Use the size conversion chart below to either convert a women's size to a men's size or men's size to a women's size. For example: A women's size 9 would wear a men's size 7.
* These charts are intended to be used as a guide. Sizes may vary among brands.
Use the size conversion chart below to convert a US men’s or US women’s size to a UK size. For example: A US men’s size 9 is a UK size 8 and a US women’s size 9 is a UK size 7.
* These charts are intended to be used as a guide. Sizes may vary among brands.
By: National Shoe Retailers Association, Prescription Footwear Association & American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Public Information Office
Q. What is the difference in length between a men's size 10 and a men's size 10.5?
A. The difference between a half size is about a sixth of an inch. It may not sound like a lot, but it could be the difference between toes rubbing against a safety toe or fitting comfortably.
Q. It's okay to wear my safety shoes outside of work for everyday use... right?
A. It is recommended that footwear "rest" between uses. This "rest" allows built-in cushion to get some of it's spring back... which means your footwear will feel better for longer. The "rest" also allows moisture to dry creating a healthier environment for your feet. Plus, the more hours you wear the shoe, the shorter the life of the product. To get the most out of your safety footwear we suggest wearing them at work only.
Q. Can my shoe size really change? I've worn a men's size 12 my entire life!
A. Yes. Shoe size can change over time because your feet can change (due to injury, weight gain/loss, pregnancy). It is also important to keep in mind that different brands or styles fit different. We recommend trying on footwear and walking around the store (or safety footwear truck) before you make a purchase. You can also wear the product at home on a clean surface to assure for proper fit before wearing the product to work or outdoors.
Q. Can I add an insole on top of what is already in my shoe?A. Adding an insole for cushion or support can lengthen the life of any footwear, but you should always remove the current insole before you add a new one. Putting two insoles on top of each other will compromise the fit and support of your footwear. It can also raise the heel significantly, which will push the foot toward the front of the shoe and into the safety toe.
Footwear Technology Definitions
Parts Of A Boot/Shoe
- Upper – the combination of materials that cover and support the top of the foot (depending on the style of footwear it could be leather or a synthetic upper or both).
- Eyelets/Top Hooks – enhances and protects the lacing capabilities of the footwear.
- Linings – the materials inside the boot that come in direct contact with the foot.
- Footbed – the shock-absorbing layer next to the foot (most of the time removable).
- Insole – the supportive layer directly under the footbed.
- Shank – provides structural and rigid support to the footwear. Made up of steel, fiberglass, or aluminum.
- Midsole – provides cushioning and stability.
- Outsole/Sole – provides grip, traction, stability and protection.
Soft Toe Footwear
Footwear that does not have a protective reinforcement in the toe.
Safety Toe Footwear
Footwear that has a protective reinforcement in the toe which protects the foot from falling objects or compression.
Types of Safety Toe’s
- Steel - this type of safety toe is made of heavy duty steel that provides protection in environments where safety is important. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
- Composite (Non-Metallic Toe) - this type of safety toe can be made of fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber or Kevlar to eliminate bulk and weight (when compared to a steel toe) while still providing protection. They are around 30% lighter than steel. They are also good for extreme high or low temperatures because they won’t heat up or cool down like metal would. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
- Aluminum – weighs less than steel and meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
- Alloy - this type of safety toe is made of alloy which is a mixture of two or more metals. It is common that alloy safety toes can include titanium or aluminum, both lightweight metals. Alloy toes are 30-50% lighter than steel, but are just as strong as steel. They are made a bit thinner which gives more room in the toe box as well. It meets the ASTM Standards for compression and impact rating of I-75/C-75.
Met Guard Footwear
Footwear that has a metatarsal guard to protect the upper foot from falling objects or compression.
Types of Met Guard’s
- Internal – the met guard is built into the inside of the boot/shoe
- External – the met guard found on the outside of the boot/shoe
Extra Features That Soft, Safety or Met Guard Footwear May Have
- Electrical Hazard (EH) - this type of footwear protects you from open circuits and electrocution by providing extra protection from accidental contact with electrically energized objects. The soles of EH shoes provide a safety barrier from open electrical currents up to 18,000 volts at 60hz for one minute without leakage.
- Static Dissipative (SD) - this type of footwear absorbs and neutralizes static electricity by absorbing loose electrons and sending them into the floor. SD footwear regulates the accumulation of electrical charge within your body and reduces the risk of static shock.
- Slip Resisting (SR) - this type of footwear provides traction on slick surfaces.
- Waterproof Membrane (WP) – water-impermeable membrane keeps feet drier and delivers superior waterproof protection.
- Water Resistant – it allows water and other liquids to run off the leather in order to keep the foot dry BUT just because the upper may be water resistant it doesn’t mean the footwear is waterproof. It needs to have a waterproof membrane in order for the footwear to be considered waterproof.
- Puncture Resistant – standards for reducing the possibility of puncture wounds to the sole of the foot by penetrating objects.
- Insulation – protects the body from cold by trapping the body’s own heat and preventing it from escaping. Insulation levels can range from as little as 200g to 1200g+. Sometimes insulation is also rated in degrees.
Static Dissipative (SD) footwear absorbs and neutralizes static electricity by absorbing loose electrons and sending them into the floor. SD footwear regulates the accumulation of electrical charge within your body and reduces the risk of static shock. Below are some easy steps to maintain SD footwear. These steps will help the footwear test longer and may increase the life of your shoes.
To maintain proper SD performance, these shoes must be frequently maintained and routinely cleaned. The recommended weekly care and cleaning schedule is:
1. Keep the outsole very clean & free of all dirt, debris and other compounds. Scrub the outsole using a mild soap.
2. Keep the inside of the shoe clean. Remove the insole and vacuum the insole and the interior of the shoe.
3. Clean upper with damp cloth.
The insole is a critical component of the SD shoe. If you choose to replace the insole the replacing insole/orthotic needs to be SD, but in some cases even when replacing with an SD insole/orthotic, it may not test SD.
Very dry feet or socks and a dry environment may reduce the performance of the SD footwear. Humidity is essential to SD performance. Do not use shoe powders that reduce the internal humidity of the footwear.
Benefits to Using Footwear Care Products
Below is a list of popular footwear care products that can assist in extending the life of your current footwear as well as offer other benefits including: protection, waterproofing & softening leather. Vanderloop Shoes offers a variety of care products on our website, including the products listed below.
Boot Oil: Provides optimal conditioning qualities. Boot oil is designed to replenish the oils lost by leather from repeated wetting and drying. It is easy to apply with a dry cloth and works on all leather products. Boot oil is made of silicone and lanolin.
Leather Dressing: Helps condition and preserve leather. Also provides excellent water repellence and resists most acids while still allowing leather to breathe. Leather dressing is applied with a dry cloth. It is made of beeswax, pine pitch and mink oil. This product does NOT contain silicone or petroleum ingredients.
Waterproof Spray: Provides an invisible and breathable protective coating that repels water. This spray can be applied to all leather products. It can help repel water on your current footwear or can be sprayed on a waterproof product to increase the benefits. This spray works well on suede and will not darken.
All care products should be applied to clean/dry leather to maximize benefits. Care products can be applied as needed, with frequent applications providing more protection. Be sure to follow the directions listed on the back of the product for best results.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of footwear technology and sizing, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the intricacies of shoe sizes and care. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the industry, including insights from authoritative sources like the National Shoe Retailers Association, Prescription Footwear Association, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Public Information Office.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Size Conversion Charts:
- Women's size to Men's size: A women's size 9 corresponds to a men's size 7.
- Men's size to Women's size: For instance, a men's size 9 is equivalent to a women's size 7.
- Note: Size conversions are intended as guides, and variations may exist among different brands.
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US to UK Size Conversion:
- US men’s size 9 translates to a UK size 8.
- US women’s size 9 corresponds to a UK size 7.
- Similar to size charts, these conversions are meant as guides, and brand variations are possible.
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Difference Between Men's Size 10 and 10.5:
- The article explains that the difference in length between a men's size 10 and 10.5 is about a sixth of an inch, emphasizing its significance for comfort and safety.
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Footwear Size Changes:
- Yes, shoe sizes can change over time due to factors such as injury, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.
- It's highlighted that different brands and styles may fit differently, emphasizing the importance of trying on footwear before purchase.
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Adding Insoles:
- While adding insoles for cushion or support can extend footwear life, it's crucial to remove the existing insole before adding a new one.
- Doubling up on insoles can compromise fit, support, and even push the foot into the safety toe.
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Footwear Technology Definitions:
- Detailed breakdown of parts like Upper, Eyelets/Top Hooks, Linings, Footbed, Insole, Shank, Midsole, and Outsole/Sole.
- Distinction between Soft Toe and Safety Toe Footwear, with further categorization of safety toes (Steel, Composite, Aluminum, Alloy).
- Explanation of Met Guard Footwear and additional features like Electrical Hazard, Static Dissipative, Slip Resisting, Waterproofing, Puncture Resistance, and Insulation.
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Maintaining Static Dissipative Footwear:
- Steps for weekly care and cleaning to maintain proper Static Dissipative (SD) performance.
- Caution against using products that reduce internal humidity, as humidity is essential for SD performance.
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Footwear Care Products:
- Introduction of products like Boot Oil, Leather Dressing, and Waterproof Spray for conditioning, preserving, and protecting leather footwear.
- Emphasis on applying care products to clean/dry leather for optimal results, with frequency based on the level of protection desired.
In summary, the provided information covers a comprehensive range of topics related to footwear, including sizing, technology, maintenance, and care. This knowledge aims to empower readers to make informed decisions about their footwear choices and enhance the longevity of their shoes.
