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.

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 it’s important to note that 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.

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 is 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 adjustment features such as laces, adjustable straps and elastic panels, allowing you to customise the fit and give your feet a little more room where they need it. We have trainers with easy side zip entry alongside laces such as Kensey. We have plenty of double elasticated shoes that still look polished, our new Prion loafers provide polish and comfort.

Round or square-shaped toe boxes can also give your toes more freedom, while shoes with removable footbeds such as Remi and Yardang and can allow you to swap in a thinner insole for a little extra internal space.

You can also use our website to find styles specifically suited to a wider foot.

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 fit. Laces, buckle bars and touch fastenings are particularly useful, as they allow you to fine-tune the fit.

A slimmer toe box can also help the shoe feel more secure around the foot. An insole can be useful too, taking up a little of the internal space and creating a closer fit where needed.

Soft leather and relaxed textiles can also be a good choice, as they gently mould to the shape of your foot.

Our website includes styles suitable for narrower feet too.

If you have a high arch:

A higher arch can mean you need a little more room across the top of the foot. Footwear with adjustable fastening or a deeper shape can help prevent the shoe from feeling restrictive.

If you use an orthotic or customised footbed, look for shoes with removable insoles so you can replace the existing footbed with your own.

Footwear with some built-in support, such as our cork footbeds, can also provide a comfortable option for higher 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 good news? The right shape and a bit of adjustability can make all the difference.

Look for deeper-fitting styles with room across the instep, particularly shoes with laces, adjustable straps or other ways to fine-tune the fit. Soft leather and relaxed fabrics are also great options, as they can mould gently around your foot rather than feeling restrictive.

If you’re choosing a lace-up style, a cushioned tongue can help take the pressure off the top of your foot and make things feel more comfortable.

And if you’d rather skip the guesswork, you can use our website to find styles with extra room and adjustability across the instep so you can find a fit that feels good from the start.

What if one foot is bigger than the other?

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.

When choosing shoes, it's best to make sure the larger foot is comfortable first, then adjust the fit of the smaller foot if needed. An insole can help take up a little extra space in the shoe of the smaller foot, while adjustable styles such as laces, straps, bars and touch fastenings make it easier to create a comfortable fit for both feet.

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 still are unsure, our customer care team is available to help any further queries you have. They can be reached at customer.services@moshulu.co.uk