Skip navigation

Shipping outside of the U.S. or Canada? Learn About International Shipping

Search
Sign In
0
  • Sale: Get Inspired
  • Bestsellers

  • Clearance

  • New Markdowns

  • Price Matched

  • Men's Designer Sale

  • Women's Designer Sale

  • Women

  • New Markdowns
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Handbags & Wallets
  • Jewelry
  • Accessories
  • Beauty
  • Designer
  • Plus
  • Petite
  • Maternity
  • Juniors
  • Men

  • New Markdowns
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • Grooming & Cologne
  • Designer
  • Designer

  • Women
  • Men
  • Kids
  • Kids

  • New Markdowns
  • Girls
  • Boys
  • Baby
  • Baby Gear & Essentials
  • Shoes
  • Home

  • New Markdowns
  • Bedding & Bath
  • Home Decor
  • Electronics & Tech Accessories
  • Luggage & Travel
  • Tabletop & Kitchen
  • Beauty

New Markdowns
  • Women: Get Inspired
  • Contemporary

  • New Arrivals

  • Nordstrom Made

  • Nordstrom x Nike

  • Pop-In: Self Love

  • Topshop & Trend

  • UGG Shop

  • Women's Looks

  • Young Adult

  • Shop by Occasion

  • Casual Weekend
  • Wedding Guest
  • Clothing

  • Activewear
  • Blazers
  • Coats & Jackets
  • Dresses
  • Jeans & Denim
  • Jumpsuits & Rompers
  • Lingerie, Hosiery & Shapewear
  • Loungewear
  • Pants & Leggings
  • Skirts
  • Sleepwear & Robes
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirts & Hoodies
  • Swimsuits & Cover-Ups
  • Tops
  • Juniors' Clothing
  • Plus-Size Clothing
  • Shoes

  • Booties
  • Boots
  • Comfort
  • Flats
  • Heels
  • Mules & Slides
  • Oxfords & Loafers
  • Running Shoes
  • Sandals
  • Slippers
  • Sneakers & Athletic
  • Sneaker Release Calendar
  • Handbags

  • Backpacks
  • Belt Bags
  • Bucket Bags
  • Clutches & Pouches
  • Crossbody Bags
  • Designer Bags
  • Hobo Bags
  • Luggage & Travel
  • Satchels
  • Shoulder Bags
  • Tote Bags
  • Wallets & Card Cases
  • Jewelry

  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Fine Jewelry
  • Necklaces
  • Rings
  • Watches
  • Fine Jewelry

  • Accessories

  • Belts
  • Face Masks
  • Gloves & Mittens
  • Hair Accessories
  • Hats
  • Headphones
  • Phone Cases
  • Scarves & Wraps
  • Sunglasses & Eyewear
Explore Our Guide
  • Men: Get Inspired
  • New Arrivals

  • Sale

  • Bestsellers

  • Graphic Tees

  • Men's Looks

  • New Concepts: NOAH

  • Nordstrom Made

  • Nordstrom x Nike

  • Topman & Men's Trend

  • UGG Shop

  • Young Adult

  • Shop by Occasion

  • Work from Home
  • Clothing

  • Activewear
  • Blazers & Sport Coats
  • Coats & Jackets
  • Dress Shirts
  • Jeans
  • Joggers & Sweatpants
  • Lounge & Pajamas
  • Pants
  • Polo Shirts
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Socks
  • Suits & Separates
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirts & Hoodies
  • Swimwear & Board Shorts
  • T-Shirts & Tank Tops
  • Underwear & Boxers
  • Shoes

  • Boots
  • Comfort
  • Dress Shoes
  • Loafers & Slip-Ons
  • Oxfords & Derbys
  • Running Shoes
  • Sandals & Flip-Flops
  • Slippers
  • Sneakers & Athletic
  • Sneaker Release Calendar
  • Accessories

  • Bags & Backpacks
  • Belts
  • Face Masks
  • Gloves
  • Hats
  • Headphones
  • Jewelry & Cuff Links
  • Luggage & Travel
  • Phone Cases
  • Scarves
  • Sunglasses & Eyewear
  • Ties & Pocket Squares
  • Wallets & Card Cases
  • Watches
  • Designer

  • Designer Clothing
  • Designer Shoes
  • Designer Accessories
  • Big & Tall

  • Clothing
  • Jeans
  • Pants
  • Shirts
  • Grooming & Cologne

  • Body Care & Deodorant
  • Cologne
  • Gifts & Sets
  • Hair Products
  • Shaving & Beard Care
  • Skin Care
Explore Our Guide
  • Kids: Get Inspired
  • Toy Shop

  • Sale

  • New Arrivals

  • Designer

  • Kids' Looks

  • Nordstrom Made

  • UGG Shop

  • Girls' Clothing

  • Girls (Sizes 2T-6X)
  • Girls (Sizes 7-16)
  • Tween Girls
  • Accessories
  • Activewear
  • Coats & Jackets
  • Dresses & Rompers
  • Face Masks
  • Jeans
  • Leggings & Pants
  • Pajamas & Robes
  • Sweaters
  • Swimsuits & Cover-ups
  • Tights & Socks
  • Tops
  • Underwear & Bras
  • Boys' Clothing

  • Boys (Sizes 2T-7)
  • Boys (Sizes 8-20)
  • Tween Boys
  • Accessories
  • Activewear
  • Coats & Jackets
  • Face Masks
  • Jeans
  • Pajamas & Robes
  • Pants
  • Shirts & Tops
  • Suits & Separates
  • Sweaters
  • Swim Trunks & Rashguards
  • T-Shirts
  • Underwear & Socks
  • Girls' Shoes

  • Toddler (Sizes 7.5-12)
  • Little Kid (Sizes 12.5-3)
  • Big Kid (Sizes 3.5-7)
  • Boys' Shoes

  • Toddler (Sizes 7.5-12)
  • Little Kid (Sizes 12.5-3)
  • Big Kid (Sizes 3.5-7)
  • Baby & Walker Shoes

  • Girls
  • Boys
  • Unisex
  • First Walker Shoes
  • Crib Shoes
  • Baby Clothing

  • Accessories
  • Baby Girl Clothing
  • Baby Boy Clothing
  • Unisex Baby Clothing
  • Baby Shower Gifts
  • Baby Gear & Essentials

  • Baby Carriers
  • Bath & Safety
  • Blankets & Swaddles
  • Car Seats
  • Diaper Bags
  • Diapering
  • Feeding
  • High Chairs
  • Nursery & Decor
  • Strollers
Kids
  • Activewear: Get Inspired
  • Sneaker Release Calendar

  • Shop by Activity

  • Athleisure
  • Hiking & Outdoor
  • Running
  • Training
  • Winter Sports
  • Yoga & Barre
  • Women's Activewear

  • Jackets
  • Leggings
  • Shirts & Tanks
  • Shorts
  • Sports Bras
  • Sweatshirts & Hoodies
  • Sweatpants & Joggers
  • Plus-Size Activewear
  • Women's Active Shoes

  • Athletic Shoes
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Outdoor Boots
  • Running Shoes
  • Sneakers
  • Sport Sandals
  • Men's Activewear

  • Jackets
  • Shirts & Tanks
  • Shorts
  • Sweatpants & Joggers
  • Sweatshirts & Hoodies
  • Men's Active Shoes

  • Athletic Shoes
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Outdoor Boots
  • Running Shoes
  • Sneakers
  • Sport Sandals
  • Kids' Activewear

  • Girls' Activewear
  • Boys' Activewear
  • Kids' Active Shoes

  • Girls' Athletic Shoes
  • Boys' Athletic Shoes
  • Athletic Gear & Equipment

Learn More
  • Home: Get Inspired
  • Sale

  • New Arrivals

  • Gift Cards

  • Home Looks

  • Nordstrom Made

  • Personalized Shop

  • UGG Shop

  • Bath

  • Bath Accessories
  • Rugs & Mats
  • Towels
  • Bedding

  • Bedding Basics
  • Bedding Sets
  • Blankets & Throws
  • Comforters & Quilts
  • Duvet Covers & Shams
  • Sheets & Bed Skirts
  • Electronics & Music

  • Headphones
  • Home Devices
  • Speakers & Home Audio
  • Home Decor

  • Accent Furniture
  • Art, Wall Decor & Mirrors
  • Books, Games & Puzzles
  • Candles & Diffusers
  • Decorative Accents
  • Decorative Pillows
  • Desk Accessories & Stationery
  • Jewelry Boxes & Holders
  • Lighting & Lamps
  • Picture Frames
  • Rugs
  • Throw Blankets
  • Kitchen

  • Bar Accessories
  • Coffee & Tea Accessories
  • Cookware & Bakeware
  • Cutlery
  • Kitchen Linens
  • Small Appliances
  • Storage & Gadgets
  • Tabletop

  • Dinnerware
  • Drinkware & Glassware
  • Flatware
  • Serveware
  • Table Linens
  • Water Bottles & Tumblers

  • Pantry

  • Candy
  • Coffee & Tea
  • Gift Sets
  • Luggage & Travel

  • Outdoor Living

  • Sanitizers & Personal Care

  • Pet Accessories

Discover Home
  • Gifts: Get Inspired
  • Gift Cards

  • Cozy Gifts

  • Home Gifts

  • Personalized Gifts

  • Tech Gifts

  • Toys & Gifts

  • Gifts by Recipient

  • For Her
  • For Him
  • For Kids
  • For Baby
  • For Anyone
  • For Pets
  • Gifts by Occasion

  • Baby Shower
  • Graduation
  • Valentine's Day
  • Mother's Day
  • Father's Day
Valentine's Day Gifts
  • Beauty: Get Inspired
  • Wellness

  • New Arrivals

  • Gifts with Purchase

  • Allure Best of Beauty

  • Beauty Looks

  • Beauty Services, Stylists & Videos

  • Gifts & Sets

  • Inclusive Beauty

  • Nordstrom Exclusives

  • Pop-In: Self Love

  • Sale

  • Sustainable Beauty

  • Travel & Mini Sizes

  • Beauty Brands

  • Bobbi Brown
  • CHANEL
  • Charlotte Tilbury
  • Clinique
  • Dior
  • Dyson
  • Estée Lauder
  • Jo Malone London
  • Kiehl's
  • La Mer
  • Lancôme
  • Le Labo
  • MAC Cosmetics
  • TOM FORD
  • Trish McEvoy
  • Yves Saint Laurent
  • Makeup

  • Blush
  • Bronzer
  • Brushes & Tools
  • Concealer
  • Eyebrows
  • Eyeliner
  • Eyeshadow
  • Foundation
  • Gifts & Sets
  • Highlighter
  • Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Liner
  • Mascara
  • Nail Polish & Care
  • Palettes
  • Powder & Setting Spray
  • Primer
  • Skin Care

  • Cleansers
  • Exfoliators & Peels
  • Eye Creams & Treatments
  • Facial Masks
  • Face Mists & Essences
  • Face Moisturizers
  • Gifts & Sets
  • Lip Balms & Treatments
  • Makeup Remover
  • Serums
  • Sunscreen & Self-Tanners
  • Toners
  • Tools & Devices
  • Bath & Body

  • Fragrance

  • Candles & Diffusers
  • Gifts & Sets
  • Perfume
  • Rollerball & Travel Size
  • Hair Care

  • Hair & Scalp Treatments
  • Hair Dryers & Styling Tools
  • Hair Styling Products
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Tools, Brushes & Makeup Bags

  • Natural Beauty

  • Men's Grooming & Cologne

Discover Beauty
  • Designer: Get Inspired
  • Designer Sale

  • Designer New Arrivals

  • Nordstrom NYC

  • New Concepts: NOAH

  • Fall Fashion

  • Designer Brands

  • Alexander McQueen
  • Balenciaga
  • Bottega Veneta
  • Brunello Cucinelli
  • Burberry
  • Christian Louboutin
  • Fendi
  • Givenchy
  • Golden Goose
  • Gucci
  • Moncler
  • Off-White
  • Prada
  • Saint Laurent
  • The Row
  • Thom Browne
  • Valentino
  • Women

  • Designer Clothing
  • Designer Shoes
  • Designer Handbags
  • Designer Jewelry
  • Designer Accessories
  • Men

  • Designer Clothing
  • Designer Shoes
  • Designer Accessories
  • Kids

  • Designer Girls
  • Designer Boys
  • Designer Baby
  • Designer Shoes
  • Designer Accessories
  • SPACE: Emerging & Advanced Designer

  • Ready-to-Wear
  • Shoes
  • Handbags
  • Jewelry
  • Accessories
  • Home
  • SPACE: Emerging & Advanced Designer Brands

  • Acne Studios
  • Comme des Garçons
  • Ganni
  • Marine Serre
  • Off-White
  • Sacai
  • Simone Rocha
  • Totême
  • Men's Emerging & Advanced Designer

  • Ready-to-Wear
  • Accessories
  • Shoes
  • Men's Emerging & Advanced Designer Brands

  • Aries
  • Heron Preston
  • Homme Plisse Issey Miyake
  • Palm Angels
  • Rick Owens
  • The Elder Statesman
  • Undercover
  • VISVIM
Designer Sale
  • Services: Get Inspired
  • COVID-19 Safety Measures

  • Book a Virtual Appointment

  • Find a Store

  • The Nordy Club

  • Virtual Events

  • Nordstrom Styling

  • Book a Free Appointment
  • Nordstrom Trunk Club
  • Free Beauty Services
  • Browse Looks
  • Alterations & Tailoring

  • Book an Appointment
  • Suits & Custom Suiting
  • Free Pickup & Delivery

  • Curbside Pickup
  • Store Services

  • Nordstrom Local
  • Nordstrom Restaurants
  • Spa Nordstrom
  • Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Track Your Order
  • Start a Free Return
  • Request a Price Adjustment
  • Give Us Feedback
Learn More
  • Brands: Get Inspired
  • Customers Love

  • Gucci
  • Tory Burch
  • Free People
  • Nike
  • Barefoot Dreams®
  • UGG
  • Madewell
  • Birkenstock
  • SPANX®
  • Topshop
  • Nordstrom Made

  • Zella
  • Nordstrom
  • Halogen®
  • BP.
  • Caslon®
  • Rachel Parcell
  • Leith
  • Chelsea28
  • Treasure & Bond
  • Tucker + Tate
  • Brands By Category

  • Women
  • Men
  • Kids
  • Home
  • Beauty
  • Brands A-Z

    • #
    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    • E
    • F
    • G
    • H
    • I
    • J
    • K
    • L
    • M
    • N
    • O
    • P
    • Q
    • R
    • S
    • T
    • U
    • V
    • W
    • X
    • Y
    • Z
Main content
  1. Home
  2. Style Guide
  3. Men's Fashion Tips & How-Tos
  4. Men's Dress Shoe Fit Guide
Men's Fashion Tips & How-Tos
  • How to Buy a Suit
  • How to Clean Suede Shoes
  • How to Polish Leather Shoes
  • How to Tie a Tie
  • Men's Dress Shirt Guide
  • Men's Dress Shoe Fit Guide
  • Men's Jeans Fit Guide
  • Men's Suit Fit Guide

Men's Dress Shoe Fit Guide

""

How to Fit
Men's Dress Shoes

You're spending good money—they should look and feel great.

Click to play Men's Dress Shoes video.

5 Rules for Happy Feet

1 Get Measured Once a Year

You may have stopped growing, but feet can continue to grow slightly over the years. Unless you have your own Brannock device (yes—that's what those measuring trays are called!), go to the shoe department to keep track of your size. It's important to measure both feet; your feet may be different sizes, and you should fit your shoes to the larger foot.

2 Wear the Right Socks

Because tube socks with dress shoes will never, ever be a thing, wear thin dress socks to try on shoes for a more accurate fit assessment.

3 Let Your Fingers Do the Fitting

You've most likely heard the (true) adage that you should be able to pinch a half inch between your toe and the front of your shoe. Take it a step further and test the back of the shoe by sliding your index finger between your heel and the end of the shoe. If your finger won't fit at all, go up a half size; if it slides in too easily, go down a half size.

4 Go Late in the Day

Feet tend to swell as the day goes on, so try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening to avoid dealing with pinched toes.

5 Consider Your Options

Not all dress shoes are created equally. Certain styles suit certain types of feet more comfortably, and there may be slight differences in some brands' sizing. Take the time to try on several styles in several sizes to find the best shoes for your feet—it's worth it.

Bottom Line:
If a shoe feels uncomfortable in the store, it'll stay that way. Dress shoes will stretch only marginally in width, and never in length. Make sure the shoe feels good on the sides, toe, heel and instep before you commit.

Dress Shoe Styles & Fits

The Oxford

Formal, clean style with closed lacing. Fit should not be too tight (laces will gap if the shoe is too narrow for your foot) or too loose (eyelets and leather will overlap).

  • Oxfords

The Derby

AKA the blucher; open-lace style offers you more flexibility with fit and adjustability.

  • Derbys

The Monk Strap

Buckle closures allow more flexibility with fit in the width and the instep.

  • Monk Straps

The Loafer

Laceless, slip-on style; offers limited flexibility with fit or adjustments.

  • Loafers

Have questions about special or different sizes? Chat with us or call 1.888.282.6060.

    • Learn More

    Customer Service

    • Contact Us
    • Order Status
    • Shipping
    • Returns & Exchanges
    • Product Recalls
    • Give Us Feedback

    About Us

    • Stores & Events
    • Careers
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
    • Get Email Updates

    Services

    • Stylists
    • Alterations & Tailoring
    • Spa Nordstrom
    • Nordstrom Restaurants
    • Gift Cards

    Nordstrom Card

    • Pay My Bill
    • Manage My Nordstrom Card

    Nordstrom, Inc.

    • Nordstrom Rack
    • Nordstrom Canada
    • HauteLook
    • Trunk Club
    • Jeffrey
    • Investor Relations
    • Press Releases
    Get our apps
    • Your Privacy Rights
    • Do Not Sell My Info
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Interest-Based Ads
    • ©2021 Nordstrom, Inc.