(Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Nensuria)
When was the last time you had your feet measured to learn your right shoe size? A year ago? Two or three years ago? Five or more years ago? If you haven’t had your feet professionally measured within the last year, there’s a good chance you’re cramming your feet into shoes that are too small.
In a recent article, “It’s a Fact – Our Feet Are Getting Bigger,” the WalkEZStore talked about a recent study in the United Kingdom that determined our feet are growing in size. Since the 1970s, the average shoe size for men and women has gone up about two sizes. In fact, throughout adulthood, the size and shape of your feet can change in small but significant ways. Plus your feet can often be two different sizes.
Even though our feet are getting bigger, the U.K. study also found that over 33% of men and about 50% of women have bought shoes that don’t fit correctly. There are several reasons why people may buy and wear shoes that are too small for their feet.
- Designers often create shoe styles based on fashion ideas instead of the actual function of shoes. So the shoe may be designed for a narrower foot than average.
- Vanity can play a role, especially among women who want to wear the trendiest shoes that aren’t right for their type of foot.
- Availability is another factor. Stores may carry a limited supply of larger shoe sizes. So once the larger sizes are gone, people may feel they’re forced to buy a smaller size of shoes.
- People don’t realize their feet can continue to grow, so they continue buying the shoe size they think they’ve always worn.
- Stores don’t have enough salespeople trained (if at all) in how to correctly measure a person’s feet.
- People buy their shoes online, so they don’t have any way to have their feet measured. Plus, unless they buy shoes in a variety of sizes, they don’t have the ability to try on multiple pairs of shoes in different sizes to determine what fits the best.
How to Have Your Feet Properly Measured
If you want to make sure your shoes are the right size for your feet:
- Have your feet measured by a trained professional at least once a year. Measure your feet at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest due to swelling.
- Wear socks when you’re having your feet measured, particularly the type of socks you’ll wear with the type of shoes you’re buying, such as nylons with dress shoes, athletic socks with athletic shoes or wool shoes with boots.
- Have your feet measured with a Brannock measuring device. This device measures your correct toe length, arch length and foot width. Toe length is the total length of your foot from your heel to your longest toe. Arch length is the measurement from your heel to the ball joint (first metatarsal joint) of your foot. Foot width is the width across the ball of your foot from the first to the fifth metatarsal joints that determines how narrow or wide your shoe fit should be.
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This diagram shows a properly fitted shoe for correct foot and shoe flexion.
Have both feet measured. Fit your shoes to your larger foot size. The shoe for your smaller foot can be altered to ensure you have a proper fit.
- Use your arch length as your reference point when choosing your size. When your shoes fit correctly, the arch of the shoe and the ball joint of your foot will be properly aligned. (Refer to the diagram.) The ball of your foot should fit snugly, but comfortably, in the cradle or ball joint area of your shoe. Your foot and shoe should bend at the same location with your arch fully supported. Improperly fitted shoes that are too short for the arch length will confine your toes, causing foot discomfort and fatigue.
- Have your feet measured by a certified pedorthist, like Kathy Carandang of the WalkEZStore, if you suffer from foot problems. A thorough shoe fitting and buying consultation may take up to one hour.
- Refer to the WalkEZStore’s Shoe Fitting Guide for more information on foot measurements, shoe sizing and how to obtain a proper shoe fit.
ezWalker® Custom Orthotics Relieve Foot Pain
If you suffer from foot conditions or have gait issues, you may want to purchase ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics to wear in your shoes. Custom-made, biomechanically designed arch support, like ezWalker® Custom Orthotics, can realign your body by providing your feet with a proper foundation in your shoes. These custom orthotics help reduce or eliminate foot pain. No matter what type of shoes you wear, there is an ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotic to help you maintain all-day comfort and pain relief.
Visit the WalkEZStore to order your ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics today. Click this link to the online store.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good!®
