Yes, Your Feet did Change Size and Shape!

One of the main reasons that I went to work at a running store, is because I knew that the exposure to running coaches and runners would help continue my education in the field of running and make me a better coach and runner myself. So, when something as basic as my own foot shape and size, stumped me, I knew that I still have much to learn.

Here is the scenario. I am training on how to use the Brannock device to manually measure feet. The Brannock, as most people my age know, is that metal contraption that the shoe salesman puts your feet in to get shape and size information to better fit you for a shoe. Well, I am, uh was, am? I don’t know; a size 12 foot. Which meant I was wearing a size 13 running shoe. But, I was starting to get a black toe nail on my left foot’s second toe. Well, when I stood up in the Brannock, my left foot’s second toe was hitting almost a size 13. What? And my right foot was a solid 12.5. Double what?

The thing is, I learned that our feet change shape and size over time. They are not growing per se, but due to things like genetics, your choice in footwear, diabetes, weight gain, and most likely in my case, running, they do change shape and size. Which means, that you should get your feet measured fairly regularly to ensure that you are still wearing the correct shoes.

Still not convinced? This is straight off of: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shoes-getting-tight-feet-change-size-time/“Over time and through gravity, our feet tend to get longer and wider,” Dr. Rowland says. “That happens after our ligaments and our tendons become a little bit more lax over time.” In addition to getting bigger, your feet can develop deformities such as bunions and hammertoes when you reach middle age, Dr. Rowland says. This can happen when tendons and ligaments in the feet that get tighter or loose depending on the area of the foot in which they’re located. Other factors that determine development of foot deformities include heredity, the types of shoes you wear and whether your footwear fits well.

Now you know, and as G.I. Joe says, “Knowing is half the battle.” The great news here is that like everything else in life, technology has advanced our capabilities greatly in the foot measurement department. Most good running stores have scanners that can scan your feet in about 5 seconds and create a 3-D picture of them, allowing the experts to match your foot shape, size, and movement to the correct shoes. I love the Fit Id that we use at Fleet Feet Sports. If you have a Fleet Feet close by, I suggest you go get a free scan, you may be surprised at what you learn. I was! I am now wearing a size 14 running shoe and loving every step! #bigfootisreal

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