You’re Probably Wearing the Wrong Shoe Size, Here’s Why

It seems that everybody is wearing the wrong sized shoe or most people at least, according to a recent article by the Wall Street Journal. The publication writes that U.S. shoe makers are reporting the average shoe size as going up and according to a recent U.K. study the average shoe size has gone up two sizes since the 1970s. Why? The article cites people getting taller and on average bigger. In addition, your feet can grow even into adulthood. Wearing the wrong sized footwear can lead to pain, bunions and other deformities. But most females know that the most pain-inducing style is the stiletto that is far from comfortable. However, if you are a lover of flats, they can be “just as bad as wearing high heels,” says podiatrist Alison Garten, due to the lack of support.

So what can you do to avoid wearing the wrong sized shoe and causing damage to your feet? Measure your feet once a year, don’t rely on shoes “being stretched out” and if you find a brand that has the right balance of fashion and functionality stick with it.