How to Measure Your Feet With a Brannock Device

You'll need to know your foot length when buying new shoes.

A Brannock device is a common sight in shoe stores. Sales staffs use them to quickly tell the length and width of a customer's foot to calculate his shoe size. Invented by Charles Brannock in Syracuse, New York, in the 1920s, the black and silver device measures the length, arch length and width of your feet to get the most comfortable fit.

Things You'll Need

• A shoe store that has a Brannock device.

Instructions

1. Open the Brannock device to its widest point. That means the width bar should be at its widest position and the arch length adjustment should be moved back.

2. Read the length of your right foot on a Brannock device. Place your right foot flat on the device, putting your heel all the way back on the right heel cup, and stand up straight. If your toe rests right on a size line, like 10, you want to go up a half size. Your toe should not touch the end of your shoe.

3. Measure the width of your foot. You will notice there is a sliding wing of the Brannock on the outer side of your foot. Slide that piece up next to the side of your foot. There will be sizes and widths listed on the side of the Brannock. Find your size and it will show you your width.

4. Measure your arch length. Notice another smaller sliding piece that lines up next to your big toe knuckle. This piece will have a pointer that will measure your arch length. If you have a high arch, your arch length will measure longer than your foot length. This means you might need to try that size shoe; it may fit you better.

5. Follow the same steps to measure your left foot, but make sure your heel is in the left heel cup.

6. Understand that many companies' sizes vary among styles. Different brands' sizes will also vary. Make sure you try on as many shoes as it takes to find the right fit. Always remember that when it comes to shoes, you get what you pay for.

References

• Brannock: Why Heel-to-Ball Is Essential