Size Chart, Fit Tips & Parts of a Shoe

Men’s/Women’s Size Conversion Chart

Use the size conversion chart below to either convert a women's size to a men's size or a men's size to a women's size. For example, a woman's size 9 would correspond to a man's size 7.

UK Size Conversion

Use the size conversion chart below to convert a US men’s or US women’s size to a UK size. For example, a US men’s size 9 corresponds to a UK size 8, and a US women’s size 9 corresponds to a UK size 7.

These charts are intended to be used as a guide. Sizes may vary among brands.

10 Footwear Fitting Tips

By: National Shoe Retailers Association, Prescription Footwear Association & American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Public Information Office

Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe. Judge the shoe by how it fits.
Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.
Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet changes as you age.
Have BOTH feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Fit to the largest/widest foot.
If possible, fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
Stand during the fitting process and check that there is adequate space (3/8 inch to 1/2 inch) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe.
Make sure the ball of your foot fits snugly into the widest part of the shoe.
Don't purchase shoes that feel too tight and expect them to "stretch" to fit. This is especially true with the toe of a safety shoe, as they do not stretch.
Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with minimal slippage. Also, consider that slip-on or pull-on styles will always have slippage because they cannot be laced up for a more secure fit.
Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits and feels right. When trying on safety shoes, Vanderloop Shoes suggests moving into positions that you would typically be in during work (e.g., kneeling). Make sure that your toes are not rubbing against the safety toe.

Safety Footwear - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference in length between a men's size 10 and a men's size 10.5?

A. The difference between a half size is about a sixth of an inch. It may not sound like a lot, but it could be the difference between toes rubbing against a safety toe or fitting comfortably.

Q. It's okay to wear my safety shoes outside of work for everyday use... right?

A. It is recommended that footwear "rest" between uses. This "rest" allows the built-in cushion to regain some of its spring, which means your footwear will feel better for longer. The "rest" also allows moisture to dry, creating a healthier environment for your feet. Additionally, the more hours you wear the shoe, the shorter the product's lifespan. To get the most out of your safety footwear, we recommend wearing them only at work.

Q. Can my shoe size really change? I've worn a men's size 12 my entire life!

A. Yes. Shoe size can change over time because your feet can change (due to injury, weight gain/loss, pregnancy). It is also important to keep in mind that different brands or styles fit different people. We recommend trying on footwear and walking around the store (or the safety footwear truck) before making a purchase. You can also wear the product at home on a clean surface to ensure a proper fit before wearing it to work or outdoors.

Q. Can I add an insole on top of what is already in my shoe?

A. Adding an insole for cushion or support can lengthen the life of any footwear, but you should always remove the current insole before you add a new one. Putting two insoles on top of each other will compromise the fit and support of your footwear. It can also raise the heel significantly, which will push the foot forward and toward the front of the shoe, potentially causing it to slip into the safety toe.

Footwear Technology Definitions

Parts Of A Boot/Shoe

Upper – the combination of materials that cover and support the top of the foot (depending on the style of footwear, it could be leather, a synthetic upper, or both).
Eyelets/Top Hooks – enhance and protect the lacing capabilities of the footwear.
Linings – the materials inside the boot that come in direct contact with the foot.
Footbed – the shock-absorbing layer next to the foot (most of the time removable).
Insole – the supportive layer directly under the footbed.
Shank – provides structural and rigid support to the footwear. Made up of steel, fiberglass, or aluminum.
Midsole – provides cushioning and stability.
Outsole/Sole – provides grip, traction, stability, and protection.

Soft Toe Footwear

Footwear that does not have a protective reinforcement in the toe.

Safety Toe Footwear

Footwear that has a protective reinforcement in the toe, which protects the foot from falling objects or compression.

Types of Safety Toes

Alloy - is made of alloy, which is a mixture of two or more metals. Commonly, alloy safety toes can include titanium or aluminum, both lightweight metals. Alloy toes are 30-50% lighter than steel, but are just as strong as steel. They are made a bit thinner, which gives more room in the toe box as well. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
Aluminum – weighs less than steel and meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
Composite (Non-Metallic Toe) - can be made of fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber, or Kevlar to eliminate bulk and weight (when compared to a steel toe) while still providing protection. They are around 30% lighter than steel. They are also suitable for extreme high or low temperatures because they won’t heat up or cool down like metal would. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
Steel - is made of heavy-duty steel, providing protection in environments where safety is crucial. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.

Met Guard Footwear

Footwear that has a metatarsal guard to protect the upper foot from falling objects or compression.

Types of Met Guard’s

Internal: The met guard is built into the inside of the boot/shoe.
External: The met guard found on the outside of the boot/shoe.

Extra Features That - Soft, Safety, or Met Guard Footwear May Have

Electrical Hazard (EH): Protects you from open circuits and electrocution by providing extra protection from accidental contact with electrically energized objects. The soles of EH shoes provide a safety barrier from open electrical currents up to 18,000 volts at 60Hz for one minute without leakage.
Insulation: Protects the body from cold by trapping the body’s heat and preventing it from escaping. Insulation levels can range from as little as 200g to 1200 g or more. Sometimes insulation is also rated in degrees.
Puncture Resistant: Reduces the possibility of puncture wounds to the sole of the foot from penetrating objects.
Slip Resisting (SR): Provides traction on slick surfaces.
Static Dissipative (SD): Absorbs and neutralizes static electricity by absorbing loose electrons and sending them into the floor. SD footwear regulates the accumulation of electrical charge within your body and reduces the risk of static shock.
Water Resistant: Allows water and other liquids to run off the leather, keeping the foot dry. However, just because the upper may be water-resistant, it doesn’t mean the footwear is waterproof. It needs to have a waterproof membrane to be considered waterproof.
Waterproof Membrane (WP): Water-impermeable membrane keeps feet drier and delivers superior waterproof protection.

Static Dissipative (SD) Footwear Care Instructions

Static Dissipative (SD) footwear absorbs and neutralizes static electricity by absorbing loose electrons and sending them into the floor. SD footwear regulates the accumulation of electrical charge within your body and reduces the risk of static shock. Below are some easy steps to maintain SD footwear. These steps will help the footwear last longer and may increase the life of your shoes.

To maintain proper SD performance, these shoes must be frequently maintained and routinely cleaned. The recommended weekly care and cleaning schedule is:

Keep the outsole very clean & free of all dirt, debris, and other compounds. Scrub the outsole using a mild soap.
Keep the inside of the shoe clean. Remove the insole and vacuum the insole and the interior of the shoe.
Clean the upper with a damp cloth.

The insole is a critical component of the SD shoe. If you choose to replace the insole, the replacement insole or orthotic must be SD. However, in some cases, even when replacing with an SD insole/orthotic, it may not test SD.

Very dry feet or socks, combined with a dry environment, may reduce the performance of the SD footwear. Humidity is essential to SD performance. Avoid using shoe powders that reduce the internal moisture of your footwear.

Benefits of Using Footwear Care Products

Below is a list of popular footwear care products that can help extend the life of your current footwear, while also offering other benefits, including protection, waterproofing & softening leather. Vanderloop Shoes offers a variety of care products on our website, including the following:

Boot Oil: Provides optimal conditioning qualities. Boot oil is designed to replenish the oils lost by leather from repeated wetting and drying. It is easy to apply with a dry cloth and works on all leather products. Boot oil is made of silicone and lanolin.
Leather Dressing: Helps condition and preserve leather. Also provides excellent water repellence and resists most acids while still allowing leather to breathe. Leather dressing is applied with a dry cloth. It is made of beeswax, pine pitch, and mink oil. This product does NOT contain silicone or petroleum ingredients.
Waterproof Spray: Provides an invisible and breathable protective coating that repels water. This spray can be applied to all leather products. It can help repel water on your current footwear or be sprayed on a waterproof product to enhance its benefits. This spray works well on suede and will not cause it to darken.

All care products should be applied to clean/dry leather to maximize benefits. Care products can be used as needed, with frequent applications providing more protection. Be sure to follow the directions listed on the back of the product for best results.