Your feet help you stay active, support you while you stand, and establish your balance. The size of your feet may play a role in how well they function. However, wearing the right size shoes for your feet is typically the most important factor for maintaining foot health and quality of life.
Average shoe size is not tracked as frequently or as accurately as more vital statistics, like cancer survival rates. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the average shoe size for women in the United States is between a size 7 and 9.
Also, shoes from different brands may vary in size, with one brand being slightly larger or smaller than shoes labeled the same size from a different brand. This can make average sizes more difficult to determine.
Tanya Herbert holds the record for the largest feet for a female in the world—and she is from the U.S. Her right foot measures 13.03 inches, which is a size 18 in U.S. women’s sizes. Herbert, who is 6 feet 9 inches tall, set the record in 2022.
Measurements for shoe sizes vary across different countries. For instance, women’s size 8 in the U.S. is a size 6 in the U.K.
The average shoe size for women varies slightly based on the country or region where the woman resides. Below is a chart comparing the low end of the average sizes for women. The sizes are listed in U.S. sizes.
| Country | Shoe Size |
|---|---|
| Canada | 7.0 |
| China | 6.0 |
| Germany | 7.0 |
| France | 6.5 |
| India | 5.0 |
| Ireland | 6.5 |
| Israel | 6.5 |
| Italy | 6.5 |
| Japan | 5.5 |
| Mexico | 6.0 |
| Russia | 7.0 |
| Spain | 6.5 |
| Switzerland | 6.5 |
| Turkey | 6.5 |
| U.K. | 6.5 |
The average shoe size for women varies over a lifetime. For example, older age, pregnancy, and weight gain can all affect your shoe size and cause it to change. Here are some factors that affect a person’s shoe size:
- Pregnancy: Many women report an increase in shoe size during pregnancy. Oftentimes, this is because their feet have gotten wider and flatter. This increase in size may be due to the hormone relaxin, which increases during pregnancy, or due to the extra weight gain. Feet changes can happen as early as the second trimester.
- Age and menopause: By the time you are 50 years old, your feet have walked more than 75,000 miles. Because of this wear and tear on your feet, your foot structure may change, causing them to grow wider and flatter and affecting your shoe size. Also, once you reach menopause, your body does not produce as much estrogen, which can cause laxity in the ligaments of your foot. This can also cause your shoe size to change.
- Weight changes: Your foot size is directly related to your body size. So, if you gain weight, your shoe size is going to increase as well. A higher body weight can also cause stress on the ligaments and other structures in your foot and affect its size. Losing weight can also affect shoe size. One study found that people who had weight loss surgery experienced a decrease in shoe size.
- Going barefoot: When you walk barefoot, especially for extended periods, your foot and arch are not supported. While this can strengthen your foot in some cases, it can also affect shoe size. One study found that people who consistently go barefoot for long periods, or even walk or run barefoot, may have wider feet.
The size shoe you wear, or more specifically, whether or not you are wearing the right size shoes for your feet, can affect your health and well-being. Researchers have found that wearing the wrong size shoe can lead to foot problems. This can lead to pain and negatively affect your posture and gait. When that happens, it may cause issues in other parts of your body.
Foot Health
Approximately 24% of people have at least one foot condition or concern, with older adults experiencing more problems than younger adults. Additionally, 29% of women experience foot pain most days of the month.
One way to avoid these issues is to address how the foot hits the ground and to stabilize the foot and ankle, which often begins with wearing the correct size shoe. Doing so may also reduce the risk of foot deformities and walking disabilities. Meanwhile, having foot problems can significantly affect your quality of life, particularly for women.
Diseases can also affect shoe size and foot health. Here are some chronic conditions that can affect both the health of your foot and the size of shoe you need:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular issues
- Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that surround the joints for cushioning)
- Strains, sprains, and fractures
- Haglund’s deformity (pump bump; a bony growth on your heel)
- Bunions
- Hammer toes
Balance
Your foot size, as well as wearing properly fitted shoes, can also impact your balance and stability. Typically, people with larger feet have better balance and tend to sway less than people with smaller feet.
This phenomenon is likely related to the larger surface area and increased support offered by a bigger foot, especially when the foot is in proportion to body size. Likewise, people with narrower feet may also feel more unstable or off balance.
The average shoe size for women in the U.S. is between 7 and 9, according to the WHO. This size can fluctuate over a person’s lifetime and is influenced by factors like age, menopause, pregnancy, and lifestyle habits.
The size of your foot can also impact your health, especially if you are wearing the wrong size shoe. If you are having issues with your feet or you are not sure what size shoe you should be wearing, see a healthcare provider such as a podiatrist.
