Sizing and Fit

All habbot shoes are sized in European women’s sizing. A general comparison between other sizing systems is shown below.

EUROPEAN	34	35	36	37	38	39	40	41	42	43
USA & AUS	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
UK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
JAPAN	20	21	22	23	23.5	24.5	25	26	26.5	27.5

 

SIZING INFORMATION

The structure of our shoe leather will open up and create a more comfortable fit across the width of your foot, but not the length. Therefore, width should be quite firm yet comfortable, but your toes should not be close to the end.

Ensure any areas with stitch details (especially on the bone or on the instep) are completely comfortable as these areas are unlikely to give.

Some leathers take longer to open up (patent , high-shine, metallic) but if worn in short 3-4 hour sessions initially they will adjust accordingly.

Tips of your toes must be comfortable as the re-enforced toe cap will not adjust with wear.

Higher arches are most comfortable in shoes that allow for adjustment on top of foot (ie. derby lacing), open ballet or pump styles, or  shoes described as being deeper in the upper.

Fit to your larger foot, and for shoes with round and almond toes allow at least 1.5 mm of usable space at the front of the shoe (when standing) For shoes with a more exaggerated taper allow slightly more room. 

If there is movement when you walk, employ a half insole at the front of the shoe to help lift your foot backwards into a firm position.

 

FIT TYPES

Getting your correct ‘fit’ is key to ensuring you have a wonderful relationship with your shoes! Here’s our explanation on how to understand which shoes should work best for you.

• Average to narrow:

If you are familiar with shoes feeling unsupportive or have developed a habit of lacing or buckling shoes as tightly as possible, you more than likely have narrower feet.  Worse, you may be in the habit of clawing your toes or experience side to side movement in your shoes.  You will find that full insoles can take up extra volume and half insoles can also push you back into the heel. A combination can also work for very narrow feet. There are also anatomic insoles to consider if you have a lot of space and would appreciate the arch support.  Some of our narrower styles may be able to accommodate you with or without inserts depending on your degree of narrowness.  It is important to note that there are no technical A width styles in our range.

Explore our Average to narrow fit styles here.

• Average to wide:

Some of us are born with wider feet (including flat feet) and many get wider over time. Many acquire the condition through ill-fitting shoes or injury and may have become broader in the forefoot as a result of a bunion.  Pregnancy can also loosen ligaments all over the body, including the feet, while the extra weight can collapse the arches, affecting both the width and length.  Regardless of the cause you will be accustomed to experiencing an overly tight or simply uncomfortable fit, even though the length of the shoe may be correct.  Some feet may only be slightly wider than average but it is important to feel supported and not pinched.  The ideal is a snug but not tight fit.  Leather does give but avoid too much stitch detail on the sides of the shoe as they will generally hold their shape.  Look for softer leathers that will also be more comfortable and that will mould to your shape over time.  You may also choose to have them professionally stretched.  Lacing and strap details also allow for extra adjustment.

Explore our Average to wide fit styles here.

• High instep:

You may be very aware of your high instep (top of the foot) although we find there are lots of women who aren’t and so seem to consider themselves wider than average as a result.  There is an average midfoot height that many enclosed shoes are designed to fit and if you have an average width but a very high instep, getting your foot in may be a challenge. It might not even be worth the effort of getting into certain styles if the pressure bearing down on the foot results in pain. If this is where you usually experience discomfort, chances are that your instep is your main issue.  You can also have a combination of high instep and width and this may rule out many styles as a result.  Lacing and strap details may be helpful, along with lower cut shoes styles.  If you feel pressure due to stitch work in the leather, it may not be the right style for you.

Explore our High instep styles here.

• Orthotic Friendly:

Custom orthotics or other inserts have become commonplace but if you must wear custom orthotics and they are 3/4 to full length, getting them and yourself into a shoe may be problematic.   We have removable insoles in our sneaker styles but have now included two new dressier options with removable insoles.  For those with the more discreet variety of orthotics, many of the wider or high instep styles should also be able to accommodate them.  Laced or buckled styles are generally recommended as they secure your feet and allow for adjustability.

Explore our removable insoles styles here if you have large custom orthotics.  (If you have 's-shaped' or low profile orthotics, we suggest you try our 'Average to wide' fitting styles here.)