When using our barefoot shoe calculator , it's natural to ask yourself a pertinent question: why is the recommended size often larger than your exact foot measurement? This difference represents a margin of comfort and growth , an essential element of proper footwear , and we'd like to clarify its importance.
What is Margin and Why is it Necessary?
Toe space is the additional space, measured in millimeters, between the tip of your longest toe and the inside edge of the shoe. Contrary to what you might think, the foot is not static; its size and shape change dynamically during walking and other activities.
The inclusion of an adequate margin serves two fundamental purposes:
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Allow Natural Foot Movement:
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Toe Splay: During walking, especially during the propulsion phase, the toes need room to expand laterally. A shoe that is too tight restricts this natural movement.
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Slight Arch Lengthening: The plantar arch may flatten and lengthen slightly under the weight of the body.
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Gait Dynamics: The toe box ensures that the toes don't collide with the front of the shoe, preventing discomfort. This functional space is a cornerstone of respectful footwear.
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Slight Arch Lengthening: The plantar arch may flatten and lengthen slightly under the weight of the body.
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Toe Splay: During walking, especially during the propulsion phase, the toes need room to expand laterally. A shoe that is too tight restricts this natural movement.
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Accommodate Growth:
Children's feet are constantly developing. An adequate allowance ensures that the shoe can be worn comfortably for a reasonable period of time, following natural growth.
How Does the Calculator Apply Margin?
Our tool was developed to simplify choosing the correct size:
- When you enter your foot measurement (in mm), the calculator compares it to the size charts ̷ d̷o̷s̷ ̷ f̷a̷b̷r̷i̷c̷a̷n̷t̷e̷s̷. We do not trust the manufacturers' charts; we measure all the shoes that arrive at Gotu because they very rarely match. Sometimes we are even responsible for manufacturers changing their own charts.
- Based on the type of footwear, apply the margin considered ideal:
- Closed Footwear (Boots, Sneakers): A margin of between 8 and 11 millimeters is recommended.
- Open Footwear (Sandals): A smaller margin is recommended, between 3 and 7 millimeters .
- The result in the "✅ Ideal Size " section already includes this calculated margin.
- Results in the "⚠️ Non-Ideal Margin" or "❌ Inadequate Fit" sections indicate that the margin would be outside the optimal range or the measurement is outside the model's size range .
The Margin as an Essential Component of Respectful Footwear
Ensuring this clearance is an important factor for healthy foot development . It allows for proper muscle and joint function and promotes the foot's intrinsic strength.
Did you get it? 😊
The margin calculated by our calculator is a functional and deliberate growth space, aligned with the principles of respectful footwear. It represents our recommendation for ensuring comfort, freedom of movement, and adaptation to growth.
We hope this explanation was helpful. For more information, check out our measurement guide— a free PDF to help you measure, save records, and diagnose —or contact us .
Best regards,
The Gotu Team 😀