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We get it, buying shoes online feels like a small leap of faith. You’ve found the perfect pair of Italian leather shoes (maybe a pink loafer or a classic block heel), but how do you know what shoe size to purchase? And will they still feel good after a long day on your feet?
At habbot, we want you to love your shoes the moment they arrive and every step thereafter. That’s why we’ve created this easy to understand guide to help you navigate online shoe sizing (without the stress). Let’s get into it.
Why Is It Tricky to Choose the Right Shoe Size When Shopping Online?
When you’re not in-store with a range of sizes and the help of an expert, making the right decision can be quite daunting. On of the biggest concerns that women buying shoes online come to us with is sizing, and when you throw in Italian-made shoes, crafted with the most beautiful leathers, but using European sizing, it can feel even more confusing.
Shoe sizing isn’t always straightforward. With different brands, countries and makers all doing things their own way, your usual go-to size might not always fit the bill. That’s why learning how to measure your feet properly is the smartest move you can make when shopping online.
How to Measure Your Foot at Home?
Measuring your foot at home is simple. Here’s how to go about finding your shoe size:
What you’ll need:
A piece of A4 paper
A pencil
A ruler
A pair of lightweight dress socks (It's important to not measure in bare feet as your feet will always splay a lot wider that they will in shoes that provide a 'housing' for them as socks can do.)
Step-by-step instructions:
Place the paper on the floor in the corner of a room.
Stand on the paper, with your heel hard up against the back of the wall, and outside edge of your foot positioned along the side of the other wall.
Make a mark on the paper in-front of your longest toe (which is not always your big toe!)
Measure this distance from the back of the wall to this mark to your foot 'length' in cm.
Tip: Always measure your feet later in the day, when they're likely to be at their largest. Feet naturally swell as the day progresses, and we want your shoes to feel comfortable all day long.
Things to Consider When Sizing Shoes?
Between sizes?
If your foot measurements sit right between two sizes, it’s best to 'size up' (take the larger size), especially for pointed-toe or closed-back styles. A little extra space is better than cramping your toes. At habbot we also provide half insoles that take up approximately quarter of a size of space when placed in enclosed shoes.
Will the Shoe Stretch With Wear?
Yes and no! Our Italian leather shoes will soften and give slightly with wear, hugging your foot beautifully over time - but they won't magically grow a whole size in width, and they definitely won't grow in length. If your chosen shoe size feels uncomfortably tight from the get-go, hoping for them to stretch isn't the answer. It’s better to size up & use a half insole if needed.
Width Matters Too
While most brands focus on length, width is just as crucial, especially if you have narrower or broader feet. At habbot, our shoes are crafted with carefully considered lasts that tend to suit a average to slightly narrow foot. However we do have a range of shoes that accommodate wider fitting feet. Not sure? Our team can help recommend styles that are more forgiving or customisable (hello lace-ups and mary-janes), or check out our 'shop by fit' menu.
Check the Size Chart Carefully
Not all size charts are created equal. For Italian-crafted shoes like ours, European sizing can feel slightly different to your usual UK, US or AU size. Always double-check the measurements in centimetres, and don’t be afraid to ask us for more information (contact us here), we’re here to help.
Quick Checklist for Buying Shoes Online
✔ Measure your feet in the evening
✔ Wear lightweight socks when measuring
✔ When in doubt & between sizes, take the larger size
✔ Read product descriptions and fit notes carefully
✔ Review the brand’s return policy (ours is very friendly)
habbot's Sizing Compared to Other Brands
| cm Sizing | EURO Sizing (habbot) | AU Sizing | UK Sizing | US Sizing |
| 21.3 | 34 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| 22.0 | 35 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| 22.7 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| 23.3 | 37 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| 24.0 | 38 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| 24.7 | 39 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| 25.3 | 40 | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| 26.0 | 41 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
| 26.7 | 42 | 11 | 9 | 11 |
| 27.3 | 43 | 12 | 10 | 12 |
| Width Fit | Standard to slightly narrow (style dependant) | Often standard or generous width | Generally standard to wide fit | |
| Materials Behaviour | Italian leather softens and moulds to foot with wear | Heavily processed/reconstituted leather, synthetic or PU materials that may not give or mould | ||
Still Unsure? We’re Here to Help
At habbot, we love nothing more than helping you find the perfect shoe size that fits, flatters, and helps you feel fabulous. Whether you’re eyeing off our statement boots or everyday loafers, following these sizing tips will take the guesswork out of online shopping. Check out our sizing & fit page more more in-depth information
Still not sure on your shoe size? Our team of experts are here for all your questions. Send us a message on our contact page, we love chatting about all things shoes.
Explore Our Latest AW26 Collection...
Our latest collection of Italian handcrafted leather shoes will bring you joy throughout the upcoming winter months. Whether you're in need of new winter boots, a sparkling new glitter shoe to brighten the chilly mornings or a fresh pair of work shoe, our new collection has you covered. Check out a few of our favourites below...
froth - amethyst
$515.00
habbot’s signature 'froth' women's block heel lace-ups have been reimagined in show-stopping amethyst purple glitter with colour matched suede trim. With a timeless, feminine silhouette, clean lines and almond toe, this head-turning yet ultra comfortable footwear choice is perfect for… read more
pepe - magenta
$465.00
Celebrate every day in the habbot ‘pepe’ heeled sandals. Combining elegance and comfort, this hot magenta pink sandal features flattering suede cross straps to snugly hold your toes in place and a practical mid-height block heel and adjustable ankle strap,… read more
raglin - green
$505.00
habbot 'raglin' lace-up flats have been reimagined in show-stopping green glitter with colour matched suede trim. With a timeless, feminine silhouette, clean lines and almond toe, this head-turning yet ultra comfortable derby style lace-up is perfect for day to night… read more
quero - brown
$615.00
The habbot 'quero' ankle boot in mid brown calf leather offers the perfect balance of urban edge with everyday wearability. These full grain leather boots feature a back zip, rounded toe and platform sole and heel, offering both cushioned support… read more
moro - blue
$615.00
habbot ‘moro’ women’s ankle boots in blue brushed nubuck offer a dressier, wide fitting option within our Winter range. A subtle pointed toe balances out its generous width, giving this flat leather soled boot a deceivingly slender profile. Moro is… read more
sett - bronze
$615.00
The ‘habbot’ sett ankle boot in crinkle bronze metallic leather offers the perfect balance of urban edge with everyday wearability. This slip-on style chelsea boot features a mid-height micro-foam wedge heel which guarantees cushioned support whilst giving you extra lift… read more
briona - jet
$495.00
habbot ‘briona’ women’s chunky loafers are both a fun and functional footwear choice. Constructed from jet black hi-shine 'abrasivato' leather, and finished with an ultra comfortable black rubber sole, this smart-casual slip-on style offers a wider fitting option to our… read more
elvia - navy
$495.00
habbot ‘elvia' women’s mary-janes in soft navy blue calf leather are a stylish addition to our popular range of block heel pumps. These head turning heels feature four buckle straps in burgundy patent leather that sit across the instep to… read more
lipari - black
$485.00
habbot ‘lipari’ women’s mary-janes in black patent leather are a stylish addition to our ever-popular high-heel range. These head-turning block heel pumps feature two adjustable buckle straps that sit across the instep for an edgier high-fashion feel, while comfortably holding… read more
Shop the entire new season collection here.
FAQs
I've got average to narrow feet...
Explore our range of average to narrow shoes.
I've got average feet...
Explore our range of average fitting shoes.
I've got average to wide feet...
Explore our range of average to wide shoes.
I've got a high in-step...
Explore our range of shoes suited for a high in-step.
I have orthotics...
Explore our range of shoes suited for those with orthotics.
Common FAQs
Check out our commons FAQs here.