Archies Sizing/Fitting Tips
Not sure what size you need? Follow these sizing and fitting tips from Archies.
SIZING
Archies Flip Flops sizing runs very true to your standard running shoe size. We suggest selecting your standard size or measuring your foot length.
Keep in mind that our flip flops should “fit like a glove” with very little space in front of the toes and behind the heels. See The Perfect Fit Video
How to measure your foot length
- Place a piece of paper on a hard surface.
- Stand with the back edge of your heel lined up with the edge of the paper.
- Use a pen to place a mark behind your heel and at the top of your longest toe.
- Use a ruler to draw a straight line between the two. (It will be a diagonal line)
- Measure the length in cm and use our chart. For example, if your footlength is 24.8cm, the perfect range will be 24.3 – 25cm which is a US Men’s 7 / US Women’s 8 (UK 6 -6.5 or EU 39.5 – 40)
Half Sizes
Once more, the best is to measure your footlength and use the size for the biggest foot (if your feet are different lengths). If you use your standard running shoe size, follow these guidelines:
Narrow feet: If you’re a half size and have narrow feet, we recommend that you size down.
Wide feet: If you’re a half size and have wide feet, we recommend that you size up.
Look at our charts below to find your correct size!
Women’s Size Conversion Chart
Using your normal ladies running shoe size, simply use the size conversion chart to help you choose your Archies Flip flops unisex size. If you do not own a pair of running shoes, just select your most common ladies shoe size.
FITTING
Fitting in terms of Length
In terms of length, the flip flops were designed with a reasonably ‘snug / tight’ fit in mind. Before ordering we recommend you check out sizing above.
The reason we encourage you to wear your Archies nice and snug is so the orthotic sits in the correct position under the foot.
It is important to note, that it is not a concern if some of the back edge of the heel hangs over the edge of the flip flop (as per the below image).
Of course, if your heel is completely over the edge of the heel cup and squashing down on the rim of the flip flop, then that is different, however, some heel overhang is ok. Again, the most important thing is that the flip flop is comfortable and the orthotic sits in the correct position on the foot.
To see how to correctly measure your foot length please click here
| Please see the image below of acceptable overhang: | Please see the image below of too much overhang: |
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Fitting in terms of Width
Archies flip flops have been designed to be slightly narrower fitting than regular flip flops. The reason for this, is so the foot is held securely in the flip flop and the orthotic sits in the correct position under the foot. Most people, even those with wider feet, can fit into the flip flops without issue, once they adjust the straps to suit their foot.
Please see the image below of normal overhang.
Archies Flip Flops have a tighter strap
Archies Flip Flops have been designed with a tighter strap compared to normal flip flops. Both podiatrists and customers alike, absolutely love this feature as it allows them to walk with a normal walking motion, often over impressive distances in comfort, and without issue! The good news is, while a tight strap is essential for normal foot function, if the strap is too tight it is very easy to instantly fix this by stretching the strap and toe pole to reach your desired level of tightness.
Why is a tight strap important?
The problem with regular flip flops with a loose strap is that the toes claw down in an attempt to keep the flip flops on the feet.
Normally when you walk, your toes are supposed to bend upwards. When the toes bend upwards, this activates the arch of the foot which helps provide protection and support to the vital structures of the feet.
When the toes claw down, such as when trying to keep the flip flops on the feet, the arch does not activate correctly which means you do not get the protective support from the arch of the foot like you are supposed to. This can leave the foot tired and achy, vulnerable to stress and potential injury such as plantar fasciitis.
If the strap feels a little too tight at first, do not worry, within a few days of wear, the strap will gradually stretch and mould to the shape of your feet.
However, if the strap continues to feel too tight, it is very easy to stretch the strap and the toe pole to instantly decrease tightness.
How to stretch the strap on Archies:
1. To stretch the strap, simply hold the strap between your fingers and in small little increments stretch each section of the strap where it feels too tight. You can do the same for the toe pole if this feels too tight.
2. Continue to do this, trying the flip flop on and off, stretching the strap and toe pole until it has reached your desired level of tightness.
3. It is important to note, that while the straps are very elastic, once stretched, the strap will not return to its original tightness, so please be careful not to overdo the stretching!
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR FOOT SIZE
The best way to measure to your foot is to do the following:
- Stand on a piece of paper. This is best done on a hard surface such as floor boards or tiles (not carpet).
- The very back edge of your heel should be directly in line with the very back edge of the paper. Please be as accurate as possible.
- Mark the very back edge of the paper in the middle of the heel.
- Mark the very front of the big toe with a pen on the paper.
- Measure the distance between the two points in centimeters to the nearest millimeter. The line you end up measuring will be slightly diagonal.
Note: in the circumstances that your 2nd toe is substantially bigger than your big toe, then measure to your second toe. If you have one foot bigger than the other, then measure your biggest foot.
