To determine your foot volume, it’s important to understand that foot volume refers to how much space your foot occupies in a shoe, both in width and height. Foot volume can vary in different parts of the foot—around the toes (forefoot volume), midfoot, and the instep.
- Forefoot Volume: This is determined by the width and circumference around the toes and metatarsals. Even if a shoe is wide enough, it might not have enough volume if the shoe’s circumference doesn’t match your foot.
- Midfoot Volume: This describes the space between the toes and instep. Foot volume here affects how snugly the shoe fits around the arch and the midfoot area.
- Instep Volume: Often described by the height and circumference over the arch, this volume can greatly impact how secure the shoe feels around the top of your foot.
To recognize your foot volume, you can observe how different shoes fit. For instance, if you often need to tighten laces fully or add extra holes to sandals, you might have a low-volume foot. Conversely, if shoes often feel tight or you struggle to fasten them properly, you might have a high-volume foot.
By comparing your feet visually to others and noticing these signs, you can get a better idea of your foot volume. Understanding this will help you choose shoes that fit better, leading to improved comfort and foot health.
For a deeper understanding, check out our post, “What is My Foot Type?” where you can read more about foot volume and how it affects shoe fit.
