When you entered the world of barefoot shoes, you have certainly come across this phrase from physiotherapist Patrícia Salvador (@gepetto_bypatricia): children wear centimeters, not numbers.
Almost 8 years ago, I didn't know that. I said that my son José wore size 23, without really knowing what that meant. I asked myself a few times whether I was buying the right size, but I didn't really delve deep enough to come to a conclusion. I continued to shop the only way I knew how, and now I'm sure my son didn't wear the right shoes or the right size.
At that time, I still didn't have any information and I did what I knew.
As you know, and my experience over the last few years proves it, no brand has the same guide as another. There is no standard size, so a size 23 from one brand may not respond to the same centimeters as a size 23 from another brand.
At SHUZ | for barefoot lovers it is not possible, for example, to search for all the shoes we have in size 23. It was a choice we made, given these discrepancies between brands.
Our biggest advice is: if possible, come to the showroom to confirm the size. If this is not possible, the rule is to consult each brand's guide and choose the right size. You can also give us a call and we will confirm the size that will best fit your foot size. It's just that, sometimes, not even the brand guide is right and we have to confirm the sizes "a la paw and ruler"!
Never forget that the choice of size will have to reflect the measurement of your foot + the gap to be left.
According to podiatrist Neus Moya, the right shoe size should be one that extends between 0.8 and 1.2cm, from the tip of the biggest toe to the end of the shoe. There are those who argue that a margin of between 0.3 and 0.5 cm should also be left in width.
In other words, if the measurement of your largest foot is 15 cm, you will have to choose a shoe whose internal length is, at most, 16.2 cm.
In my consultancy, when I am dealing with very young children who have recently started to walk independently, I do not usually advise taking too large a gap, otherwise they might stumble.
I am of the opinion that it is not only important to leave a gap, but also to leave a gap that is comfortable for us, even if this means changing shoes more frequently. I know your wallet won't thank you, but we have to respect everyone's limits.
Ana from SHUZ | for barefoot lovers