Knowing how to choose barefoot shoe size is crucial for respectful footwear to fulfill its function: providing enough space for the foot to move naturally, without being too tight or too loose.
Unlike conventional footwear, it's not enough to just pick your usual size, as foot length, width, instep, model type, and recommended margin also play a role.
In this guide, we explain how to measure your feet at home step by step, how to interpret Waals size charts, and what details you should check before buying.
This will allow you to more confidently choose between sneakers, sandals, or other barefoot models, taking into account your transition level and the actual shape of your foot.
Why barefoot size is not chosen the same way as conventional size
Most of us buy conventional shoes based on a "lifelong size." We know that if we wear a 40 in sports shoes, we'll probably wear the same size in boots.
But when looking for your barefoot shoe size, that prior knowledge doesn't always work. Why?
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Last shape: Traditional footwear is usually narrower at the toe and compresses the toes laterally. Waals barefoot footwear features an anatomical toe box (wide toe box) that respects the foot's shape and gives the toes room to spread.
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Sizes are not universal: Each manufacturer uses their own patterns and lasts. A size 39 from a conventional brand or even another barefoot brand can measure up to half a centimeter more (or less) than a 39 in Waals.
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The foot changes in motion: When walking, the foot can expand slightly under body weight, which is why it needs some space inside the shoe. If you choose a barefoot size that is too tight, it's easier for your toes to rub or hit the toe of the shoe with each step, especially when going downhill, on long walks, or when the foot swells at the end of the day.
Therefore, the first secret to how to find my barefoot size is to forget your usual size for a moment and focus on the actual measurement of your feet in centimeters or millimeters.
How to measure your foot at home step by step
To take an accurate measurement and find your ideal fit, you only need a few basic materials that you surely have at home: a sheet of paper (larger than your foot), a fine-point pencil or pen, a rigid ruler or tape measure, and a vertical wall.
Follow these steps to measure your barefoot foot with greater accuracy:
1. Choose the right moment
Measure your feet preferably in the afternoon or at the end of the day. This is when the foot is most expanded and swollen due to daily activity, offering a much more realistic measurement.
2. Prepare the paper and the wall
Place the sheet of paper on the floor, completely against a smooth wall without prominent baseboards.
3. Stand up (under load)
Stand barefoot on the paper, with your heel against the wall. Take the measurement standing, with your weight naturally distributed, because the foot can change slightly in size when bearing weight. If you measure it sitting down, you might get a shorter and less accurate measurement for choosing your size.
4. Mark the end
With the pencil in a completely vertical position (90 degrees to the floor), make a horizontal mark exactly where your longest toe ends. Do not tuck the tip of the pencil under your toe, as this will subtract very important millimeters for your fit.
5. Measure the distance
Remove the paper and, with a ruler, measure the perpendicular distance from the edge of the sheet (which touched the wall) to the mark you made.
Tips for choosing and measuring barefoot size correctly
Here are some key tips you should keep in mind when measuring your foot correctly and choosing the right size:
Always measure both feet
We are not perfectly symmetrical. It is very common for one foot to be slightly longer or wider than the other (sometimes with differences of up to 5 mm). Repeat the measurement process for both sides individually.
Use the measurement of the longest foot
Once you have the centimeters of both feet, always use the measurement of the longest foot to choose your footwear. This will prevent rubbing or uncomfortable pressure on your dominant foot.
Consider width and instep
To choose your barefoot size well, it's not enough to measure only the length of the foot. The width of the metatarsal area and the volume of the instep also influence, especially if you are going to buy sandals or models with straps.
Width is measured at the widest part of the forefoot, just before the toes. This measurement is important because barefoot footwear must allow the toes and metatarsals to have room to expand naturally when supported. That's why Waals models are designed with a wider toe box and metatarsal area than conventional footwear.
The instep can also change the fit sensation. If you have a high instep, you may need to pay more attention to models with adjustable closures, straps, or greater adjustability. In the case of barefoot sandals, this point is especially important, as a good fit must support the foot without pinching or restricting movement.
How much margin to leave in barefoot footwear
One of the most frequent questions when choosing barefoot size is how much space should be left in front of the toes. This margin, sometimes called "courtesy space," is important because the foot does not remain static when walking: the toes need some space to move and prevent them from constantly rubbing against the front of the shoe.
As a general reference, for Waals closed-toe footwear, such as sneakers or ankle boots, we usually recommend calculating the foot measurement plus about 8 mm of margin. For example, if your foot measures 240 mm, the ideal would be to look for an approximate internal length of 246 to 248 mm, always checking the specific chart of the model you want to buy.
This margin may vary slightly depending on the type of footwear, the shape of your foot, and the fit sensation you prefer.
How to use Waals size charts
At Waals, the size should always be chosen from the product page of the model you want to buy. Each design can have a different last, sole, or construction, so it is not advisable to rely solely on your usual size.
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Specific chart per model: each product includes its own size chart, created from the actual measurements of that design. Therefore, the chart for a model like Mojave, for example, should not be replaced by that of another model with a different construction.
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Same last and same sole: only when two models share exactly the same last and the same sole can they use the same size chart.
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Measurements in sandals: in sandals, the measurements of the sole are taken from edge to edge, that is, over the total effective length of the sandal.
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Before choosing: measure your longest foot, add the recommended margin, and compare that measurement with the chart of the specific model you want to buy.
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If you hesitate between two sizes: also check the width, instep, and type of fit of the model. And if you finally need to change the size, you can easily process it from the returns and exchanges section.
How to choose size for barefoot sandals
Choosing your size for barefoot sandals has very important particularities compared to closed-toe footwear. With no physical toe box to limit toe movement, the foot has complete freedom of expansion, but it also requires optimal strap adjustment and stability so that the foot does not "slide" forward when walking.
In Waals sandals, in addition to length, width, instep, and strap adjustment are very important.
The margin in sandals
While in closed-toe sneakers we look for a margin of about 8-12 mm, in barefoot sandals this "courtesy space" is slightly reduced to avoid unnecessary tripping with the front part. The ideal margin on the sole of a barefoot sandal is usually between 6 to 10 mm of total effective space.
Is this your first summer in respectful sandals?
If you already wear barefoot footwear like sports shoes or flats, but this is your first time wearing respectful sandals, we advise you to assess your comfort level.
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If you're looking for a pure and direct minimalist experience, the Go! models are fantastic.
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If you prefer a more progressive or adaptive transition to avoid muscle fatigue on hard surfaces like asphalt, a Ready or Steady model can be your best ally.
It is important to note that a large part of our barefoot sandals are handcrafted with premium natural leathers and hides. Therefore, they are not beach or pool sandals. Avoid submerging them in water to preserve the flexibility and softness of their natural fibers.
Practical example
Imagine that your foot measures 24.5 cm long, 9.8 cm wide and you have an instep of 25 cm. In addition, you already wear closed-toe barefoot footwear, but this will be your first summer with barefoot sandals. In that case, it is not only convenient to look at the length of the foot: you also have to check the width, the instep, the type of adjustment and the transition level of the model.
The first thing would be to convert the measurement to millimeters: 24.5 cm is equivalent to 245 mm. Then, that measurement would have to be compared with the specific chart of the chosen model. For example, if a size has a sole of 247 mm, it would barely leave about 2 mm of margin, so it could be too tight when walking. On the other hand, a sole of 254 mm would leave approximately 9 mm of margin, a more adequate clearance for the foot to have enough space.
In such a case, if it is your first time wearing barefoot sandals, it may make sense to start with a Ready or Steady model, especially if you are looking for a more progressive adaptation and an adjustable fit. The straps help to better adapt the sandal to the instep, while the Go! models are usually more oriented to users with more experience and who are looking for a more direct feeling with the ground.
What happens if you are between two sizes
If, after measuring your foot and adding the margin, you find yourself right on the boundary between two sizes in the Waals chart, we recommend the following:
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Assess your foot volume: If you have a slender, flat foot (low instep), choosing the smaller size or your usual size may provide a better fit to prevent your foot from sliding around. If, on the other hand, you have a high instep, a voluminous foot, or wear thick socks in winter, choose the larger size to ensure comfort.
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The golden rule: When in doubt, it is best to rely on the specific measurement chart for the model. And if the fit is not perfect, don't worry! At Waals, we make size exchanges extremely simple and quick through our Returns and Exchanges section on the website.
Remember that the foot is three-dimensional, and aspects such as the flexibility of your toes or the elasticity of your joints uniquely influence how you feel the footwear.
How your barefoot level influences: Ready, Steady, and Go!
At Waals, we don't believe in radical transitions that impose an abrupt change on your musculature; that's why we designed a 3-level method that respects your body's adaptation pace:
Waals proposes three levels to gradually transition to barefoot:
- Ready: for beginners. Includes an insole with a 4.5 mm drop and a less pronounced last.
- Steady: for those who have already started adapting. Maintains zero drop and a more defined anatomical toe box.
- Go!: for more experienced users. Offers a more minimalist feel, without intermediate elements and with a last closer to the natural shape of the foot.
Some of our designs are intended to accompany you at more than one level. For example, our iconic Mojave model can be used as Ready footwear if you use it with its transition insole inserted.
If you decide to remove that insole, the shoe automatically becomes a Steady model, exposing the integrated Ortholite + Breathable Mesh internal insole as part of the shoe's structure to give you a much more direct connection to the ground.
How does this affect your size? When you remove the insole to transition to the Steady level, you will gain a few extra millimeters of vertical volume inside the shoe's compartment.
However, we suggest you buy based on your initial measurement, as continued use of barefoot footwear will strengthen your arch and toes, naturally widening your stride over time.
Common mistakes when choosing barefoot size
To ensure your first barefoot experience is a complete success, avoid making these common mistakes:
Choosing a size that's too snug
Due to the inertia of conventional shoes, we tend to look for footwear that fits like a glove. In barefoot footwear, feeling that you have "extra space" in front of your toes doesn't mean the shoe is too big; it means your feet finally have room to expand naturally when walking.
Comparing with another brand's chart
Thinking that "if I'm a size 40 in another minimalist brand, I'll be a 40 in Waals" is a common mistake. Always check the technical specifications of each specific model.
Measuring only one foot
Body asymmetry is natural. If you only measure your left foot and it turns out to be the shorter one, the right shoe will pinch uncomfortably.
Measuring while seated
Without your body weight on your foot, length and width measurements are reduced, falsifying the actual result.
Not considering your gear
If you're going to wear your shoes or boots with thick socks in winter, take your measurements while wearing those same socks.
Looking for a snug fit
Respectful footwear is not designed to rigidly hold the foot, but to allow it to move with absolute freedom.
Frequently asked questions about barefoot sizing
What is a wide "toe box" and why do all Waals models have one?
The toe box is the front part of the shoe. In traditional footwear, this area tapers, squeezing the toes together. At Waals, all our models feature a wide anatomical toe box and a pronounced metatarsal area that allows your toes to spread, align, and actively work in balancing and propelling your body.
Is it normal for my Waals shoes to feel "big" at first?
Yes, it is completely normal if this is your first pair of respectful footwear. We have spent our entire lives accustoming our brains to the feeling of confinement from conventional footwear.
When you put on your first Waals and notice that your toes can move freely and there's extra space in front, your first reaction might be to think you need a smaller size. Take a few steps, walk around the house, and feel how your toes spread when you step; you'll see that this freedom is the natural physiognomy your foot so desperately needed.
What materials does Waals use in its products?
At Waals, we are committed to artisanal design, well-being, and sustainability. For this reason, we use premium quality materials such as premium nubuck and very soft, breathable natural leathers, which adapt to the physiognomy of your foot with use.
Additionally, we incorporate leading technological components such as Vibram® soles for optimal grip, Ortholite® insoles for respectful cushioning, and Event® waterproof membranes in our technical winter models.
