Brannock - Usage Advice


Designed in 1927, The Brannock Device foot-measuring tool is a must in all footwear fitting environments. The device's measuring accuracy, quality construction, and simple, yet functional, design, is what has made genuine Brannock measuring devices the standard in the footwear industry.

Shoe sizes and foot sizes are not the same. The foot needs adequate room within the footwear for comfort and performance. The Brannock Device foot-measurer is designed to indicate the correct shoe size allowing enough room for comfort.

By providing a starting point for fitting, the device eliminates guesswork. All adult models incorporate the same three functional aspects; heel-to-toe, arch, and width measurements. These three measurements are critical for properly fitted footwear.

Please note: This is a measuring device for shoe fitting, not to measure foot size. Its is accepted by shoe fitting experts that all shoes should be one size larger the foot. The Brannock measuring system is designed on the basis of this observation.


Instructions for use

  1. Prepare the Device: The width bar should be set to its widest position and the arch length indicator should be slid back, so the foot can be positioned easily on the device.

  2. Position the Foot: Have the customer remove their footwear and stand, placing their right heel into the right heel cup. The customer should stand with equal weight on both feet to ensure that the foot being measured has elongated and spread to it's maximum size. Be sure the heel is properly located against the back of the heel cup, by grasping the customer's ankle and device together.

  3. Measure Lengths: Heel-to-Toe Length - Press the toes flat against the base of the device and look straight down over the longest toe (not necessarily the first toe) to read toe length. Make sure the customer's socks are snug against the toes (without drawing the toes back) to yield an accurate measurement.

    Arch Length (Heel-to-Ball) - Place your thumb on the ball joint of the foot (as shown in the photo to the right). Slide the pointer (A on diagram) forward so the inside curve of the pointer fits the ball joint of the foot and the two high ribs come in contact with your thumb. When the pointer is properly located, the lower middle rib will be against the ball joint on the side of the foot. This yields the arch measurement.
  4.  
  5. Find the Correct Shoe Size: Compare the arch length to the heel-to-toe length. Generally you'll use the larger of the two measurements as the correct shoe size. If the arch length and heel-to-toe length are the same, this will be the shoe size. If the heel-to-toe length is larger than the arch length, then fit to the heel-to-toe size. If arch length is larger than heel-to-toe, then fit to arch length. It is important that both measurements be taken and compared to find the proper shoe size. Simply using the heel-to-toe length may result in an improper fit.
       
       
                                                                                                                                                                                                               
    Heel-to-Toe Measurement Arch MeasurementShoe Size
    8
    8
    88�8�
    8�88�
       
       

     
  6.  
  7. Measure the Width: Slide the width bar firmly to the edge of the foot. Locate the shoe size (as determined in step four) on the movable width bar and view the width measurement indicated by the properly determined shoe size. If the shoe size falls between widths, choose a wider width for a thick foot, a narrower width for a thin foot.    
  8.  
  9. Cleaning the Device: Clean the Brannock Device with a damp cloth. Use liquid dishwashing detergent if necessary. Do not use spray cleaners or disinfecting solutions as they may adversely affect the measuring areas of the device. Measure the Other Foot Reverse the device end-for-end and measure the other foot following the steps described above. Be sure to measure both feet, then fit the larger foot. It is common to have feet of different sizes.
  10.  
  11. Remember the Fitting Process: When used properly, the Genuine Brannock Foot-Measuring Device� is designed to indicate the correct shoe size. This is the first step in the fitting process. Due to differences in manufacturing, styling, and other variables, it is up to each fitter to be knowledgeable of shoe styles and fit characteristics. It may be necessary to make compensation in sizing to achieve a proper fit for each individual customer. The fitting process often involves trial fittings to ensure that the proper size was selected.
       
       
     

Conversion chart