Size Guide - How to Choose Your Sandal Size

Size Guide - How to Choose Your Sandal Size

Choosing the right sandals can be daunting. Is your sandal size the same as your regular shoe size? Will your size vary based on the style of sandal you choose?

The sandal experts at Jerusalem Sandals have put together a size guide to answer these common questions and help you find your perfect fit.

All Jerusalem Sandals are crafted using centuries-old techniques and finished by hand, so no two are exactly alike. This craftsmanship yields a look and feel you simply cannot find in mass-produced footwear. We use only 100% vegetable tanned leather that is water-resistant, flexible and durable. That means your Jerusalem Sandals will stand up to years of adventures with a soft leather insole that conforms to the unique contours of your footprint with every step.

We want you to love your Jerusalem Sandals for a lifetime, so we made our return policy clear and simple. Step into a world of possibilities with our men's and women's handcrafted leather sandals. Here's how to find your perfect fit:

American Sizing vs. European Sizing

The confusion over shoe sizes generally begins with the existence of two different sizing systems. Why do Europeans and Americans use separate methods for sizing shoes? For one thing, European countries use the metric system of measurements - centimeters, liters and kilometers - whereas the U.S. uses a system of inches, gallons and miles. We call it "European sizing" only because the system originated in Europe, though it is now used in most countries around the world. The only other countries that use the American measuring system are Liberia and Myanmar.

Another confusing aspect of shoe sizes is that they are not exactly uniform. Just like with jeans and other clothing items, shoe sizing varies by manufacturer. That can be a little frustrating, but the good news is that once you find a brand of shoes or sandals that works for you, the sizing will be consistent.

In general, European sizes are both unisex and not separated into children's and adult's categories. That means a size 37 will fit a foot with similar dimensions whether it belongs to a child, a woman or a man. American sizes tend to run narrower for women and wider for men.

How to Measure Your Foot Length

Both sizing systems focus on the length of your feet. It's important to measure your feet frequently throughout your life, as your shoe size can change over time. And definitely measure both feet because most of us have one that's larger or longer than the other. Go with the longer measurement unless the discrepancy is more than an inch or so, in which case you may need to see a professional for orthotics or specialized footwear.

To measure your feet for sandals:

 

  1. Stand in your bare feet with you heel against a wall.
  2. Place a ruler on the floor parallel to your foot with the end of the ruler against the wall.
  3. Find the length from the wall to the end of your longest toe, which is usually the big toe but sometimes the second or third toe.

Use this measurement in either centimeters or inches to find your size in the charts below.

Women's Sizing Chart:



US

EURO

INCHES

CM

5-5.5

36

9.3"

23.5cm

6-6.5

37

9.5"

24.1cm

7-7.5

38

9.8"

24.8cm

8-8.5

39

10"

25.4cm

9-9.5

40

10.2"

26cm

10-10.5

41

10.5"

26.7cm

11-11.5

42

10.8"

27.5cm

12-12.5

43

11.1"

28.3cm

Men's Sizing Chart:



US

EURO

INCHES

CM

6-6.5

39

10"

25.4cm

7-7.5

40

10.2"

26cm

8-8.5

41

10.5"

26.7cm

9-9.5

42

10.8"

27.5cm

10-10.5

43

11.1"

28.3cm

11-11.5

44

11.4"

28.9cm

12-12.5

45

11.7"

29.6cm

13

46

12"

30.4cm

13.5

47

12.2"

30.9cm

 

How to Choose Your Sandal Size

Using the charts above and your at-home measurements, you should be able to select the Jerusalem Sandals that will fit well. If you fall in between sizes, opt for the next larger size. Remember that sandals made from 100% vegetable tanned leather will soften and stretch slightly as you wear them. You can speed up the process of breaking in your sandals by wearing them damp, which helps them mold to your foot's contours.

A Few Words about Foot Width

Jerusalem Sandals are available in medium width, as are most European-sized shoes. If you have a particularly high arch or wide foot, consider choosing women's sandals with buckles or men's Velcro sandals. These styles allow you to customize the fit across your toes, arch and ankle. Because sandals are more open than regular shoes, minor discrepancies in width are generally tolerable without causing discomfort.

Choosing the Right Sandals for You

To find your perfect fit, consider these aspects of Jerusalem Sandals:

  • Strappy vs. Simple: The clean look of leather flip flops or the drama of gladiator sandals
  • Closed or Open Toes: Men's fisherman styles or structured slides
  • Toe Loop vs. Buckle Sandals: Security up front or at the ankle and instep
  • Jesus Sandals vs. High-Style Sandals: A classic look or an updated take on colorful sandals