This post was written by Ashley M. Bojrab, DPM, FACFAS, ABPM, CWS, PPG – Podiatry.
As a podiatrist, it’s not uncommon for me to hear things like, “Well, I always wore a size 9, but …” Don’t worry, you aren’t losing it. It’s completely normal for our feet to change in size and shape as we age and life brings situational and health adjustments. Here, I discuss three of the main reasons your shoe size might change, and how to ensure you’re getting the best fit for you.
Reason No. 1 – Brand
Wearing a particular size in one shoe brand does not always correlate to the same size in another brand. This is why it’s so important to always try on shoes and walk around before you buy them. A proper fit is so important to avoid blisters, soreness and other potential issues.
We also can’t discount that the original shoe size may have been incorrect. You should get your feet measured regularly and make sure, when trying on shoes, they have some wiggle room and the longest toe is a thumb’s width from the edge of the shoe.
Reason No. 2 – Aging
Aging can cause our feet to change for several reasons. Not only can time bring on new deformities such as hammer toes, bunions or arthritis, but we can also lose fat on the bottom of the feet. While some of my patients would like to lose weight elsewhere, we don’t really think about the underside of our feet. But when this padding becomes very thin, it causes pain to the bones due to the loss of cushion.
Reason No. 3 – Weight
Weight fluctuation can change the size and shape of our feet. Large increases or decreases of weight can change the amount of room in the shoe. This could result from bodyweight adjustments, but also swelling of the legs due to heat, water retention and other comorbidities that could cause swelling. Again, I suggest getting your feet measured and checking shoe fit towards the end of the day because that is when your lower extremities are the most swollen.
Pregnancy and hormonal changes in general can influence shoe size. These hormonal changes cause ligaments to become more laxed, a shift that can last throughout the duration of a woman’s pregnancy which can result in a flatter or wider foot.
As always, I recommend getting your feet measured routinely, every couple of years, to make sure the shoes are the most comfortable and best fit for you!
If you have concerns about your feet, your podiatrist is a great resource. Reach out if you are experiencing any changes that cause discomfort or limit your daily activities. We are here to help!
