Did you know that you can estimate a person’s height based on their foot size? If you wore a size women’s 5, you would be approximately 4-feet-9. But how big, on average, is a women’s foot size?
Average Shoe Size for Women
The most common foot size for the average American female is somewhere between an 8.5 and a 9, which might surprise some people since in the 1970s the average foot size used to be 7.5 until only recently.
According to a report done by the National Shoe Retailers in 2012, the average woman’s foot has grown by more than a size over the last three decades.
So, why are our feet getting bigger?
On average, Americans are getting taller and heavier, which causes an increase of the size of their feet in proportion to their bodies. Taller women in general seem to have larger feet than shorter women, since their bodies require additional support to balance.
A lot of our shoe sizes differ based on genetics and environment. Our feet can expand as we age and they begin to lose their elasticity. Women’s shoe sizes can also switch during pregnancy or menopause. It is recommended you measure your feet occasionally even if you think you know your shoe size as it may change.
Measuring Your Shoe Size
According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, 88% of women wear the wrong shoe size. This is likely due to improper fitting, lack of knowing their real shoe size and settling for a shoe that fits “well enough.”
To determine your own shoe size, it’s best to measure your feet at the end of the day after you’ve been walking because walking can slightly increase the size of your feet. It’s suggested that you measure your feet wearing the socks or stockings that you will wear in the shoes you plan to purchase.
Best Foot Measuring Products:
- Brannock Device, $58.
- NBC Practical Foot Measuring Device, $15.
- Squatchi Foot Measuring Device, $21.
- Ritz Stick Foot Measuring Device, $23.
- Footer Foot Measuring Tool, $15.
Most Commonly Sold Shoe Size
Even though on average women’s feet are between 8.5 and 9, the most commonly sold shoe size is a 7, but just because this is the size that most women purchase does not mean that they are wearing the correct size.
While women may have felt ashamed of their larger foot sizes in the past, recent footwear trends have grown to embrace bigger feet. In fact, some big celebrity names have large feet, including Kate Winslet (shoe size 11) and Rhianna (size 9).
Many shoe retailers have accommodated to the increase in foot size, switching to designing larger and wider shoe sizes.
Where to buy shoes for large feet:
- Nike – Up to women’s size 12
- Adidas – Up to women’s size 15.5
- Ugg – Up to women’s size 14
- Dillard’s – Up to women’s size 12W
- Zappos – Up to women’s size 15
- Long Tall Sally – Up to women’s size 15
- Nordstrom – Up to women’s size 14
Smallest Shoe Size Available
Currently, the smallest woman alive is Indian Actress Jyoti Amge. Amge stands at only 2 feet and three-quarters inches and her feet only measure 3.72-inches long, which is a toddler size 2 in the U.S. She was officially declared the world’s smallest woman by the Guinness World Records in 2011. Amge has starred in both “American Horror Story” and the Indian television show “Bigg Boss 6.”
Where to Buy Shoes For Small Feet:
- Petite Shoes – From women’s size 2
- The Little Toe Shop – From women’s size 2
- Pretty Small Shoes – From women’s size 2
- Piccolo Small Shoes – From women’s size 2.5
- Zappos – From women’s size 3
- Shoes.com – From women’s size 2.5
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of anthropometry and footwear, my expertise allows me to shed light on the intriguing correlation between foot size and height, a connection that extends beyond mere anecdote. The notion that one can estimate a person's height based on their foot size is indeed rooted in substantial evidence, drawing from the fascinating intersection of human anatomy, genetics, and societal trends.
The article rightly points out that the average American female's foot size falls within the range of 8.5 to 9, a significant shift from the 1970s when the average was a more diminutive 7.5. This transition is not merely a whimsical fluctuation but is substantiated by a 2012 report from the National Shoe Retailers, highlighting a notable increase in the average woman's foot size over the past three decades.
The inquiry into why our feet are growing unveils a multifaceted explanation. It aligns with the broader trend of Americans getting taller and heavier, resulting in an augmented foot size in proportion to their bodies. Taller women, in particular, tend to exhibit larger feet, a consequence of their bodies necessitating additional support for balance.
Furthermore, the article delves into the intricate factors influencing individual shoe sizes, including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and life events such as pregnancy or menopause. It is a testament to the dynamic nature of our feet, which can undergo changes in size and shape over time, reinforcing the importance of periodic measurements.
The mention of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's revelation that a staggering 88% of women wear the wrong shoe size serves as a stark reminder of the widespread lack of awareness regarding proper fitting. This underscores the importance of employing accurate foot measuring tools, such as the Brannock Device, NBC Practical Foot Measuring Device, Squatchi Foot Measuring Device, Ritz Stick Foot Measuring Device, and Footer Foot Measuring Tool, all recommended by the article.
The revelation that the most commonly sold shoe size is a 7, despite the average falling between 8.5 and 9, raises awareness about the prevalence of ill-fitting shoes. The evolving trends in footwear, with celebrities like Kate Winslet and Rihanna proudly sporting larger sizes, indicate a positive shift in societal attitudes towards embracing diverse foot sizes.
For those on the opposite end of the spectrum, the article provides valuable insights into where to buy shoes for small feet, catering to individuals like Jyoti Amge, officially recognized as the world's smallest woman. The recommended platforms such as Petite Shoes, The Little Toe Shop, Pretty Small Shoes, Zappos, and Shoes.com offer options for those with petite foot sizes, exemplifying the inclusivity of the contemporary footwear market.
In essence, the article navigates the intricate landscape of foot size and its myriad influences, offering a comprehensive understanding of this often overlooked aspect of human anatomy and fashion.
