Say Goodbye to the Wrong Sizes: How AI Solves Shoe Fitting Online

It always feels like gambling when you buy shoes online. Even if you know your size, are familiar with the different brands, and understand the materials used, there are still variances that are beyond your knowledge which may result in a shoe not fitting correctly. It’s no coincidence that as online shopping for shoes has grown, so has the returns.

Today, artificial intelligence or AI is now stepping in to solve the shoe fitting issues that have plagued online stores that sell footwear and the consumers who purchase them.

Proper Fit

Length and width are the hallmarks of traditional shoe sizing. But feet are considerably more complex. There is the shape of the toes, height of the arch, and width of the heel which play important roles in the proper fitting of shoes. Even the gait in which you walk will affect how shoes feel on your feet.

Since there is no trying on the shoe first experience with online shopping, many customers will order the same shoe in multiple sizes and return those that do not fit properly.

Enter AI technology and how it helps online retailers close the gap in terms of confidence and convenience. With machine learning, large datasets, and 3D scanning, AI can help determine the specific shoe size for the proper fit.

Popular shoe brands have created AI platforms which allow consumers to scan their feet using the camera in their smartphone or devices inside stores. The scan captures details such the dimensions of the arch and heel and matches them with shoe models that are known to accommodate foot shapes that are similar. The result is a personalized recommendation that goes well beyond length and width.

Accessing Data

AI does not just use foot scans. It also learns from the behavior of customers. For example, if thousands of customers who have similar dimensions of foot size return a certain shoe because it was too narrow, the AI will take note. It will adjust its recommendations and warn future buyers or suggest other brands or styles that have proven to be a better fit.

Retailers use AI-driven engines for fitting that combine customer reviews, profiles, and return data to help refine the shopping experience. This boosts customer satisfaction while reducing the cost for the consumer and business owner.

AI has reduced the guesswork in terms of shopping online for running shoes. Consumers now get customized suggestions that consider more than just length and width. It includes how a shoe feels when being worn. The fewer returns and higher conversion rates translate to more loyal customers.




For consumers, AI is making shopping for sneakers online easier, smarter, and more accurate. As the AI technology improves, consumers can look forward to purchasing shoes online that is just as reliable and more convenient compared to visiting the shoe store. The future is certainly bright in terms of customer satisfaction along with increased profits for businesses thank to the use of AI and how it has impacted the shoe industry.