How to Find Footwear at the Great Mall Shops That Fits the Best for You

Skip to shoe store links.

Getting footwear that fits well is essential for comfort, preventing injuries, and ensuring long-term foot health. Follow this guide to find the perfect fit:

1. Measure Your Feet

• Measure both feet: Feet can vary in size, so always measure both and use the larger foot as your guide.
• Measure at the end of the day: Feet tend to swell throughout the day, so measuring in the evening ensures a better fit.
• Use a Brannock device (available at shoe stores) or a ruler and a piece of paper to measure:
  • Length: From heel to longest toe.
  • Width: Across the widest part of your foot.
• Check your measurements against the brand’s size chart, as sizes can vary between brands.

2. Know Your Foot Type

• Arch type: Determine if you have high arches, flat feet, or neutral arches. This affects the type of support you need.
• Width: Know if you have narrow, medium, or wide feet.
• Toe shape: Some shoes are better for wide toe boxes (e.g., square or round toes) while others are more tapered.

3. Try Before You Buy

• Always try on shoes before purchasing, especially if you’re buying from a new brand.
• Wear the socks you plan to use with the shoes to ensure the fit is accurate.
• Walk around the store to test comfort and fit.

4. Check for Proper Fit

• Toe room: There should be about a thumb’s width (0.5–1 cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Width: The shoe should feel snug but not tight. Your foot shouldn’t spill over the sides.
• Heel fit: The heel should fit snugly without slipping.
• Flex point: The shoe should bend at the same point your foot bends when walking.
• No pressure points: Ensure there’s no pinching or discomfort, especially around the toes or sides.

5. Consider the Purpose

• Casual shoes: Prioritize comfort and flexibility.
• Running or athletic shoes: Look for cushioning, support, and breathability.
• Dress shoes: Ensure a snug fit but allow for some flexibility.
• Hiking boots: Choose a slightly roomier fit to accommodate thick socks and foot swelling during long hikes.

6. Break Them In

• New shoes may feel stiff at first. Wear them around the house for short periods to break them in.
• If they cause pain or discomfort after a few wears, they may not be the right fit.

7. Shop at the Right Time

• As mentioned earlier, shop later in the day when your feet are at their largest.
• If shopping online, check the return policy in case the shoes don’t fit.

8. Special Considerations

• Orthotics: If you use custom orthotics, bring them when trying on shoes.
• Foot conditions: If you have bunions, plantar fasciitis, or other foot issues, look for shoes designed to accommodate these conditions.
• Children’s shoes: Kids’ feet grow quickly, so check their shoe size every few months.

9. Trust Your Comfort

• Don’t rely solely on the size number. Comfort and fit are more important than the label.
• If a shoe feels uncomfortable in the store, it’s unlikely to improve over time.

Adidas Outlet Store
Retail store featuring the brand’s signature athletic footwear, clothes & accessories.
447 Great Mall Dr.
(408) 946-8519

Bliss (Yelp)
On-trend, luxuriously comfortable shoes for women with bunions, wide feet and sensitive soles.
147 Great Mall Drive
(408) 791-6332

Converse Factory Store
Retail chain featuring the brand’s sneakers for adults & kids, plus apparel, socks & bags.
447 Great Mall Dr Suite 479
(408) 935-8442

Ecco Outlet
Footwear chain selling stylish everyday & sport shoes, plus bags, wallets & belts.
Elevate your style with trendy accessories in Milpitas. Discover boutiques offering unique jewelry, bags, and more to complete your look! Air Jordan Shoe Stores.
447 Great Mall Dr Suite 498
(603) 425-8442

Finish Line
Retail chain carrying a large selection of athletic footwear, apparel & accessories, plus fan gear.
402 Great Mall Drive
(408) 586-9093

Journeys
Find Shoes for Men, Women, and Kids, and Clothing and Accessories – Journeys Has the Latest Styles of Skate Shoes, Athletic Sneakers, Boots, Sandals, …
408 Great Mall Dr
408-262-8704

Nike Factory Store
Get real-time advice on all things sport and style from our team of experts.
447 Great Mall Dr, Ste 484
408-942-6457

Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse
Get coupon.
125 Great Mall Drive
(408) 586-8978

Puma
Turn from Main Street into the Great Mall entrance and head right. Follow the signs leading to our Puma store, where you can discover a variety of shoes, including the X-Ray, Viz Runner, and Vikky models.
447 Great Mall Dr Suite 195
(408) 262-5700

Shoe Palace
Carries only the top shoe and apparel brands in the world. Our chic and loyal clientele reflect that commitment to retail excellence.
447 Great Mall Dr Suite 190
 (408) 262-1400

Sketchers Factory Outlet
Great for the entire family, Sketchers has a wide range of casual shoes for men and women, sturdy and stylish kids’ shoes that the little ones want to wear, and athletic sneakers for your weekend adventures.
474 Great Mall Drive, 474A
408-719-8155

Timberland Outlet
Our store is located in Neighborhood 2, near Neiman Marcus Last Call. We started by equipping workers to power through the toughest outdoor environments.
447 Great Mall Dr Sp 544
(408) 942-7067