Measuring The Girth of My Feet at Scheels
in 20 seconds you learn what's goin' on with your steppers thanks to this 3D scanner machine
For the first time ever, I am talking about my feet online, and it’s all thanks to Scheels. I’ve never let my bare feet hit the ground at Oakwood Mall until Thursday, June 5, when my curiosity officially got the best of me.
Earlier this spring, Scheels (4710 Golf Rd., Eau Claire) posted about its brand-new foot scanner that could supposedly learn all the secrets of your feet in less than one minute. We’re talking infrared-looking imaging to reveal which part of your feet the most pressure is on; the length, width, and “girth” of each foot; and arch height and instep.
I’m not a runner, hiker, or someone who has ever put too much thought into what shoes I was wearing, beyond looks and whether or not they pinched my toes. As someone with wide feet (thanks, mom), I’ve always just assumed my feet were pretty flat, and cute, pointy heels weren’t for me.
In less than 30 seconds, Scheels’ 3D foot scanner – the Aetrex Albert 2 Pro – delivered several harsh realities. Not only are my foot arches pretty dang hall, but my right foot is longer than my left foot. And the footwear associate at Scheels told me that. Out loud. In public.
Even worse: the machine measures the girth of your foot, whatever that means. So we talked about that too, in public. But at least I’ve been wearing the right shoe size (the machine guesstimated my best fit was an 8 to 8.5; I’m an 8.5).
“It’s basically a three-dimensional scan of your foot, with two scanners in the front and two scanners in the back,” a Scheels employee told me. “We can use traditional devices to measure your foot length and watch for your gait, but this machine is so helpful with the full 3D scan and pressure measurements. Hopefully it better helps customers find shoes that are right for them; It’s a new technology that we are definitely excited about.”
One of the gals working in the shoe department helped me try on a few pairs of sneakers, because I’ve never bothered with “arch support” before. Turns out, there are shoes that feel like walking on clouds – especially if they fit correctly. (They also offered some insoles to put in shoes I already own, for a better fit.)
And you know what, at this point, I might as well just show you my 3D scans. The Aetrex scanner can also email you your results so you can see the truth for yourself on your desktop or cellphone, and it even gives you some “Shoe Fitting Tips.”
In less than 30 seconds — and for free — the secrets to your feet can be revealed (albeit in public, at the Oakwood Mall). Honestly, I’m giving it my full recommendation. Don't keep walking around with shoes that aren't comfortable this summer – it's only nice outside for so long!
Visit Scheels in Eau Claire (4710 Golf Rd., Eau Claire) today to try out the Aetrex Albert 2 Pro for free, no appointment necessary, in the shoe department.