FEET ARE GETTING BIGGER

 
 
Most people don’ t realize that as you age the shape and size of your foot changes.  These changes may be relatively small but can make significant differences in the size of shoe you need.  It is recommended that feet should be measured at least once a year with a Brannick by a trained salesperson or foot specialist such as your podiatrist or chiropodist.  
 
Not only is the overall length important, but also the width, arch length and height as well as any unique variations from the norm such as high arches, severe pronation or prominent bumps or protrusions know as congenital deformities.  Another important fact is that the overall shoe size for the general public in North America is up 2 shoe sizes since the 1970’s.  
 
Shoe sizes should not be used as an absolute guide as most different brands and countries have variations from the actual size and overall comfort should always be the main consideration.  Another fact that many people may not be aware of is that usually one foot is bigger than the other, usually the left and it is important that you have both feet measured.  I have had many instances of a patient presenting with one foot more than 2 shoe sizes more than the other which presents a unique challenge for them and many have had to resort to buying 2 pairs of shoes and using a different size for each foot with one useless pair of shoes.  Thankfully this is only a very small segment of the population.  
As a general rule your shoes should be a thumbs width longer than your longest toe and wide enough not to place pressure on the ball of the foot which is the foot’s widest point.  if shoes are worn that are too short than you may end up with a condition known as hammertoe and if they are too narrow you may end up with a bunion.
 
 
 

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care