When buying footwear online, customers often ask for the insole length. It is a useful reference, but it cannot describe the complete fit of a shoe. The shape of the last, the width and instep of the foot, the toe and heel construction, the upper material and the way the model holds the foot all matter.
KOHANI manufactures its own footwear. This means our size recommendations can take account of the parameters of the last, the construction of the specific model and the results of controlled fittings, rather than relying only on an approximate insole measurement.
Why insole length is not enough
An insole sits inside the shoe, but it is not an exact copy of the usable internal space. Its measured length can vary depending on its shape and thickness, whether it is removable and where the measurement begins and ends.
In a model with an elongated or tapered toe, part of the insole may not be usable space for the toes. Measuring a fixed insole with a tape can also produce only an approximate result. Two models with the same measured insole length may therefore fit differently.
Why outsole length cannot determine your size
The outsole may extend beyond the upper or include a decorative welt, platform or elongated toe. Its external length describes the design and bottom construction, not the internal space available to the foot. Outsole length should not be used as the main sizing measurement.
What the shoe last determines
The last defines the internal geometry of the footwear: the length and shape of the toe area, width and ball girth, instep volume, heel position and overall balance.
The length of the last is not the same as the length of the foot. The construction includes a functional allowance for toe movement and the way the foot works while walking. That allowance depends on the footwear category, toe shape, materials and model construction.
How to measure foot length correctly
Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening, when their volume may be slightly greater. Stand on a hard, level floor and measure both feet, as their lengths often differ.
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor with one edge touching a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel gently against the wall.
- Place your weight on the foot being measured.
- Mark the position of the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure the distance from the wall to the mark.
- Repeat the process for the other foot.
- Record both measurements in millimetres and use the larger value when choosing a size.
Record an exact measurement. For example: left foot 243 mm, right foot 247 mm. A range such as “about 24–25 cm” is too imprecise for a reliable recommendation.
Do not add 5 or 10 mm yourself. Provide the actual length of your foot. The required functional allowance should already be included in the recommendation for the specific model.
How to measure ball girth
Ball girth is measured around the widest part of the forefoot, across the joints at the base of the big toe and little toe. It usually provides more useful information about foot volume than a straight-line width measurement.
- Stand on both feet and distribute your weight evenly.
- Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of the forefoot.
- Keep the tape close to the skin without tightening it.
- Measure both feet.
- Record the larger value in millimetres.
How to assess your instep
The instep describes the volume of the upper part of the foot. For an initial online assessment, it can be described as low, standard or high.
- Low instep: footwear often feels loose over the top of the foot.
- Standard instep: most models fit without pronounced pressure from above.
- High instep: footwear often presses on the top of the foot or is difficult to fasten.
If you are unsure, tell the KOHANI consultant rather than selecting a value at random.
What if your foot length falls between two sizes?
There is no universal rule for every model. The right choice also depends on ball girth, instep, material, toe shape, heel fixation and whether the footwear will be worn with tights or socks.
A soft suede model may require a different recommendation from a structured shoe made from firmer leather. Always use the sizing notes for the specific model you want to order. If the available information is not sufficient, contact a KOHANI consultant before ordering.
Why a larger size may not solve a width problem
Moving up a size mainly adds length. It may not provide the required width or instep volume, and it can make the heel less secure. If the last is incompatible with the shape of your foot, choosing a different model or last is usually more appropriate than adding unnecessary length.
Why you should not rely only on leather stretching
Natural leather may adapt slightly in width and shape, but it cannot increase the internal length, change the position of the heel or correct the balance of an unsuitable last.
If your toes press firmly into the front, your heel slips significantly or the footwear causes noticeable pressure during the initial try-on, do not assume that the problem will disappear with wear. Minor material adaptation is normal; an incorrect fit is not.
How KOHANI prepares size recommendations
As a manufacturer, KOHANI can compare foot measurements with the geometry of the last and the construction of the specific model. Recommendations may take account of foot length, functional allowance, ball girth, instep, toe shape, upper and lining materials, heel construction and controlled fitting results.
This is why recommendations can vary between models even when the size number is the same. Our goal is not simply to suggest a familiar number, but to help select a pair that corresponds to the actual measurements of the foot.
Checklist before ordering
- Measure both feet while standing.
- Record both results in millimetres.
- Use the larger foot for size selection.
- Do not add extra length yourself.
- Measure the girth around the widest part of each foot.
- Assess your instep.
- Use the size information for the specific model.
- Check any notes about width, instep and heel fit.
- Do not choose a larger size solely to compensate for a wide foot.
- Contact KOHANI if the parameters do not match or the model data is incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I add extra length to my foot measurement?
No. Provide the actual foot length. The functional allowance should already be included in the recommendation for the specific model.
Which foot should I use if they are different?
Use the larger foot when choosing a size, but keep both measurements because the difference can also be useful during a consultation.
Can I choose a size using only the insole length?
No. Insole length is only one reference point and does not describe ball girth, instep, toe shape or heel fit.
Should I choose a larger size for a wide foot?
Not automatically. A larger size adds length, but may not provide the required volume and may reduce heel stability.
What should I do if I am unsure about my measurements?
Measure both feet again while standing and contact a KOHANI consultant. Provide the measurements in millimetres and name the model you are considering.
