Among the 2000 adults polled, 35% of women claim that their feet have grown bigger during adulthood, while 68% say they are wider. For men, 48% claim their feet are bigger and 61% believe they are wider.
“Feet are getting bigger because as a nation we are becoming taller and we’re increasing in weight,” said college spokesperson and podiatrist Lorraine Jones. “Increased weight gain places more pressure on the feet and means ligaments and joints need to work harder to maintain the foot’s structure and keep you mobile.”
However, we’re feeling the pinch as we squeeze our feet into shoes that don’t quite fit us. 34% of men and 46% of women admit to buying shoes that are too big or small, mainly unintentionally but sometimes sacrificing comfort for fashion or slashed prices.
The College of Podiatry’s research kicks off Feet for Life awareness month this June.
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