TM 10--227
6--5
d. Fitting of Footwear. During the initial fitting, the fitter should take as much time as
necessary;y with each individual to ensure a correct fit. Misfits are not only expensive, but
continued wear may result in physical injury to the wearer. To minimize the number of misfits, the
fitter should first make sure the individual is wearing properly fitted socks and the shoes/boots are
completely laced and tied (boots must be laced at least through the bottom five eyelets). With the
individual standing, weight evenly distributed on both feet, the fitter must make the following
checks.
(1) Arch Fit. To check arch fit, position the right hand over the instep of the individuals right
shoe/boot (Fig. 6--3). Press the fingers firmly against the inner arch close to the sole, making
sure the leather fits snug, but not right, against the under arch. The arch area of the shoe/boot
should be free from wrinkles or excessive fullness (Fig. 6--4). Check the left shoe/boot in the
same manner, using the left hand.
(2) Ball--Joint Position. Locate the ball--joint position with the thumb of each hand (Fig. 6--5).
When correctly positioned, the ball--joint will be opposite the widest part of the shoe/boot, and the
vamp will fall directly across the toe joint. The ball--joint position should also be checked while the
individual is in the full knee bend position. With the individual in this position, heels off the floor,
the ball--joint should be in line with the break in the shoe/boot (Fig. 6--6).
(3) Width. To check the shoe width, place a thumb on each side of the shoe near the
ball--joint. Press thumbs firmly, working each thumb towards the center of the shoe/boot until they
almost meet (Fig. 6--7). The foot should fill the shoe/boot without tightness; however, excessive
fullness should be avoided. It is better to allow a slight fullness of the leather at this point, rather
than the shoe/boot fitting too snugly.
(4) Length. To check toe clearance, depress the front of the shoe/boot with the thumb: there
should be at least 1/2--inch of clearance between the longest toe and the end of the shoe/boot
(Fig. 6--7). The foot should fill the shoe/boot without tightness; however, excessive fullness
should be avoided. It is better to allow a slight fullness of the leather at this point, rather than the
shoe/boot fitting too snugly.
6-3. SHOE FITTING FACILITIES.
a. General Requirements. The fitting area should be equipped with a shoe fitting platform, foot
measuring devices, and an adequate number of chairs., benches and tables. The shoe fitting
platform should be designed to conform to the physical arrangement and available space at the
facility, and should be large enough to accommodate the number of individuals normally
processed daily.
b. Shoe--Fitting Platform. A shoe fitting platform (Fig 6--9) 16 ft. long, 3 ft. wide, and 34 in. high
is recommended. The platform should be equipped with a 12 ft. long bench, 14 in. wide and 18
in. high, with a 9 ft. long kickboard.