How to choose the right size of your minimalist shoes

In the following video we show you how to choose the right size for barefoot shoes, huaraches and Vibram FiveFingers.

Each brand and model has its own sizing so it may not match your usual size. Therefore, to find out your size, click on the orange button with the text "check your size in this model" that you will see inside each product and follow the instructions.

• Stand on your back with your foot against the wall and mark on the floor a mark on the longest toe, with the pencil perpendicular to the floor.

• Enter the measurement of the longest toe in the Caliper that you will find under the size selector of the chosen shoe. The size offered by the sizer is for the shoe from which you are using the sizer, if you change shoes you must recheck the size in the sizer.

• Clicking on the following button will display a table with the indications referred to.

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO ADD ANY ADDITIONAL MILLIMETRE TO YOUR FOOT SIZE. THE SIZER ALREADY TAKES THIS INTO ACCOUNT.

Disclaimer: Please note that this tool does not represent a full guarantee, as it cannot account for all possible foot shapes. As the foot is three-dimensional, any two-dimensional measuring tool, such as a ruler or the ZaMi® Sizer, can only approximate the actual size of your shoe.

Brands manufacture their shoes in different lasts, so the size may vary depending on the model and brand. We therefore recommend that you purchase the size/model exchange insurance for €1.99 during the purchase process. Otherwise the cost of the exchange would be €8.95. At ZaMi you have 30 days to change the size of your shoes.

Check our system for size exchange. Remember that at ZaMi we guarantee your size and/or model exchange.

How to find the right fit for your minimalist shoes

When choosing the size of your shoes, you have to abandon the classic idea that the shoe should fit snugly to the foot along its entire length. In minimalist shoes this does not make sense, as the shoes lack the ineffective pronation control systems and everything that impedes the natural movement of the foot is eliminated. The correct fit is one that allows the foot to expand naturally and move as if there were no shoes, i.e. as if you were barefoot. In addition, the wrong size and last of shoes is the source of many problems, such as black toenails, bunionette 'hallus valgux', etc. Feet are wider at the front than at the heel, so the shoes have to respect this anatomy.

• Keep in mind that each brand has a different size and last, so we have to abandon the idea of one size of shoe and focus on one size of foot. So the first thing to know is how tall our feet are, and take as a reference the measurement of the longest foot.

• When we apply the load of the body on the foot, it "grows", so some clearance in the shoe is necessary. This space is already taken into account in the tool, called Caliper, which you will find next to the size selector of the shoe in question.

• The width of the foot is also affected by about 15% when a load is applied to the foot.

• If socks are to be worn, be aware that the length of your foot will be affected by about 2-3 mm.

• Minimalist shoes have the same last regardless of gender. If you do not find your size in the Men's category, you may find it in the Women's category, and vice versa. The same is true for children with feet close to women's sizes. That is to say, a child with a size 36 can find the shoes in the Women's category.

For the specific case of Vibram FiveFingers shoes and minimalist sandals the fit is different. For these footwear models, the foot must fit snugly to the shoes or sandals in question, since in Vibram FiveFingers the toes are housed in different compartments and in sandals there is no physical restriction to the movements of the foot, which allows the natural expansion of the foot in the support.

How to find the right fit for Vibram Fivefingers

These shoes, unlike other minimalist shoes, must fit snugly, but the toes cannot be clawed or curved. In this case you will need one size up.

If the toes are only slightly tight, the shoes are fine for you. Please note that the sole has certain elastic properties, as well as the toe part, and with use they give out. We recommend that you leave them on for 5-10 minutes to let your feet adjust before making a decision.

If you have a Greek toe (the 2nd longest toe) you should measure your foot in relation to that toe.

If your feet are different sizes, you should choose the shoe size for the larger foot. To counteract the difference in length you can use toe socks for the smaller foot.

How to find the right fit for huarache or minimalist sandals

Fitting sandals is easy and straightforward, but it does take a little time at first. In addition, the fit is fully customisable, which ensures that the sandals will be correctly fixed to the foot.

During the first days of use, you will have to make small adjustments to the straps until you find the ideal measurements. But once these first days are over, the sole moulds to the shape of your foot and the straps have a custom fit to your foot, becoming your sandals, totally personalised for you. Once the size of the straps has been adjusted, they fit in a jiffy.

To adjust the sandals, you must follow the steps indicated in the explanatory leaflet that some brands include in each pair of huaraches.

How to tie your shoes correctly

The lacing of the shoes is one of the most important aspects if we talk about mountain or trail shoes. In these cases, the adjustment of the shoes to the foot must be maximized so that the foot does not move inside the shoes, in that way we will avoid from a minor problem like the black nails, to a possible sprain by a bad support. To explain how to maximize the lacing of mountain shoes we have prepared the following video.