The best way to get fitted for running shoes is to stop by your local running store. However, most of us are shopping online these days, which means it’s not as easy to try on multiple styles and sizes. You also don’t have an opportunity to interact with a salesperson and ask questions about your shoes’ fit. (For example: “How much room do I really need at the front of my shoe?” and “Would a wide size fit my foot better?”)
When your new pair arrives, use these four tips to be your own personal running shoe fitter. You’ll know for sure whether you’ve got the correct fit, or if you need to return your pair for a different size.
- Check your shoe’s length with your thumbnail. You’ll want a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe—that might not be your big toe!—and the end of your shoe.
- If you’re between sizes, try a thicker (or thinner) pair of socks. Socks can fill the equivalent of a ¼ size in a shoe.
- Check your shoe’s width with the “two-finger” rule. Room for one finger placed over the lacing indicates you may need a narrow fit (typically indicated by B for men and 2A for women). Room for three fingers means you might benefit from a wide size option (2E for men, D for women).
- Know the online retailer’s return policy. Save the box and labels until you’re certain you won’t need to send back your shoes or swap sizes.
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Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Runner’s World The 8 Best Running Headphones in 2025 The Warmup, The 8 Best Running Shorts RW newsletter. Now, she tests and reviews anything you might find on runners’ feet-from crew socks and compression boots to carbon-plated super shoes.
A lifelong runner and shoe geek, Morgan has been chasing the perfect pair of kicks since she joined her grade school cross-country team. Since then, she ran as a Division I walk-on for the cross-country and track & field teams at the University of Delaware, where she studied English and Biology. She has one full marathon under her belt, and has raced more halfs and 5Ks than she can count.
