It Started With a Returned Shoe
It started with a shoe that didn't fit. A return, a refund, and a simple question: why is this so hard?
Looking into it raised more questions than answers, and a lot of concerns about how the shoe industry actually works.
What We Found
The sizing problem runs deeper than most people think:
- Retailers don't have the capacity to map every shoe to the correct size chart. They carry thousands of models and rely on what manufacturers tell them.
- Manufacturers can't produce specific size charts for every shoe they make. Factory differences, materials, and production runs mean the same model can fit differently depending on where and when it was made.
- Sizing systems like EU, US, and UK were supposed to make things predictable. In reality, a US 9 in one brand can fit like a US 10 in another.
- There are optimizations at every level. Brands adjust, retailers add size guides, return policies absorb the cost. But at the end, the consumer pays with their time.
And what about width, arch shape, toe box, materials, or intended use? You can't judge fit by just one number.
The Cost of the Guessing Game
For customers:
- Returns
- Wasted time
- Disappointment
For brands and retailers:
- Return rates over 40% in some markets
- Lost sales from hesitant shoppers
- Increased logistics and environmental impact
A Different Approach, Together
Instead of trying to fix sizing from the top down, GetSize starts with something that actually works: the shoes you already own and how they fit.
By logging your current pairs, you help build a picture of how shoes fit in the real world, not just on paper. Not just your foot length, but your fit preferences, shape, and history.
It's collaborative. Every pair you add makes the data better for you and for everyone else. The more people use it, the more accurate it gets.
How We Keep the Lights On
Size information should be free. But building and maintaining it isn't. We want to find a sustainable way to keep GetSize free for everyone.
Our approach: when you find your size for a shoe, we show you what it costs at different stores. It's useful information you'd look up anyway, and when you buy through one of those links, we earn a small commission from the retailer.
No banners. No pop-ups. Just helpful links where they make sense. We only earn when you find shoes that fit, so our interests are aligned with yours.
Did you know that 25-30% of all shoes bought online are returned? And half of those returns are size related.
It's not just a headache for you; it's a problem that affects everyone. Every return means more wasted time, more CO2 emissions, and more disappointment.