How to measure swollen feet for shoes: a simple guide for NZ Families

When feet swell, the size on an old pair of shoes stops being a useful guide. Length tells you very little. What matters is how much room the shoe has around the foot and how high it opens. This guide shows how to measure at home, in about ten minutes, whether it's for yourself or for a parent or grandparent. For the bigger picture, see our complete guide to shoes for swollen feet.

What you'll need

• A soft tape measure (a sewing or tailor's tape is ideal)
• A pen and a sheet of paper
• A helper, if bending is difficult

No tape measure? Use a piece of string, mark it, then hold it against a ruler.

When to measure

Measure later in the day, when swelling is usually at its largest. If you size for the most swollen version of the foot, the shoe will be comfortable on the slimmer days too, because the straps can take up the slack.

If the foot is bandaged or dressed, measure with the bandage or dressing on, since that's how the shoe will be worn.

Step by step

1. Get set up. Stand on a sheet of paper, holding something steady. If standing is difficult, sit with the foot flat on the paper and ask a helper to trace around it.

2. Measure the length. Mark the heel and the longest toe, then measure the distance between them. For comfort, add 0.5–1cm. This is the number you compare against the size guide on each product page.

3. Measure the width. Measure straight across the widest part of the foot. This matters most for wide, swollen or bandaged feet.

4. Measure around the foot. This is the key number for swollen feet. Wrap a soft tape around the fullest part of the foot, keeping it snug but not tight. Pulling hard squeezes the swelling and gives a number that's too small. You'll compare it with the "Around Foot" figure for each style.

5. Measure the height. Measure from the sole up to the highest point the shoe needs to cover, such as the top of the swollen area, the ankle, or a dressing. You'll compare it with the "Height" figure for each style.

6. Measure both feet. If the feet differ, use the larger measurements.

Use the length to find your size in each product's size guide. Use the around-foot and height numbers to check that the style has enough room for your swelling.

Match your numbers to a style

Each of our styles lists two measurements for its largest size: the distance around the foot and the opening height. Compare your numbers against them, and leave a little spare room, because swelling can change from day to day.

For example, Owen's Oasis opens up to 50cm around the foot and 20cm high, while Rosie's Retreat suits mild swelling at 34cm. You'll find every style side by side, with season and key features, on our adaptive footwear page.

Common mistakes

• Measuring in the morning. The foot is usually smallest then.
• Relying only on shoe size. Length doesn't tell you whether the shoe will go around a swollen foot.
• Measuring only one foot. Take both, and size for the larger one.
• Pulling the tape tight. It squeezes the swelling and gives a number that's too small.
• Forgetting dressings or socks. Measure the way the shoe will be worn.

Measuring for someone else

If you're helping a parent or grandparent, do it together and take a photo of the foot beside the tape. Many of our customers measure from a distance. Send us the measurements and a photo and we'll check them against each style's adjustment range, which is how Peter found the right slippers for his mother-in-law.

If you're in Taranaki, you're also welcome to book a time to try shoes on in person and bring a family member along.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure both feet?
Yes. Feet are often different sizes, and swelling can be uneven. Choose the size that fits the larger foot. The straps let you tighten the smaller side.

How often should I re-measure?
Whenever swelling changes noticeably, and before ordering a new pair.

What if I'm between sizes?
Go up to the bigger size. A little extra room is more comfortable than a shoe that's too tight, especially when swelling changes during the day. The straps let you tighten the fit if it feels loose.

What if the swelling is only in one foot?
Sudden swelling in one foot, or swelling with pain, redness or shortness of breath, is worth checking with your GP. Shoes can make feet more comfortable, but they don't replace medical advice.

Ready to choose? Browse our adaptive footwear, or contact us with your measurements for a personalised recommendation.