Size isn’t everything: Why instep, width and more are crucial when buying shoes

Many people know their shoe size – but hardly anyone knows their instep. Yet this very measurement can determine whether a shoe feels comfortable or becomes a pain after an hour. If you know your own foot shape, you’ll benefit from paying attention to more than just the shoe size when buying shoes.

At GIESSWEIN, we know that every foot is individual. That’s why we develop our shoes with a special focus on comfort and fit. In addition to the correct shoe size, instep, shoe width and ball width also play a crucial role. Many of our models are therefore available in different widths – for a comfortable feel from the very first step.

The most important foot measurements at a glance

Length
Is the best-known measurement – the basis of every shoe size. But on its own it is often not enough.

Instep (instep height)

Refers to the height of the top of the foot, i.e. the arched area between toes and ankle. A high instep means the foot needs more space “on top”, whereas a low instep (so-called flat foot or low instep) often leaves too much room in many shoes and therefore loses support.

Shoe width

Shoe width describes the girth of the foot at the ball of the foot and complements shoe size for an optimal fit.

At GIESSWEIN we distinguish three widths:

• Width F - for narrow to normal feet

• Width G - for normal feet with average width

• Width H - for slightly broader, fuller feet

Choosing the right width can significantly improve wearing comfort and help prevent pressure points.

Ball width

This is the absolute width of the foot at its widest point. Especially important for those with splay foot.

For which feet are these measurements particularly important?

1. High arch / high instep (high-arched foot) --> People with a pronounced foot arch often have a high instep. Standard lace-ups or slip-ons can then press on the instep area or may not close fully. If you know your instep, you can specifically choose models that offer sufficient room across the upper.
   GIESSWEIN RECOMMENDATION: Merino Runners + Wool Peak + Wool Trail X

2. Flat top of foot / low instep (flat foot) --> With a low instep, the shoe often sits too loosely across the top and therefore loses support. Models with laces help here, as they can be individually adjusted to the foot to ensure a secure fit.
   GIESSWEIN RECOMMENDATION: Wool Sneaker + Merino Runners + Merino Wool Knit

3. Wide forefoot / splay foot --> The transverse arch has dropped and the forefoot spreads out. Those who buy solely by shoe size often end up with shoes that are too tight. Ball width and shoe width are crucial here to avoid pressure points and give the toes enough space. For slightly broader, fuller feet we recommend our models in Width H.
   GIESSWEIN RECOMMENDATION: Merino Runners + Wool Sneaker + Merino Curve Max

4. Tendency to swelling / water retention --> Anyone who tends to have swollen feet – for example due to long periods of standing, pregnancy or medical conditions – should always measure width in the evening, when the foot is at its widest. Shoes with laces or a hook-and-loop (Velcro) fastening can be adjusted over the course of the day.
   GIESSWEIN RECOMMENDATION: Merino Runners + Wool Peak + Merino Easy Step

How to measure your own instep and width

A simple at-home method:

1. Stand on a white sheet of paper.

2. Trace around the foot with a pen held vertically.

3. Measure the foot length from the heel to the longest toe.

4. Determine the ball width at the widest point of the forefoot.

5. Use a measuring tape to measure the girth over the highest point of the top of the foot – this is the instep.

With these measurements, it becomes much easier to find the right shoe size and width.

Shoe size is only one part of the perfect fit. If you also consider instep, shoe width and ball width, you’ll find shoes that fit optimally and provide greater long-term comfort.

At GIESSWEIN, many models are available in F, G and H widths. This way, narrow to normal, average-width and slightly broader feet can all find the right fit. Combined with high-quality materials such as Merino wool, this creates an especially comfortable feel – for everyday wear, when travelling or on long walks.