That Metal “Thingy” They Measure Your Feet With...

Workin' Wednesday

As a bonafide shoe geek, I must share my thoughts on the good 'ol Brannock device....that metal thingy I have always used to measure your feet. These days folks are shocked to see that the Brannock is still around. They think it is quaint at best but surely archaic and of little practical use. Indeed, you don't often see the Brannock actively employed at most footwear retailers and if you ask for it by name you will likely got an odd look or perhaps you might get a shoe veteran who will smile wistfully about the days gone by of true customer service, but shake their heads “no” indicating none to be found here.

Recently, I was trying to help a visiting friend whose feet had changed and were causing her a bit of grief. I wanted to measure her arch length and check the width of her feet. We stopped in two high-end shoe stores asking if we could use their Brannock device and the first shop employee was puzzled until we said “...ya know, that metal thingy used to measure feet”. She quickly dismissed the notion and let us know they didn't have one because it isn't relevant anymore. We didn't have any better luck at the second place we tried though the shop owner at least knew what we were asking for and he replied...”We might have one somewhere in the back but no one has asked for a Brannock in years”. He made no move to find “the one in back” no doubt covered in dust along with other tools of the trade like shoe trees and shoe horns. The whole experience was disheartening considering that most podiatrists acknowledge that 80% of foot problems are directly related to improperly fit shoes.

So, can the Brannock device help? Is it still relevant? YES! YES! YES! The Brannock is fundamental and relevant in more ways than you might imagine. Revealing more than just length and width the Brannock device opens the door to foot shapes, conversation, trust and education. This enduring piece of metal offers insight to the very foundation of your skeletal structure and opens doors to lasting sole-full relationships. There is a good chance that if I have measured your feet--you remember it...it is so professional and personal at the same time. I hope you will join me in the movement of supporting stores that still employ the Brannock and offer knowledgeable service for the good of your feet.

The Brannock device offers three tangible measurements; heel-to-toe length, arch length and width.

Heel-to-toe Length: This is the measurement most folks are familiar with (though not the most important) and measures the length from your heel to your longest toe which is usually your first (big toe) or second toe.

Arch Length: This is the length from your heel to the point at which your foot naturally bends sometimes called the “ball” of your foot and is crucial to fitting your shoes properly. One set of feet may measure the same as another set in terms of heel-to-toe length but have very different arch lengths resulting in a different size needed for seemingly similar feet. Most folks have a longer “arch” length relative to their heel-to-toe length...for instance, my feet measure a 7 in heel-to-toe but an 8 in arch length and I usually wear size 8. Getting the arch fit correct is most important and means that the shoe will flex at the same point as your foot and allows for ample toe space resulting in optimum foot bliss.

Width: This measurement accounts for the horizontal spread of your forefoot. This tends to be a very loose measurement and is most useful at the extremes of narrow and wide. Most shoe manufacturers offer very few width variations compared to what appears on the Brannock because it is very expensive to make a “last” for each width and shoes with laces, buckles or stretchy material can often accommodate the smaller width variations.

What I love best about the Brannock has less to do with it's specific measurements and more to do with letting me get a good look at your feet in a socially acceptable way. If I just asked you to take off your shoes and show me your feet you might think I am a bit odd and resist. If, however, I offer to measure your feet with the known Brannock instrument, you are much more likely to cooperate and even take an interest in your own feet...they do carry you about and keep you upright after all and feet usually get very little appreciation/attention until they hurt.

When I measure your feet, I get to see all the nuances of the shape of your foot, the curve of your arch, the height of you instep, the layout and curl of your toes, the placement of your ankle bones and so on. These are the things the Brannock does not specifically measure but allows me to see and share with you. Learning about your feet is good for both of us in finding the best shoes and fit. My goal has always been to make the world a better place one happier pair of feet at a time and the Brannock device has provided a perfect venue for that effort.

Recently, I was given a Brannock device...a gift that will truly keep on giving and I am beyond excited about it. I am giddy over the fact that I am armed with my own Brannock so that I won't have to hunt for one when I come across feet in need. I look forward to all the feet I will measure and the friends I get to make along the way. Thank you WMKGG from the depths of my sole/soul.

always,

abigail dagmar