How to choose the right barefoot shoe size? Measure your foot length and choose a shoe that is 8-12 mm longer. At IEDEREEN LOOPT, you will find the exact inner size for each model - no more guesswork.
Forget everything you know about traditional shoe sizes. (Barefoot) shoes are all about precise measurements in millimetres, not vague size indications or brand-specific recommendations. According to scientific research, your shoes should ideally be 12 mm longer than your foot length. This extra space gives your toes the freedom to move and spread naturally while walking. It also ensures that your feet have the space to function as they were designed to.
The minimum requirement for a shoe is an extra 8 mm. If you go smaller than that, you are limiting your natural foot function. Unfortunately, most people are used to wearing shoes that are only 5 to 6 mm larger than their feet.
Each brand has its own size chart. Size 42 in one brand is not the same as size 42 in another brand. That is why you often get advice such as "with this brand, you should go up half a size" or "this model runs small".
That's guesswork. And guesswork leads to bad purchases.
At IEDEREEN LOOPT, we do things differently. We measure each model ourselves and indicate the exact inner size for each size. This way, you know exactly how much space you have and can choose the perfect size based on your own foot length.
No more wondering, "Does this model run large or small?" Just: your foot is X cm, this shoe is Y cm inside, so you have Z mm of extra space. Simple and reliable.
Accurate measurement is essential. Follow these steps:
Example: Your foot is 26.5 cm long. You will need a shoe that measures at least 27.3 cm (26.5 + 8) and ideally 27.7 cm (26.5 + 12).
On each product page, you will find a size chart with the exact inner dimensions for each size. This allows you to immediately see which size fits your foot length.
Suppose your foot is 26.5 cm long:
In this case, size 43 is the ideal choice with 13 mm of extra space.
We measure the inside length of the shoe at its longest point. This is an important detail, as it does not always correspond to the longest point of your foot.
Do you have a foot where your second or third toe is longer than your big toe? Or do you have hallux valgus (crooked big toe)? Then the longest point of your foot is closer to the centre of the shoe, while the shoe has its longest point on the inside.
Our advice in this case: allow at least 12 mm of extra space (and therefore not 8 mm). Because your longest toes are already in the curve of the shoe, you need that extra space to be able to walk comfortably without your toes pressing against the side.
Yes, absolutely! The 8-12 mm rule is a guideline, not a hard limit. We have customers who take up to 20 mm of excess and are very happy with it.
The most important condition: as long as your heel is secure enough in the shoe, extra space is not a problem. In that case, the extra room for your toes can simply be an added luxury. Some people enjoy that feeling of extra space.
Please note: if your heel starts to slip or your foot moves too much in the shoe, there is too much space.
Shoe sizes can vary depending on the brand and even the model. Always base your choice on your exact foot length in millimetres.
Advice such as "this brand runs large" or "go half a size smaller" is unreliable. Every foot is different and every model has its own fit. Always use the exact measurements. We know that this does not always correspond with the (length) advice given by the brands themselves or other shops. We deliberately spend extra time measuring all new models so that we can give you the exact information!
When your shoes arrive, test them indoors:
Please note: did you purchase shoes through our online shop? You may try them on at home as you would in a shop. It is not permitted to actually use them (such as wearing them for a full day, going for a walk outside, etc.).
No matter how accurate our measurements are, trying on the shoe will ultimately show whether it fits or not. Just because a shoe has the theoretically ideal shoe length for you does not mean that the fit of the shoe is also right for your foot.
Every foot is unique – not only in length, but also in width, instep height, heel shape and toe positioning. That is why it is always important to actually try on and test the shoe.
Still unsure about your size? Then come to our shop. We will be happy to help you with personal advice based on your exact foot measurements and the model you have in mind.
Discover our full range of barefoot shoes →
