Women's shoe sizes have changed a lot over time. If you've noticed your feet are bigger than your grandmother's, you're not alone. The average foot size for women has gotten larger, and this change isn't random. It’s connected to how our bodies, lifestyles, and fashion choices have evolved. In this article, we’ll cover all the important details about women’s shoe sizes, including interesting facts, why feet are getting bigger, and tips on how to measure your size correctly.
What Is the Average Shoe Size for Women in the United States?
You might find it surprising that the average shoe size for women in the U.S. has grown over the years. Back in the 1960s, the average size was about 6.5. By the 1970s, it had jumped to 7.5. Today, the average size is between 8.5 and 9. This change reflects an increase in women’s overall height and weight.
This isn't just happening in the U.S. Around the world, average shoe sizes are increasing due to factors like diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Taller women tend to have bigger feet, and as average heights rise in many countries, foot size also increases.
The kind of shoes women wear has also changed. There’s more focus on comfort and support now, especially with women being more active and spending more time on their feet. This shift to practical footwear is another reason larger sizes are more common today. For a shoe that accommodates these changes while maintaining elegance, try our Alegra Slingback Pump Bordeaux.
Average Shoe Size Worldwide
In the U.S., the average shoe size for women is between 8.5 and 9, but globally, it ranges from 7 to 9. This difference comes from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. For example, women in Asia tend to have smaller feet, with the average size in China being between 5.5 and 6.5. On the other hand, countries like the Netherlands and Norway, where people are generally taller, have average sizes closer to 8 or 9.
These size differences can be a challenge for shoe manufacturers. They need to make sure their shoes come in a wide range of sizes so women everywhere can find the right fit. Our Stella Pump Nero Black comes in multiple sizes to ensure every woman finds her perfect fit.
What Is the Reason for the Change in Foot Size?
The increase in women's shoe size over the years is not by chance. There are several reasons behind this change, and they reflect bigger shifts in health and lifestyle. Our article Foot Anatomy and Common Foot Problems dives deeper into how these changes affect foot health and shoe choices.
One of the main reasons is that women are getting taller and heavier. As height increases, feet need to get bigger to support the body. This trend has been noticed in many parts of the world, especially in Western countries. With better access to food and nutrition, each generation tends to be taller than the one before it, and taller women need bigger shoes for stability and comfort.
Weight is another key factor. As women’s average weight has gone up, their feet have adapted to carry the extra weight. Obesity is closely tied to this change. According to the Society of Shoe Fitters, extra weight puts pressure on the feet, making them spread out, which results in bigger shoe sizes. Also, with more women leading active lives—whether exercising or working—feet may change shape to handle more physical activity.
Pregnancy and menopause can also permanently change foot size. During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin loosens the body’s ligaments to prepare for childbirth. This can make the arches of the feet flatten, causing a permanent increase in foot size. Many women find that their feet grow by half a size or more during and after pregnancy. Likewise, after menopause, women can develop an increase in foot size.
Changes in modern lifestyle also play a part. Women are no longer limited to wearing fragile shoes that were once considered stylish. Instead, they are choosing more practical shoes that provide comfort and support. This shift has made women more aware of their true shoe size, leading to more accurate measurements and fewer purchases of shoes that don’t fit well.
Does Foot Size Matter?
You might be asking yourself, does foot size really matter? The answer is yes, but maybe not for the reasons you expect. Foot size affects health, comfort, and sometimes even how confident a person feels. However, how society views foot size has changed, and more women today are okay with having bigger feet.
In the past, smaller feet were often seen as a sign of beauty and grace. Women would squeeze into smaller shoes, even if it caused pain. But now, things are different. More women care about comfort and practicality instead of following old ideas of beauty. As a result, having larger feet is no longer something to hide.
From a health point of view, wearing the right shoe size is very important. Shoes that don't fit can cause problems like blisters, corns, bunions, and even more serious issues such as foot related illnesses. Ill-fitting shoes can also change how you walk, which can lead to back and joint pain. This is why it's important to know your exact shoe size and wear the right shoes, no matter how big or small your feet are. Our article on The Best Types of High Heels We Recommend will guide you in finding the most comfortable and stylish fit.
Interestingly, different cultures have different views on foot size. In some parts of the world, bigger feet are seen as more attractive. For example, in Indonesia's Karo Batak tribe, women with larger feet are liked for their strength and beauty.
How to Measure Shoe Size
Knowing your true foot size is key to making sure your shoes fit properly. Many people don't know their actual size, which often leads to buying shoes that are too tight or too loose. According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, about 88% of women wear the wrong shoe size.
Here’s how you can measure your foot size accurately:
- Gather what you need: Get a ruler or measuring tape, two large pieces of paper, a pencil, and a chair.
- Trace your foot: Tape the paper to the floor so it doesn’t move. Sit down, place your foot on the paper, and trace around it with the pencil. Make sure you hold the pencil straight up, not at an angle.
- Measure both feet: Do the same with your other foot because they might not be exactly the same size.
- Take measurements: Measure from the heel to the longest toe, then measure the width at the widest part of your foot.
- Convert to shoe size: Use a shoe size chart to turn your measurements into the right shoe size. Subtract about ¼ inch (or ½ cm) from your measurements to account for the space taken up by the pencil outline.
It’s also smart to measure your feet at the end of the day when they’re slightly swollen from standing or walking. This gives a more accurate measurement.
Best Foot Measuring Products
If you want to be more precise, you can buy a foot measuring tool. Here are some great options:
- Brannock Device ($58): A classic tool used in shoe stores that measures both length and width with high accuracy.
- NBC Practical Foot Measuring Device ($15): A cheaper option that’s easy to use at home.
- Squatchi Foot Measuring Device ($21): Made for kids but works well for adults too.
- Ritz Stick Foot Measuring Device ($23): Simple and dependable, this tool gives accurate results.
- Footer Foot Measuring Tool ($15): Affordable and compact, this tool provides quick measurements for everyday use.
Most Common Shoe Size Sold
Although the average shoe size for women in the U.S. is between 8.5 and 9, the most commonly sold size is still a 7. This difference might be due to old ideas about what the "perfect" shoe size should be. In the past, women often bought smaller shoes because they felt too shy to ask for their actual size.
Thankfully, times are changing. Many shoe stores now carry larger sizes to match reality. Brands are offering shoes up to size 12, and some go even higher. Celebrities like Kate Winslet, who wears a size 11, and Rihanna, who wears a size 9, are helping show that having bigger feet is totally fine.
Top Women's Shoe Statistics
The women’s shoe market has been growing fast for years, and it’s not slowing down. In 2023, it's worth around $186.86 billion, and by 2027, it's expected to grow to nearly $220 billion. This growth is fueled by the demand for fashionable footwear, luxury brands, and the increase in online shopping.
North America is the biggest market, with a 21.25% share. But the Asia Pacific region is catching up fast, thanks to its large population and growing middle class. However, it still has the smallest market share at 18.66%.
This growth isn’t limited to everyday shoes. There’s also an increasing demand for luxury shoes, as women look for high-quality, stylish options that are also comfortable.
Women's Luxury Shoe Global Market
The women’s luxury shoe market is set to hit $29.10 billion in 2023, up from $27.72 billion in 2022. This shows that more women are looking for high-quality, well-made shoes, even though they often come with a higher price.
Big brands like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Valentino lead this market. These brands are famous for their unique designs and exclusivity. Many women are happy to spend more on these shoes, viewing them as important investments. By 2029, the luxury shoe market is expected to reach $39 billion, with a yearly growth rate of 5%.
But why are luxury shoes becoming more popular? One reason is that fashion trends are changing. More women are now choosing quality over quantity, preferring to buy one pair of expensive shoes instead of several cheaper ones.
Where to Buy Large Size Women's Shoes
It used to be hard to find nice shoes in bigger sizes, but not anymore. Here are some great places to shop for larger-sized shoes:
- Nike: Offers up to size 12 for women.
- Adidas: Carries sizes up to 15.5 for women.
- Zappos: Known for a wide range of sizes, going up to size 15.
- Long Tall Sally: Specializes in shoes up to size 15.
- Nordstrom: Has stylish shoes up to size 14.
Smallest Size of High Heel Shoes
For women with small feet, these stores offer a variety of small-sized shoes:
- Petite Shoes: Starts at size 2 for women.
- Pretty Small Shoes: Sells stylish shoes starting from size 2.
- The Little Toe Shop: Caters to women with small feet, starting at size 2.
- Zappos: Offers small sizes starting from size 3.
These stores help women with small feet find cute, comfortable shoes without having to shop in the kids' section.
Conclusion
Learning about the average shoe size for women—and how it’s changing—is really useful. Whether your feet are big, small, or in between, knowing your correct size makes a big difference in comfort and foot health. As more brands expand their size ranges, it’s easier than ever for every woman to find shoes that fit well and look great. So, love your shoe size and remember, comfort and confidence are what really matter.