When it comes to buying shoes, there are a lot of conflicting opinions on whether it’s better to buy them bigger or smaller.
On the one hand, some people say that you should always buy shoes that are slightly bigger than your actual size, in order to allow for room to grow. This is especially important when it comes to children’s footwear.
This brings us back to the original query, “is it better to buy shoes bigger or smaller?”
Speaking in general terms, it is better to buy shoes bigger as bigger shoes will last for a longer time of usage.
This is in the sense that our legs still grow bigger and buying a bigger shoe will prepare your shoe for that change and you won’t have to get new shoes as soon as your legs grow by an inch or two.
But then, you’ll have to sacrifice comfort, safety, and comfiness when you buy bigger shoes.
What happens if you buy shoes bigger?
Table of Contents
Buying bigger shoes may seem like the best path to tread when contemplating buying bigger or smaller shoes but here are some things which could happen
Your feet may slide around in the shoe, and eventually, you will end up with the dreaded blisters. The shoe may also not feel as comfortable and will cause your feet to sweat.
Buying shoes too big means you will not be able to tighten them enough and they will easily slip off.
You may also have a difficult time walking in them, and they will not offer the same protection as a shoe that fits properly.
But then, it won’t cause any pain or injuries.
What happens if you buy shoes smaller?
Shoes that are too small can cause blisters and pain, as the toes are squeezed too closely together, taking away from their necessary space.
The shoes can also cause blisters on any other part of the foot if there is not enough space for it. Swollen feet can also be a by-product of shoes that are too small. It may also create some chafing, depending on the material of the shoe.
This can cause a sore or blister. On top of all this, if the heel of the shoe is too tight, it can cause bleeding and the potential danger of getting a blister.
The shoe will also start to rub on the heel causing a problem known as “runner’s heel.” This can be very painful and will often result in a blister or corn.
People who wear shoes that are too small are not only uncomfortable, but they are also in danger of getting injured.
This is because, in order to compensate for the feeling of the shoes being too tight, they will often bend their toes and squeeze the front of the shoe so that their toes don’t feel squashed. However, this can cause a lot of damage.
The most common injury that occurs is what is called a bunion. This is where the big toe becomes permanently bent. It can then rub against the next toe and cause a bursa sac to form.
This is a fluid sac that can become inflamed and painful.
Should you buy sneakers larger or smaller in size?
There are a couple of different factors that are involved when deciding on the size of the sneaker to purchase. Believe it or not, the width of your foot is the key factor in determining what size shoe you should buy.
Width, not length, is the determining factor in your shoe size. This is because your foot is measured in terms of inches, not centimeters.
Therefore, a size 10.5 shoe is actually a European 44, which is wider than a 16.5 shoe.
Based on the guideline above, it is better to buy sneakers larger than your size. This is because if your sneaker is too small it will hurt your feet.
Should you buy your Winter or Snow Boots larger or smaller in size?
Winter boots are a necessity during the winter months, but should they be bigger or smaller than the person’s shoe size?
It is a good idea to buy Winter boots bigger than the person’s shoe size to ensure that there is enough room for socks and extra clothing. Boots that are too big can be stuffed with socks to provide a temporary fix.
If a person’s feet swell during the winter, they may need to purchase a pair of shoes and socks that are bigger than the person’s original size.
If you are looking for shoes that are comfortable in cold weather, it is a good idea to buy a size larger than you would normally wear in other shoes.
A larger shoe size offers more space to accommodate a wearing a thicker sock. If you buy a size smaller, you will find the shoe more uncomfortable to wear.
For those that have an average size foot, it is typically smart to buy a size half-size larger than you would in dress shoes.
Should you buy Hiking Boots larger or smaller in size?
Hiking boots should be one size bigger than your foot. People usually buy hiking boots that are too small for their feet.
When you buy hiking boots that are too small, it can create unnecessary pain. You should buy hiking boots that are slightly too large for your feet.
Even though your hiking boots will be too large at first, the boots will compress and conform to your feet. You should always buy hiking boots one size too large for your feet.
Buying hiking boots that are too tight can result in hot spots, blisters, and even sore muscle cramps.
Buying them too big also can lead to blisters with the extra material shifting around in your boots. This can lead to early wear and tear.
Should you buy Heels, Pumps, or Stilettos larger or smaller in size?
One of the biggest concerns with buying heels, pumps, or stilettos is that they might not fit.
Women who have a difficult time walking in these shoes are likely to purchase impractical shoes because they don’t want to find they don’t fit after feeling them in the store.
It is better to buy half a size smaller than you think since these shoes stretch out over time or wear in.
Women’s shoe sizes are determined by the width of the feet, not the length. It means that having a long, narrow foot typically requires a shoe size that is half a size larger than the shoe size you would normally order for a foot that is wider.
Some women who may have a wide and short foot may want to buy a shoe size smaller than they can fit in.
They should order a shoe a half size bigger than they would typically need if they have a longer foot and they are purchasing shoes that require them to wear a heel, pump, or stiletto
Should you buy Flip-Flops and Slides larger or smaller in size?
Flip-flops and slides are summer footwear which means they are usually worn usually within 12 inches of the ground.
People who are on the shorter side and do not like their feet to dangle while they are walking would most likely prefer a flip-flop that is a little bigger than their feet.
For taller people, they would most likely prefer a smaller size. The most important thing is to make sure that the size of the shoe is big enough for your foot so that the toes are not crammed tightly.
Should you buy loafers smaller or larger in size?
When you buy loafers, the ideal is to buy a size larger than what you need. This is because most people have a tendency to be uncomfortable in shoes that are too tight.
The best way to make your feet feel more comfortable is to let them “breathe” on the inside of the shoe.
It’s a common misconception that loafers should be a size smaller than the size of your foot.
It’s best to follow the weather with the size of your loafers. If it’s winter, go with the size which fits your foot more snugly, and if it’s summer, go for the size which is looser.
Should you buy Crocs smaller or bigger in size?
Crocs come in a variety of sizes. If you purchase a pair that is too big or too small, it can be difficult to walk in them or put them on.
Crocs shoes come in a variety of different sizes for small, regular, and large feet. You can either buy your correct shoe size or you can buy the shoe a little bigger to be the risk of having to buy another pair later.
When deciding on the size, think about how you’re going to be wearing them most often. The weather is also a deciding factor when choosing the right size.
For summer, choose a Crocs size smaller than you. For winter, choose a Crocs size larger than you.
Conclusion
The size of your shoes determines the comfortability, overall fit, and your strides will be. So it’s good to be careful when choosing sizes for your different types of shoes.
We’ve gone through the best size of shoes to purchase when purchasing different types of shoes and I hope this article will help in your next buying decision.
Related: