A sizeing guide: what is the average shoe size for women?

The right shoe size is not just a simple number; it affects many aspects of your health and comfort. Although there are no official statistics on shoe sizes, according to a report by National Shoe Retailers, the average women’s shoe size worldwide is 7 to 9. The average women’s shoe size in the United States is typically between 8.5 and 9, which is on the high end of the global average size.

Here is the most recent data on women’s average shoe sizes in different countries around the world:

1. United States of America
The average women’s shoe size in the US is usually between 8.5 and 9.
2. Europe
In European countries, the average women’s shoe size is usually between 39 and 40 in the European shoe size system. This translates to about 8-9 in US size.
3. Asia
In many Asian countries, the average women’s shoe size is smaller than in Western countries. For example, the average women’s shoe size is about 24-24.5 cm, which corresponds to a US size 6.5-7. and found in China, 5.5 to 6.5.

Reasons for changing shoe sizes

About fifty years ago, in 1970 in the United States, the average foot size was about 7. According to a 2012 report by National Shoe Retailers, the average woman’s foot size has increased by more than one size over the past three decades for many reasons, including genetics and nutrition. Below are possible reasons for this change:

1. Age: Feet grows longer and wider with time, which can change the size and shape of the feet.
2. Genetics: Like height and eye color, foot size is also influenced by genetics.
3. Weight: Body weight can affect the size and shape of the feet. For example, people who carry more weight may spread their feet, causing the shoe size to increase.
4. Lifestyle: Modern living habits are contributing to women’s foot enlargement. Today, women lead more active and demanding lifestyles and participate in high-impact activities, such as running or sports, which leads to muscular legs.

Women’s shoe sizes can also change during pregnancy or menopause. Excess weight during pregnancy or the release of a hormone called relaxin in the placenta causes the uterus to expand and soften as well as loosen the leg ligaments. A woman may also notice a change in the shape of her shoes, while the extra fluid and pressure in the uterus can cause ankles and feet to swell.

How to Measure Your Foot Size

According to the American Orthopedic Foot Society, 88% of women wear the wrong shoe size. Although the best-selling shoe size is 7, the size most women buy does not mean they are the right size. Ignorance of foot size is a reason, but for beauty reasons, many women choose this difficult path.

All over the world, major brands generally follow standard charts and shoe size measurement practices. Below are tips to measure shoe size.

What You Will Need

Ruler or measuring tape
2 large pieces of paper
Pencil or pen
Chair for sitting

Measuring Shoe Size:

1. Tape the paper to the floor so that it does not move while measuring your feet.
2. Sit in the chair and place your feet firmly on the paper.
3. Trace the outline of your foot on the paper with a pen.
4. Repeat with the other foot.
5. Measure the length of the foot from the tip of the heel to the longest toe.
6. Next, measure the width at the widest point of the foot.
7. Enter these two numbers.
8. Subtract ¼ of an inch or about ½ centimeter from both the length and width.

Additional Tips:

Measure your feet in the afternoon. This is because the foot swells due to activities throughout the day, which changes the shape of the foot. If you want to use socks in shoes, measure your feet with socks on.

Remember, foot health is important, not foot size. All women’s feet are normal in size. Women with big feet are indeed more attractive than women with small feet. However, whatever size your feet are is normal and appropriate for your height and weight. Taller women have larger feet because they need a larger base to balance the body. Shorter women have shorter legs because they need a smaller base.

Variations in heredity and genetics may cause some variation.