How Big is Your Foot?

How big is your foot?

Did you know that over 85% of America wears the wrong size shoe? It happened to me. I wear a 10 because they are easy to find but when I measured my foot I found that I should be wearing a size 10.5. It is important to understand the size of your foot.

Why do the shoes fit the way they do?

Manufacturers normally try to fit as many people as possible resulting in shoes that are not an "exact" fit but more a generic fit. This explains why certain manufacturers fit better than others. I have my favorite brands that seem to always fit perfectly. I guess they measured the right group of generic people. The basic shape of a shoe, technically called the "last" determines the shape and profile of the shoe, the first step is to match the foot and shape of the shoe proportionally. Size is also affected by style, patterns, construction and material. Remember, shoe manufacturers influence sizing.

Interesting facts about your feet.

People's feet are longer at night than when they crawl out of bed in the morning.

The foot, like the rest of the body, changes with weight gain and loss, and also significantly changes with age and if you have a baby your foot may have a baby too and get a little bigger.

Your feet also change due to activity. Every time you take 2 steps in the walking process you place up to 2 times your body weight in pressure on your foot. While running each step could result in up to up to 9 times your body weight hitting the foot. So an active person, can experience a change in shoe size.

All of this means you could be right when you feel like your foot is bigger. It just may be. So make sure you measure your foot often.

Shoe Size Conversion Chart

If I have you wondering "WHAT SIZE IS MY FOOT?" Here is an easy method to measure your feet. Here are a couple of pointers for accurate measurement. Stand with the back of your foot against a flat solid surface, a wall would be good. Get a ruler, measuring tape or any device in your home that you can use to measure. Now, measure from the wall to the end of the longest part of the foot. (For example if you place your heel against the wall and your toes are facing out. Then measure from heel to toe.) If you are alone it may be a bit difficult but you can do it.

This may be easier if you don't have another person to help. Place your foot flat on a piece of paper and with a pen or pencil draw an outline of your foot, making sure to hold your pencil straight up and down. Then measure from two furthest points on your foot. Compare that to the figures in inches and centimeters in the measurement conversion chart above. When in doubt round up to the nearest size.

Yolanda R. Spearman
Owner: http://www.hotshuz.com
http://www.newshuz.com