Buying slippers or clogs online often means hesitating when it's time to pick a size. Too big, and they slip off and you shuffle along. Too small, and your toes touch the end and your heel hangs over. The good news: with a two-minute measurement and a few simple rules, you'll find your size first time.
In short
- Measure your foot at the end of the day, when it's at its widest.
- Go by the length in centimetres rather than your usual size.
- Between two sizes, or if you have wide feet: go up a size.
- A lined slipper should fit snugly at first: the lining moulds to your foot.
Step 1: measure your foot correctly
- Place a sheet of paper against a wall and stand on it, with your heel against the wall.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe. It isn't always the big toe.
- Measure the distance between the wall and the mark, then repeat with the other foot: keep the larger measurement.
Ideally, do it at the end of the day: feet swell slightly over the hours, and that's when they need to feel comfortable.
Step 2: convert the measurement into a size
At Breya, each EU size corresponds to a precise foot length: 23 cm for a 36, 24 cm for a 38, 25 cm for a 40, 26 cm for a 42, and so on in half-centimetre steps. The full chart is available in our size guide.
The length in centimetres is more reliable than your usual size, which often varies from one brand to another.
Step 3: adjust for the style
Lined slippers. A faux-fur lining settles slightly in the first few wears and the slipper moulds to your foot. So it should fit well from the start, without squeezing. That's the case with our Merano slipper, available in EU sizes 36 to 41.
Buckled clogs. An adjustable buckle lets you fine-tune the hold over the instep, which leaves a little more flexibility in width. The Sienna clog and the Bormio clog come in EU sizes 36 to 47.
Ankle boots and outdoor slippers. Designed to be worn for longer and sometimes with thick socks, they deserve a few millimetres of room at the toe.
Between two sizes: what should you do?
Our styles run slightly small. If you're unsure between two sizes, if you have wide feet or if you like a little extra room, go up a size. For a backless clog, half a centimetre of space behind the heel is normal and comfortable.
Signs you've picked the wrong size
- Too small: your toes touch the end, your heel sticks out over the sole, the lining presses on the top of your foot.
- Too big: your foot slides forward, you shuffle so you don't lose the shoe, your heel floats.
If the size isn't right, don't worry: size exchanges are free for 60 days, as long as the pair hasn't been worn outside and is in its original packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Should you go up a size for slippers?
Not always. Go up a size if you're between two sizes, if you have wide feet or if you plan to wear them with thick socks.
Will my lined slippers stretch?
Slightly, yes: the lining settles and the material softens over the first few wears. That's why they should fit snugly to begin with.
How do you choose a size for a gift?
Discreetly check the size of a pair the person wears often and, if in doubt, choose the size up. An exchange is still possible afterwards.
Read also
- Wide feet: how to find truly comfortable shoes
- How to choose suede clogs
- Cosy Christmas gift ideas under €50
A question about your size? Send us your measurement in centimetres via our contact page: a real person will reply, within 24 hours and often within 2.
