Shoe sizing is bloody confusing, especially when you’re converting from a system you're familiar with to something foreign (e.g. US to European). The confusion isn’t helped by different shoe companies having different “fits” (the outrageous vanity of it!) and by some countries having multiple size scales (e.g. US where there are 2 scales for men and 2 for women).
And the European scale isthe most simple and rational shoe sizing system around.
Rather than rely on size conversion charts,we urge you toMEASURE YOUR FOOT and directly find your European shoe size... and we encourage you to do this even if you're familiar with European sizes!
First step is to make a foot outline and figureout the length of your foot in cm (see hereon how to do that). Then you can then calculate your European size, according to this formula:
That means, if your foot length is 28.5cm, youshould add 1.5, to give you 30. Thenmultiply 30 by 1.5, to give you a European Shoe Size of 45 (assuming you don't have a very wide foot, in which case you might want to consider going up one size to 46).
If you'd like us tocheck your foot outline and give our tuppence worth,we'd be happy to. Justemaila phototo hello@atheistberlin.com, ideally with a tape measure or ruler visible atop the paper, running from toe to heel of the outline.
Overall, ATHEISTshoes fit normally. Although, it’s worth sharing some observations:
- ATHEISTShoes are average in width, but they can cope with slightly wider than normal feet. HOWEVER, if your foot is very wide, you might feel more comfortable going with 1 size bigger than your foot-length dictates. You will likely knowif your foot isvery much wider than average ifyou'll probably have had problems in the past with the width of some shoes. That said, you are welcome to send us your width measurements, or even a picture of your foot outline, and we'll give you our opinion.
- If caught between 2 sizes (e.g. your size comes to37.5) then it's a matter of personal preference as to whether you should go for the bigger or smaller size (38 or 37), but in general, we find it is safer to go with the bigger size, especially if you are male. If you choose the smaller size, it may feel a little tight for the first wear, but the leather of the shoes will relax around the shape of your foot and it may relax so much that the shoe becomes comfortable over time. This has worked for many of our customers caught between sizes, although a few have found the shoe too tight and have preferred to return it for the next size up. The safer option is to go for the bigger size from the beginning, which will be more immediately comfortable and spacious...and in general there's no harm having a shoe be alittletoo big.
- Women may be used to buying slightly bigger sizes than they actually are, due to toe length on feminine, pointy shoes. So don't be surprised if your measured foot size is smaller than you expected. We find amongst our customers so far that women caught between two sizes tend to be happier going for the smaller size.
