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As wardrobes shift for the cooler months, a new warning suggests countless people could be walking around in the wrong-sized footwear.
Charles Denton, Managing Director at DB Wider Fit Shoes, says most adults fail to recognise that feet continue to evolve throughout life, even after adolescence.
“Our Foot Health Awareness Survey highlights a huge gap in how people buy and wear shoes,” Denton said. “Most adults assume their shoe size never changes, but this simply isn’t true.”
The research, based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults, found that nearly three-quarters have not had their feet measured since they were 16. Many still rely on guesswork or outdated assumptions when buying new shoes.
“Your feet actually change over time, becoming both longer and wider with age,” Denton explained. “Yet most people just keep guessing their size or sticking with whatever they’ve always worn, even if it no longer fits properly.”
The findings revealed that 17% of respondents wear shoes that are too narrow, while 70% admit they lack proper understanding of shoe fitting.
According to Denton, the consequences can be serious. “Of those wearing ill-fitting shoes, many report foot problems like bunions, calluses, and pain that can spread to the knees, hips, and even the back,” he said. “Ill-fitting shoes can trigger a chain reaction, from foot pain to joint strain and long-term mobility issues.”
He dispelled the myth that higher prices guarantee comfort. “Price doesn’t always indicate quality when it comes to proper fit,” Denton explained. “What really matters is whether the shoe matches your actual foot measurements, and that includes both length and width. Too many people only focus on size numbers, when width is just as important.”
The NHS Lanarkshire podiatry department supports this view, noting that in an average lifetime, we walk around 100,000 miles, equivalent to five times around the earth, making proper footwear critical for long-term foot health.
“Poorly fitting footwear can significantly increase your risk of falls or injury,” Denton said. “Many people don’t realise that one foot is typically slightly larger than the other, which is why it’s so important to try on both shoes not just one.”
According to NHS guidance, a well-fitting shoe should feel comfortable from the start, not something you have to ‘break in’, and should leave a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
With autumn wardrobes getting a refresh, Denton urges shoppers to take one extra step before buying new footwear: “Measure your feet, and don’t be afraid to consider a wider fit. At DB Wider Fit Shoes, our online Fit Finder can help. In three simple steps, you’ll find out which size and fittings are suitable for your feet. Your feet carry your entire body weight, so finding the right size isn’t just about comfort, it’s about protecting your mobility for years to come.”