In today's shoe market, customers are expected to fit their feet into standard shoe sizes available in stores, rather than having shoes made to their individual needs. But what if your feet are too narrow or too wide, or you suffer from conditions like hallux valgus or bunions? Finding a pair of shoes that are comfortable and look good becomes a daunting challenge. In this post, we explain how we plan to revolutionize shoe sizes by breaking away from conventional standards and celebrating the uniqueness of each foot.
Standard sizes: differentiation only by length
Standard shoe sizes differ only in length, although feet of the same length can have very different shapes. The following animation demonstrates the wide variety of foot shapes for the same length.
Expanding the range of shoe shapes can significantly improve comfort
A shoe last is a mold around which a shoe is made, and it plays a crucial role in the comfort and fit of the final product. But does every customer need a custom last?
Not really. Designing and manufacturing a custom last for each wearer would be neither practical nor sustainable, and would significantly increase the cost of each pair of shoes. While our feet are unique, they generally fit into common shapes. The key is that there needs to be more shape options than most shoe brands currently offer, which typically only offer whole sizes in one width. By offering a wider range of shapes, we can better accommodate specific needs, such as sneakers for wide feet and sneakers for narrow feet.
Sneakprint last library and Mesize® to find the best last for your feet
Our Sneakprint last library offers a variety of last shapes in whole and half sizes, various widths, and different toe cap areas. We begin by analyzing your foot scan measurements, including length and width, as well as ball and instep girth for scans created with a full-foot scanner. Our algorithm then identifies the perfect last for you from our library and tells the factory staff which last to use to make your sneaker. We typically add 1 cm to 1.5 cm to your foot length to ensure a comfortable fit and enough room for your foot. Since it's often a matter of personal preference whether you want your shoes to fit a little tighter or looser, you can always tell us your preferred fit when placing your order.
Well-fitting shoes look better.
Aside from the obvious reason of increased comfort, a well-fitting shoe also looks better. Properly fitting shoes retain their shape and structure, contributing to a neat and professional appearance. When the last is molded to the feet, the patterns fit seamlessly together in their intended places, thus enhancing the visual harmony of the shoe design.
My feet change throughout the day. When is the best time to have my foot scan?
By taking your foot scan in the late afternoon or early evening, you can ensure that the measurements account for the natural swelling that occurs throughout the day. This timing helps ensure your sneakers fit comfortably at all times and provide you with the best possible comfort and support. Take your foot scan on our website today and experience the difference firsthand!
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