Are shoes getting smaller? Or do feet keep growing as you get older?

[Dancingwithtearsinmyeyes]

I used to be a shoe size 4. After 2 kids I think my ligaments in my feet stretched, and went up to a size 5.

I haven't really worn shoes recently due to lockdown and working from home, I've been living in trainers and slippers. But I'm finding my usual 5 too tight, and have had to buy a 5.5!

Is this normal?

My feet went up a size. Ligaments do stretch, arches drop and weight gain can make your feet bigger. I don't know if it happens to everyone.

Mine have definitely got wider after two years of freedom at home every day.

I also now find it impossible to wear any heel higher (or thinner) than about 4cm..

I was a 5 as a teenager. Was a 6 in my 20’s and beyond. But now in my 50’s I’m a 7 or 6.5

My shoe size went up to a 6 post DC's. Back to 5 now so don't go buying too many for now 🤞

Babies make your feet get bigger! I went from 6 to 7. As I’ve got older, they have got wider too! High heels? Not any longer sadly!

Feet spread if you are barefoot a lot at home.

I’ve had no end of trouble with shoes since being barefooted at home and I spend 90% of my days at home

@Itshothothot

Feet spread if you are barefoot a lot at home.

I’ve had no end of trouble with shoes since being barefooted at home and I spend 90% of my days at home

Jeez the unknown side effects of home working!

@Itshothothot

Feet spread if you are barefoot a lot at home.

I’ve had no end of trouble with shoes since being barefooted at home and I spend 90% of my days at home

Mine have also spread after 2 maternity leaves followed by covid lockdowns. I was always barefoot at home, but the extra time here has made permanent changes to my feet. I've now switched over to 'barefoot' shoes. They are the same size length-wise though, no change there. I will never be able to wear heels or shoes with tapered toes again, but I can't say I'm sorry TBH. My feet are much happier now!

Yep Clarks told me that being at he not in proper shoes means your feet spread out. Wierd!

I've also found in my 60s that my toes are starting to develop a life of their own and getting up to all sorts so I sometimes need a larger size to accommodate them.

No, absolutely the opposite. So much so, that I was convinced sizing had universally reduced to flatter us into buying them!
Size 5 all my adult life, now a 4 is plenty.
Disclaimer: I am also shrinking in height, so that could explain it 🤔

Feet change sizes as you lose and gain weight too. I lost weight due to stress after having Dd1 and a really shit exp and all my shoes became too big. Now with covid in activity weight they are getting snug alongside my clothes

Oh yes. And if you drop things on your feet over the years you can add enlarged toe joints. I've managed a dishwasher and a small boat so far.

@liveforsummer

Feet change sizes as you lose and gain weight too. I lost weight due to stress after having Dd1 and a really shit exp and all my shoes became too big. Now with covid in activity weight they are getting snug alongside my clothes

My weight has been stable for last 10 ish years so I can't blame that.

@ErrolTheDragon

Oh yes. And if you drop things on your feet over the years you can add enlarged toe joints. I've managed a dishwasher and a small boat so far.

Ouch

It's the shoes that are the problem not our feet!

The standard narrow shoe fit is mainstream for no apparent reason.

In summer I tend to wear Crocs as they are comfortable and I like the look of them, but they are not like shoes and my feet seem to have got wider. Trying some shoes on that always fitted before and are very tight made me realise my feet have got broader and I suspect the Crocs are the reason why.

Be grateful you’re not a size 8 like me 😒 I find buying shoes impossible anyway as if the 8 is too small it’s not really an option to get the next size up....

I have 'house shoes' which are flat and comfy but support my feet. I have too many shoes to risk my feet spreading. Only wear slippers when I'm in my dressing gown.

@Icantremembermyusername

I have 'house shoes' which are flat and comfy but support my feet. I have too many shoes to risk my feet spreading. Only wear slippers when I'm in my dressing gown.

Damn it why did no-one tell me this 2 years ago 😭

Yea they do I actually learnt this fact yesterday 😆

My feet grew half a size with each pregnancy, going from 5 up to a 6. I've recently lost 3st, feet are still a 6 but they're looser.

I think my feet have spread during the last two years, widthways, through not wearing shoes. Not a bad thing for me as feet too narrow to begin with.

I think it’s a combo.
Feet do change size although for me personally with weight gain/ loss/ pregnancy rather than with age, but so many shoes I’ve bought lately have been far too small, when old ones I wore twenty years ago still fit well. Especially trainers.

I've wfh for over 27 years and never wear shoes in the house. I do walk a lot so I am shod Pat of most days but in comfortable walking shoes or boots.

On the plus side, I think I'm better at standing on one leg than I used to be. I thought it was down to Pilates but maybe it's because I've got a bigger base now.