As the colder months set in and shoppers refresh their wardrobes, an expert is warning that millions could be stepping into autumn wearing shoes that no longer fit correctly.
Charles Denton, Managing Director of DB Wider Fit Shoes, has highlighted that the majority of adults have not measured their feet since childhood, overlooking how the human foot changes shape and size over time.
“Our Foot Health Awareness Survey highlights a huge gap in how people buy and wear shoes,” Denton said. “Most adults assume their shoe size never changes, but this simply isn’t true.”
A survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by DB Wider Fit Shoes found that 74% have not measured their feet since the age of 16, often relying on habit rather than accurate sizing.
“Your feet actually change over time, becoming both longer and wider with age,” Denton explained. “Yet most people just keep guessing their size or sticking with whatever they’ve always worn, even if it no longer fits properly.”
The research also revealed that 17% wear shoes that are too narrow, and 70% admit they lack proper knowledge about shoe fitting.
Denton warned that such oversights have a measurable impact on health. “Of those wearing ill-fitting shoes, many report foot problems like bunions, calluses, and pain that can spread to the knees, hips, and even the back,” he said. “Ill-fitting shoes can trigger a chain reaction, from foot pain to joint strain and long-term mobility issues.”
He added that price isn’t a guarantee of comfort. “Price doesn’t always indicate quality when it comes to proper fit,” Denton explained. “What really matters is whether the shoe matches your actual foot measurements, and that includes both length and width. Too many people only focus on size numbers, when width is just as important.”
The NHS Lanarkshire podiatry department supports this view, noting that in an average lifetime, we walk around 100,000 miles, equivalent to five times around the earth, making proper footwear critical for long-term foot health.
“Poorly fitting footwear can significantly increase your risk of falls or injury,” Denton said. “Many people don’t realise that one foot is typically slightly larger than the other, which is why it’s so important to try on both shoes not just one.”
According to NHS guidance, a well-fitting shoe should feel comfortable from the start, not something you have to ‘break in’, and should leave a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
With autumn wardrobes getting a refresh, Denton urges shoppers to take one extra step before buying new footwear: “Measure your feet, and don’t be afraid to consider a wider fit. At DB Wider Fit Shoes, our online Fit Finder can help. In three simple steps, you’ll find out which size and fittings are suitable for your feet. Your feet carry your entire body weight, so finding the right size isn’t just about comfort, it’s about protecting your mobility for years to come.”
