Did you know that January 23rd is National Measure Your Feet Day? It might seem strange to have a day to celebrate measuring your feet, but this is actually really important. Here’s why…
When was the last time you measured your feet?
Most of us don’t get our feet measured after childhood. But you might not know that as we age, our feet change in size. Whilst they don’t literally grow, they can flatten and get wider (think of all the pressure your feet are subjected to each day), and your shoes may not fit quite as well as they used to. Your feet will also change size if you gain or lose weight.
Why is it important to have your feet measured?
If you don’t measure your feet regularly, your shoes may not fit properly. If your shoes are ill-fitting, you could be at risk of a whole host of issues, including:
- Foot pain and deformities such as hammer toe, corns and calluses.
- Ingrown toenails
- Blisters
- Bruising.
Poorly fitting shoes can also cause you to walk differently, leading to extra pressure on your knees and ankles – this can result in issues with your joints later in life.
What activities can I do for National Measure Your Feet Day?
Well, why not measure your feet and see if you’re wearing the right shoe size? The easiest way to do this is to place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall. Place your bare foot on the paper with the heel against the wall. Use a pen to mark the tip of your longest toe on the paper. Now, use a ruler or tape measure to measure the length in millimetres and check your size against the guide here.
What do I do if I’m wearing the wrong size shoes?
The best thing to do is get a pair of shoes that are the right size, particularly if you’re on your feet a lot, or enjoy walking or running. You will have a good idea of the size you need from your own measurement, but you will also need to try on the shoes you choose before you buy them. Bear in mind that your feet are larger at the end of the day, and after exercise.
When you try your shoes on, you need to make sure that the ball of your foot fits in the widest part of the shoe – if they are too tight, don’t expect them to stretch to fit. A shoe will never stretch enough to make a tight shoe fit properly. Your heel should also fit comfortably without slipping or riding up and down.
If you’re unsure, ask for help.
Foot health all year round…
You shouldn’t just look after your feet on National Measure Your Feet Day. If you have any concerns, problems, or just want a check up, our friendly and professional team at our Cheshire clinic can help. Contact Northwich Foot Clinic today.
