To size barefoot shoes, measure your foot length in centimetres (heel against a wall, mark your longest toe), match that measurement to the brand's size chart rather than your usual shoe size, and aim for about a thumb's width (roughly 1 cm) of space in front of your longest toe. If you fall between two sizes, go up. That's the short version. Below we explain why barefoot sizing feels different, how to measure properly at home, and how to check the fit once your pair arrives.

Why barefoot shoes are sized differently

Most of us buy shoes by number: "I'm a 7, so I'll get a 7." That works reasonably well when every shoe is a similar shape, but barefoot shoes are built differently, and sizes vary from brand to brand anyway.

A barefoot shoe has a wide, foot-shaped toe box, a zero-drop sole (heel and forefoot level) and a thin, flexible outsole. Because there's no thick, cushioned platform or narrow pointed front, the inside of the shoe is closer to the real shape of your foot. That's good news, but it also means the fit is more honest. A shoe that's a touch too short will feel it, and so will one that's far too long.

So the most reliable starting point isn't the number on your old trainers. It's the length of your actual foot.

How to measure your feet at home

You'll need a sheet of paper, a pencil, a wall and a ruler or tape measure.

1. Put the paper on a hard floor against a wall. Carpet can throw the measurement off.
2. Stand on it with your heel touching the wall. Stand normally with your weight on the foot, because your foot spreads slightly when it's carrying your weight.
3. Mark the tip of your longest toe. For many people that's the big toe, but for some it's the second toe. Keep the pencil upright so the mark is accurate.
4. Measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres. Write it down to the nearest half centimetre.
5. Repeat with the other foot. It's very common for one foot to be a little longer. Always size for the longer foot.

A couple of tips: measure while wearing the kind of socks you'll usually wear with the shoes, and if you can, measure later in the day rather than first thing in the morning. Many people find their feet feel slightly bigger after being on them all day.

Using the size chart

Our shoes use EU sizing, from 36 to 47. Once you have your foot length, find it on the chart on our size guide and pick the size that matches. The chart also shows rough UK and US equivalents (see also our barefoot size guide), but foot length is the measurement to trust, because conversions between UK, US and EU sizes aren't always consistent across brands.

Not every colourway comes in every size, so check the size options on the product page before you order.

If you're between sizes

Size up. A little extra length is easy to live with; toes pressing against the front of the shoe isn't. You can always fine-tune the fit with the laces (more on that below).

If one foot is bigger

Choose the size that fits your longer foot. The shorter foot will simply have a touch more room, which is far more comfortable than squeezing the bigger one.

How a barefoot shoe should feel

When your pair arrives, try them on indoors on a clean floor. Stand up, put your weight through both feet and check these four things:

• Length: there should be around 1 cm, roughly a thumb's width, between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your toes shouldn't touch the front, even when you rock forward onto the balls of your feet.
• Toe room: your toes should be able to lie flat, spread out and wiggle freely without pressing on the sides.
• Heel: your heel should feel secure. A tiny bit of movement is normal in a flexible shoe, but your foot shouldn't slide around or lift out as you walk.
• Top of the foot: the upper shouldn't dig in. Our stretch-knit uppers give a little and move with your foot, so they should feel snug rather than tight.

Try the insole test

Every Wolf & Worn shoe has a removable EVA insole, and it makes a handy fitting tool. Take it out, put it on the floor and stand on it. Your toes should sit inside the outline with around 1 cm of space at the front. If your toes go over the end, the shoe is too short. If your foot spills over the sides, it may be too narrow for you.

You can wear the shoes with or without the insole. Taking it out adds a little extra room inside the shoe and gives you more ground feel; leaving it in adds a bit of cushioning. Try both and see which you prefer.

Common sizing mistakes

Buying your usual size without measuring

Sizes differ between brands, and even between styles. Your old trainers might be a size too big or too small without you realising, especially if you've got used to shoes that feel snug at the toes.

Going too big "for the toe room"

A wide toe box gives you width, so you shouldn't need extra length to get space for your toes. A shoe that's much too long can feel loose, catch on steps and let your foot slide forward. Stick to roughly 1 cm at the front.

Judging the fit sitting down

Your foot changes shape slightly when you stand on it. Always check length and toe room standing up, with your weight evenly spread.

Fine-tuning the fit with laces

If the length is right but the shoe feels a little loose or a little snug, the laces can usually sort it out. Loosen them across the widest part of your foot if it feels tight there, and keep them firmer around the ankle to hold your heel in place. Styles with quick-pull laces, such as Trailhead and Pathfinder, let you adjust the tension in seconds.

Choosing your first pair

All our current styles share the same foundations: wide toe box, zero drop, thin flexible rubber sole, stretch-knit upper and removable EVA insole. Prices run from £29.99 to £44.99. If you're not sure where to start, browse the full range in our barefoot shoes collection, or read our UK barefoot shoe buying guide to match a style to your routine.

What if the size isn't right?

Getting the size right online can take a little trial and error, so we keep it simple. We dispatch from the UK within 1–2 business days, with free UK delivery on orders over £50 (otherwise £2.99 Royal Mail Tracked 48, or £4.99 DPD Next Day). If your pair doesn't fit, you have 45 days to return it or exchange it for a different size, subject to availability. Try your shoes on indoors only, and keep them unworn and in the original box with tags attached. Full details are on our returns and refunds page.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy barefoot shoes in my normal shoe size?

Not necessarily. Measure your foot length in centimetres and use the size chart. Your usual size is a useful sense check, but foot length is more reliable.

How much space should be at the front of a barefoot shoe?

Around 1 cm, roughly a thumb's width, between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when you're standing.

Do barefoot shoes run big or small?

It varies between brands and styles, which is why measuring matters. For our shoes, match your foot length to the chart and size up if you're between sizes.

What sizes do Wolf & Worn shoes come in?

EU sizes 36 to 47. Available sizes vary by style and colour, so check the product page.

Can I get help choosing a size?

Yes. Email info@wolfandworn.com with your foot length in centimetres and the style you like, and we'll help you choose.