The National Shoe Retailers Association now says that the average male shoe size is 10½ while the average female shoe size is 8½, significantly larger than before. Experts believe the size increase is due to the increasing height and weight of Americans.  

Although bigger feet are becoming a phenomenon among Americans, many retailers are far behind in being able to have available shoes to match their needs. One such consumer with this struggle is online business owner Karen Williamson. You still can't find a shoe manufacturer that will make anything above a size 11 without it being a special order," Williamson said. "It's like the bigger your feet are, the more you don't exist to them."  Williamson currently runs a store specializing in larger shoes for women.

Wearing the wrong shoe size is not advisable.  If you have foot or ankle pain or need a proper sizing, see podiatrist Dr. Carl Ginsberg, DPM of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsberg will see to your foot and ankle needs.   

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
• When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently
• Purchase shoes later in the day as your feet swell as the day progresses
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

 As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat your feet right by choosing the right pair of shoes that can provide them comfort and mobility with minimal pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Jenkintown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read more about Getting the Right Shoe Size