How Do I Check My Foot Type?” Find Out Our Easy Hack in Under 5 Minutes

Have you ever bought a cute pair of shoes you and all your friends loved online or in-store, only to limp after wearing them for 5 minutes? Well, it's safe to say we’ve all been there, or at least, many of us have. But what if we told you the root of your shoe drama might be your foot type and not necessarily the sizing? Surprising, yes?

Understanding your feet isn’t a thing reserved for runners or orthopedic nerds, it’s for everyone. Deciding to take out time to understand your foot type is a good move if you want stylish, comfortable shoes or sandals that don’t pinch or ruin your vibe.

So, whether you're packing for a vacay and thinking, What shoes should I pack in my suitcase?, or standing in the shoe aisle completely lost, this guide is all you need. Let’s crack the code of foot types and how to measure your shoe size right at home, no fancy gadgets required.

The Roast

There are 3 main foot types: flat feet, normal arches, and high arches
Your foot shape influences the kind of shoes you should be buying. A wet paper bag and your foot can tell you almost everything
Knowing your dominant foot makes shoe shopping and athletic performance easier

The Quick Wet Test

Let’s kick things off with a simple test to determine your foot type - the infamous “Wet Test”. No need for apps, just your foot, a bit of water, and some paper. Ready?

Here’s what you’ll need:

A shallow bowl of water
A brown paper bag or any piece of cardboard
Your bare feet

Now do this:

Dip your foot (just the sole, not a full splash).
Step firmly on the paper/cardboard.
Step off and look at the shape left behind.

Here’s what your footprint tells you:

Full imprint (no curve on the inside)? You’ve got flat feet.
Half the arch is missing in the print? That’s a normal arch.
Barely any middle in the print? That is high arches!

So, how do you tell if you have high arches or flat feet? Easy peasy! Your wet footprint explains everything. If you’ve got high arches, you’ll need shoes with extra cushioning. Flat feet? You’re going to need even more arch support.

But Wait, What Foot Shape Is Most Attractive?

We know looks are not everything, but if you're wondering what foot shape is most attractive, it depends on who you ask. Some folks might tell you narrow, dainty feet, while others admire strong, structured ones.

It’s important not to compare your foot type with anyone else’s because it never helps! Also, cultural ideals vary, but here’s the tea: the most attractive feet are the ones that walk you through life comfortably. Period. As long as you like your foot type, it’s the best!

How Do You Know Which is Your Dominant Foot?

Your dominant foot is like the lead singer in a band. It takes the spotlight more often, and you tend to favour it more when you walk or run.

Here’s how to find out your dominant foot:

Kick a ball. The foot you use first is the dominant one.
Balance on one leg. The more stable foot is most likely dominant.
Start walking. Which foot steps forward first? Yep, you guessed it. That's it.

Why does this matter? Your dominant foot can influence how your shoes wear out. One shoe might break down faster, and knowing that can help you shop smarter. When trying out shoes, you should check that your dominant foot is comfortable first, as it might be slightly bigger than the other foot.

What Does Feet Shape Tell You?

So here’s the quirky part: your feet' shape tells you a lot.

Long second toe? It could be Morton’s Toe (or Morton’s foot shape). This can mess with your balance and cause discomfort in regular shoes.
If you've got a wide forefoot, girl, you need shoes with a wider toe box.
Narrow heels but wide toes? Look for adjustable straps or stretchy materials.

Your foot shape affects comfort, posture, and even your walk. This is why shoe shopping isn’t just about what’s cute or in style, it’s about knowing what fits your foot story.

How Do I Properly Measure My Foot?

We are getting into the nitty-gritty of this article, so let's get more practical. Grab a notebook and ruler, and let’s DIY this thing. You’re about to learn how to find your shoe size at home—and yes, this works for everyone.

Steps to measure:

Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall.
Mark the longest toe (even if it’s not the big one)
Measure from heel to toe in centimeters or inches
Repeat for the other foot (they might be slightly different!)

Congratulations, you just learned how to measure your shoe size without leaving your house! But then you might still be wondering, “how do I properly measure my foot width, too?” It’s easy. Just do the same trick, but draw the widest part and measure that too.

Tips for Finding Shoes That Fit Properly

Okay, now that you know your foot type, shape, and size, let’s make sure you get shoes that don’t feel like medieval torture devices. Here are some tips for finding shoes that fit properly:

Shop at the end of the day. Feet swell! So, you want to fit your evening foot, not your morning one.
Leave a thumb’s width at the toe. Tight shoes are a no-go.
Walk around before buying. You should feel comfortable in any shoes you pick - there is no shame in a little aisle strut.
Consider inserts or arch supports, especially if you’ve got high arches or flat feet.

Types of Shoes for Women

Let’s talk about the many beautiful types of shoes for women, and what foot type works best with them.

Flats: Great for normal arches but not always for flat feet unless they come with support.
Heels: Gorgeous but tough on high arches and Morton's toe. Choose chunky heels for better balance.
Sneakers: Universal comfort, but pick ones with arch support if needed.

Sandals: If you’re searching for how to choose sandals for wide feet, go for adjustable straps and wider soles.

Don’t just buy shoes based on how they look—pick them based on how they feel on your feet.

What Shoes Should I Pack in My Suitcase?

Ah, yes, travel dilemmas. The question of the day: What shoes should I pack in my suitcase? First off, let’s think about where you’re going. Beach? City? Countryside stroll?

Here’s a quick checklist:

Comfy sneakers: for walking tours or airport dashes
Dressy flats or low heels: for dinners and events
Sandals or flip-flops: for beach days or casual strolls
One wildcard pair: something bold, for that outfit, you just know you'll wear

Always pack versatile shoes that match multiple outfits. Bonus points if they’re comfy enough to dance in.

Comfortable Work Shoes for Women

If you work a 9-to-5 or any job that requires constant movement, comfortable work shoes are non-negotiable. Blisters and bunions can be quite uncomfortable and make work even more stressful.

Look for:

Cushioned insoles
Low, sturdy heels
Breathable materials
Slip-resistant soles

Brands are catching on, too. Style no longer has to be sacrificed for comfort. Whether you’re in corporate attire or business casual, there are work shoes out there that won’t kill your vibe or your feet.

Still Not Sure What Type of Foot You Have?

If you’re still asking, “How do I tell what type of foot I have?”—don’t stress. Your feet can change over time due to age, weight shifts, pregnancy, or even just wearing the wrong shoes for too long.

What matters is that you now have the tools to check and adjust:

Do the wet test
Measure your feet
Observe your shoes (wear patterns can be revealing!)
Choose styles based on your actual needs, not fashion fads alone

It’s Never Been Easier to Find Your Foot Type!

So, what’s the bottom line? Knowing your foot type isn’t just for athletes or podiatrists—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for comfortable work shoes for women, figuring out how to choose sandals for wide feet, or simply wondering, “How do I check my foot type?” this guide’s got you sorted.

Foot shape isn’t about flaws or perfection, it’s about function. Your feet carry you through life. Isn’t it time you gave them the attention they deserve?

So go ahead, do the test, measure your size, and own your stride. Your dream shoes (and happy feet) are just five minutes away.

Ready to find your perfect pair? From sandals to sneakers to stylish work kicks, remember that happy feet equals a happier you.