Women's Shoes Fitting Guide From LightInTheBox.com

Women's Shoes

Buying shoes online means I can’t try them on first. What's the best way to ensure I’ll get the right size?

We carry a wide selection of brands and styles, some of which vary slightly in their sizing. If we know a shoe tends to run large or small, we'll add that information to the product description. We also rely on our customers to share their own experiences, by rating the shoe’s fit. Look for customer ratings on all product detail pages below the description. Considering buying a pair of new shoes? Check out our sizing tips.

If your country is not listed above, please contact Customer Service for details.

1. How do I find the right fit?
2. How do I know if my shoes are the right size?
3. How do I know if my sandals or mules are the right size?
4. I believe I have purchased the correct boot size, but my heel is slipping. What's wrong?
5. My feet seem larger in the afternoon. Can this be true?
6. How do you measure the heel heights I see on your product detail pages?
7. Help! My new shoes stained my feet. What's wrong?

1. How do I find the right fit?

Before You Buy:

If half sizes are not available, order a full size up.
If you have narrow feet and a narrow-fit isn’t offered, consider going down a half-size if possible.
If you have wide feet and a wide-fit isn’t offered, try going up a half size to create more room.
It's normal for one foot to be larger than the other; use the measurements of the bigger foot, to determine your shoe size.
If you don't know your size in athletic/running shoes, consider ordering a half size larger than your normal size.
If you are familiar with the brand, order the same size you usually wear in that brand. The sizes displayed on our site are from the manufacturers.

After Receiving Your Shoes:

Try your shoes on with the same socks or stockings you plan to wear with them, to ensure you have a good fit. This could add on another half size, depending on sock thickness.
Try on your shoes indoors on a carpeted surface. This will protect the soles of the shoes, in case you need to return or exchange them.

2. How do I know if my shoes are the right size?

A good fit is when there's no gap between your foot and the sides of the shoe, the arch of the shoe cradles the arch of your foot, your toes have just enough wiggle room, and your heel should fit comfortably without slipping when you walk.

3. How do I know if my sandals or mules are the right size?

Your foot should completely cover the shoe lining, without your toe or heel overlapping either end of the shoe.

4. I think I have the right boot size, but my heel is slipping. What's wrong?

Most boots are constructed with a softer heel counter (the reinforced material around your heel). This makes them easier to slide your foot into, but it may cause your heel to slip a bit the first few times you wear them. Not to worry, this is normal. After wearing them several times, your boots should mold to your feet and stop slipping.

5. My feet seem larger in the afternoon. Is this possible?

Most people's feet swell slightly as the day progresses due to body temperature and regular activity. To get the best fit, try your new shoes on in the afternoon and after a bit of walking or exercise.

6. How do you measure the heel heights I see on your product detail pages?

To provide consistent information, we measure all heel heights from a sample shoe size. The actual heel measurement will be proportionate to your shoe size and may vary slightly for larger or smaller sizes. We measure from the center of the heel to where it meets the sole. If the shoe is a platform, that measurement will be noted separately. Measurements are rounded off in quarter-inch increments.

7. Help! My new shoes stained my feet. What's wrong?

The dye on new shoes will sometimes rub off on your feet the first few times you wear them. This is normal for natural materials such as leather and fabric. It’s not harmful and will come off with soap and water.