Elevator Shoe Sizing: Why Your Usual Sneaker Size Is the Right Choice

When buying elevator shoes for the first time, the most common worry is size.

When you hear that the height is built into the inside of the shoe, many people wonder whether the insole will make it cramped, or whether they should go up one size.

The short answer: for LEVANO shoes, the same size as the sneakers you usually wear is the guide. This article explains why, how to choose if you have wide feet or a high instep, what to check indoors once your order arrives, and how to exchange the size if it does not fit.

For LEVANO shoes, we recommend the same size as the sneakers you usually wear. Compared with major brands such as Nike, New Balance and Adidas, there is no significant difference in fit. Sizes run in 0.5cm steps, so you can simply choose your usual size.

If you are unsure, use the following guide.

The height of elevator shoes comes from an insole structure built into the inside of the shoe. LEVANO shoes are designed with this structure included, so the labelled size can be chosen on the same basis as your usual sneakers.

Unlike a shoe with an insole added afterwards, the inside of the shoe does not become narrower by the amount of the height. As a rule, there is no need to go up a size.

If anything, choosing a size that is too large lets your foot slide forward with every step, and the heel lifts, which tires you out faster. Elevator shoes are more stable and easier to walk in when the foot sits firmly in place.

Size ranges vary by model. Before purchasing, check the Product Details section on each product page.

The 5cm models are grouped in the 5cm Elevator Shoes collection, and the Japan-made cowhide leather models (no28 to no31, 23.5–27.0cm) in Japan-Made Elevator Shoes. If you are looking for a smaller size, the 5cm Heel-Up Elevator Sneakers No.05, available from 23.0cm, and the +2 inches Cowhide Leather Casual Sandals No.30, available from 23.5cm, are candidates.

Size exchanges and returns are accepted only if the shoes are unused and have been tried on indoors only. Before wearing them outdoors, check the following 5 points indoors.

At LEVANO, a size exchange is available once, within 7 days of delivery. To request an exchange, contact us (via LINE) with your order number, name, product name and reason.

Conditions for Returns and Exchanges

• Contact us within 7 days of delivery
• Size exchange is available once
• Unused, tried on indoors only (product labels and accessories must not have been removed)
• The packing slip (delivery note) must be included
• The customer pays the return shipping; LEVANO pays the shipping of the replacement

Returns are accepted under the same conditions (the customer pays the return shipping). Shipping within Japan is free; for international shipping, please contact us. Orders are usually shipped within 1 business day of order confirmation.