ Try an insole – it can take up a little extra internal space and create a closer fit.
✓ Consider softer materials – soft leather and relaxed textiles can gently mould to the shape of your foot.
Shop shoes for narrower feet

If you have a high arch

A higher arch can mean you need a little more room and support through the foot.

✓ Look for adjustable styles – these can help prevent the shoe from feeling restrictive.
✓ Consider removable insoles – particularly if you use an orthotic or customised footbed.
✓ Look for built-in support – supportive options such as our cork footbeds can be a comfortable choice.
Tulipa 2 cork footbed clogs for supportive comfort Tulipa 2
Shop shoes for high arches

If you have a high instep

If you’ve got a high instep, you’ll know that some shoes can feel a little too snug across the top of your foot. The right shape and a bit of adjustability can make all the difference.

✓ Choose a deeper fit – look for styles with more room across the top of the foot.
✓ Look for adjustability – laces and adjustable straps let you control the fit across the instep.
✓ Try softer materials – soft leather and relaxed fabrics can mould gently around your foot.
✓ Look for a cushioned tongue – particularly on lace-up styles, as it can help reduce pressure across the top of your foot.
Forster shoes showing a comfortable fit for a high instep Forster
Shop shoes for high insteps

What if one foot is bigger than the other?

Fit the larger foot first

It’s completely normal for your feet to be slightly different in length or width. In fact, it’s unusual for both feet to be exactly the same.

✓ Make sure your larger foot feels comfortable first.
✓ Use an insole to take up a little extra space on the smaller foot if needed.
✓ Choose adjustable styles with laces, straps, bars or touch fastenings to fine-tune each shoe.
The most important thing? Comfort.

The right shoe should feel comfortable from the start, with enough room for your toes, a secure heel and enough space for your foot to move naturally.

Your feet are unique, so don’t be afraid to look beyond the size on the label. Finding a style that suits your individual foot shape can make all the difference.

If you’re still unsure, our Customer Care team is available to help with any questions you have. They can be reached at customer.services@moshulu.co.uk.

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