The Shoe That Fits
Forget colours. Forget features. Forget even the price tag. When you’re looking for shoes, your first concern should be a good fit.
We train our footwear sales associates to help you find the best-fitting shoe.
“Fit is critical. Many people buy footwear based on features. It’s probably the worst thing they can do. Fit is what really translates into performance,” says Deon Blyan, a Sport Chek Training Specialist.
Fit vs. Feel
If you have the choice between two shoes, you should go with the one that fits the best, not the one that feels the best.
“Fit and feel are two different things,” says Blyan. “If you ask a customer how it feels, they’ll say great. We should be asking ‘What are you feeling?’ There’s a big difference between the two.”
A shoe may feel really good because you’re slopping around in it and there’s no pressure next to your foot. It may also feel great because you just stepped out of your old, worn down shoes into a new, cushy model.
Holding Hands
“Think of it like a handshake. It shouldn’t feel like a firm handshake, but rather like someone is holding your hand. That’s a good fit. If the upper really grips, or just feathers without any pressure, it’s not a good fit,” Blyan says.
Other things to look for;
- Toe box has enough room to wiggle your toes.
- No slipping in the heel area. You need to lock your heel in. Heel slip will cause blisters or premature break down of the shoe.
- Half a thumbnail between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Sales associates are trained to offer informed suggestions about what to try. They’ll help you shrink the footwear wall to a few models that meet your needs. They’ll know, for example, which Nike shoes tend to fit narrowly and which Adidas shoes are best for wider feet.
The Width Story
To meet special width requirements, our sales associates may suggest New Balance shoes. We carry many styles in a variety of widths.
Look at the lacing pattern of the shoe to ensure the shoe is the correct width.
If the laces are diverging at the top, which looks like a V, your foot is probably too wide for the shoe. If they close too tightly at the top, causing an upside down V, the shoe is probably too wide. The two sets of eyelets should be parallel.
You’re The Best Judge
The bottom line is that the final decision on fit will be up to you.
“You can have all the knowledge. You can understand the technology behind the shoe. You may think that this should be the shoe for you, but it really comes down to how it fits,” says Seanna Robinson, an Adidas representative.
“Sport Chek sales associates can guide you to two or three shoes and put you in them,” says Robinson. “Your feet will know what fits.”
What To Expect
Socks off: Trained Sport Chek sales associates will ask to look at your bare feet. We’re not afraid of feet, warts and all. This step is important for us to help you get the best fit. With a glance, our sales associates can judge the type of feet you have and get a sense of your stride. They’ll also look for potential fitting challenges.
Socks on: Are these the socks you’re going to wear in the shoes? They should be. Sales associates may suggest a fitted sock made from moisture management fabrics for more comfortable feet.
“A sock provides comfort, cushioning and wicking, but it is also an integral part of the fit process,” says Blyan.
Measurement: Using a Brannock device, both feet will be measured for length and width. Most people have one foot that is half a size larger than the other. It’s important to know which one is larger.
Try them on: Sales associates will bring you at least two pairs of shoes. Try them both on to compare the fit. If you’re not sure, ask to try another model. Every shoe fits differently. They’ll feel the fit at the toe for length and across the toe box for width.
Walk around: Sales associates will suggest you run around, walk and move side to side. Give your shoes a good in-store test for fit.
Make a decision: It’s all up to you. You’re the only one who knows what fits and what meets your needs.