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Proper fit is essential for maintaining healthy feet. The following are tips to help you determine your patient's correct shoe size. Some people wear shoes that are the wrong length or width, so never assume a person is wearing the correct size. As part of our services, we have hands on shoe fitting training available.

The Brannock Device is used to measure your patient's feet. There are two versions: one for women and one for men. Your patient must be wearing socks while measurements are being taken.

The Brannock Device provides 3 separate measurements

Heel-to-Toe Length: Toes need to be pressed flat against the base of the Brannock Device. Look straight down over the longest toe (not necessarily the big toe) to read toe length. Be sure the patient is standing, and his/her socks are snug against the toes to provide an accurate measurement. If it is within half size of heel-to-ball measurement, then use the heel-to-ball length for shoe size. If there is a whole size difference between heel-to-toe and heel-to-ball measurements use the midpoint between the two measurements to determine the correct length.

Heel-to-Ball Length: The heel-to-ball measurement and width are the key mesurements. This is usually the most accurate measurement to determine proper length. Put your thumb on the ball joint of the foot where indicated. Move the pointer forward so the inside curve of the pointer fits the ball joint of the foot and the two high ribs come in contact with your thumb. The lower middle rib will be in the center of the ball joint on the side of the foot if the pointer is properly located. This provides the arch measurement.

Width: Slide the width bar to the edge of the foot. On the sliding width bar, locate the length. To determine length, use the middle between the heel-to-toe length and heel to ball length. Find the width measurement that lines up to the shoe length on the width bar. If the shoe size falls between the widths, choose the wider width. If the foot is extremely fleshy or has a very high instep, you may need to provide the customer with 1 width larger than measured.

Reverse the Brannock Device and measure the other foot. It is common for people to have two different size feet. You will always fit shoes to the larger foot. Have the patient try on the Sole Nation shoes nearest the size determined.

Determine if fit is correct:

1. Check to see if the ball of the foot is at the widest part of the shoe. THIS IS THE MOST

IMPORTANT FITTING INDICATOR FOR A PROPER FIT.

2. Check for toe location. 1/4 to 3/8 inch, in some cases 1/2inch, extra length at the toe.

Proper Shoe Fitting Tips

Using the Brannock Device

This person measured a size 7 in heel to toe length and falls within the B width range.

We reccomend using a shoe horn to help ease the foot into the shoe.

This person measures a size 7 in heel-to-ball lenghth as indicated by the pointer.