Buying Shoes Online - How to know what size?
Finding the right shoes to fit is often a challenge, particularly for larger-sized feet! Sadly, recent years has seen a decline in independently owned shoe stores and unfortunately, advice around quality shoes and fitting is not offered in some of the larger chain stores. Buying shoes online might sound like a difficult task but we have been selling shoes since 2008, so we work hard to make sure we make it easy for you.
Why is it important to wear shoes that are the right size for your foot?
The right shoes do more than complete your outfit – they protect your feet, support your posture, and keep you comfortable all day long.
1. Prevent Foot Pain & Common Problems
Ill-fitting shoes (too tight, too loose, or lacking support) are a common cause of blisters, corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, and heel pain. Over time, chronic stresses from poor fitting footwear can even lead to structural foot changes or deformities.
2. Support Posture, Joints & Spine Alignment
Your feet are the foundation for your body. When shoes don’t support your arches or force your gait to compensate, it can affect knees, hips, and lower back alignment. A well-fitted shoe helps distribute pressure evenly and maintain natural alignment.
3. Reduce Risk of Injury
Proper footwear helps reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments, particularly when walking, standing for long periods, or doing sport-type movements. Shoes with a firm heel counter, good stability, and enough depth help prevent slip, overpronation, and excessive pressure.
4. Better Comfort & Energy Efficiency
When a shoe fits well, it reduces friction, rubbing, and hot spots. You expend less extra effort correcting your stride or compensating for discomfort. Over long days, this comfort makes a big difference in fatigue, especially for those on their feet a lot.
5. Improved Circulation & Foot Health
Shoes that are too tight can restrict blood flow or compress nerves; shoes which are too loose can cause instability and friction. For people with health conditions (such as diabetes or neuropathy), a proper fit is even more critical to prevent ulcers or wounds.
At Big On Shoes, we believe style should never come at the cost of comfort. That’s why we’re passionate about offering perfectly fitting shoes that not only look amazing but also care for your feet – so every step you take feels effortless.
What is the difference between EU and AU Shoes.
European (EU) and Australian (AU) shoe sizes use different measurement systems, which is the main reason why they are different sizes.
Another reason for the difference in shoe sizes is that the shape of the foot and the manufacturing process can also vary from one country to another. Footwear manufacturers in different countries may use different lasts (the form around which a shoe is built) and different fitting standards to make shoes, which can result in variations in the sizes of the shoes produced.
It's also worth noting that sizing can vary between different brands and even within the same brand. Additionally, using a conversion chart to convert between EU and AU shoe sizes is not always accurate, as there can be discrepancies between brands and models.
Are you now thinking that it's impossible to work out sizing? This is how the Big On Shoes sizing support is helpful.
Size Comparison Chart- GUIDE ONLY. Please ensure you refer to each individual size for recommendations on sizing.
1. I am normally a size AU11 what size is that in EU?
If you are normally a size AU11 you would be a size EU42. If you are a size AU12, you will be a sizeEU43s etc.
Remember to use the table and the above advice to help you - measure your shoes at home, measure your feet and then compare this to the styles that we have.
2. We custom measure every size of every style of shoe
The key to helping you find your right fit is to check your foot measurements and your shoes at home to compare with the measurements of our shoes. Yes, we measure the innersole length and width of every shoe style.
We have linked a Vlog here for you to see what this process looks like when we work through it on each shoe and also some extra sizing advice.
3. True to size recommendation
We fit test every shoe and advise on the product pages whether the shoes are true to size or whether you should size up or down.
4. We are here to help you find your right shoes
Our small but mighty team is here to help. We live and breath our shoes every day. We understand the cut and shape of them in away that sometimes shocks people (we talk about every shoe as if she is a person). We are here for you to ring us, message or email us so that we can provide the advice you need. If you have purchased with us previously we use your customer file to understand what fitted well so we can provide advice.
Reach out to us if you need help - we are here for you.
5. Different fit options
Every season when ordering (our ordering happens 12 months ahead of season launches) we look at all brands and make sure we have options for Wide Fitting Women's Shoes, Narrow Fitting and regular fitting shoes. We also look for options for adjust to fit which cater for various feet-widths.