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Average Shoe Size For Women
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2025
Average Shoe Sizes by Country
- The average shoe size for women worldwide is 7 to 8.
- In the United States, the average shoe size for women is 8.5 to 9.
- In the United Kingdom, the typical shoe size for women is 6.5 or 7.
- The average shoe size for Australian women is 7.5, while most Japanese women wear size 5.5 shoes.
| Country | Average shoe size (US size) |
|---|---|
| The United States | 8.5 to 9 |
| The United Kingdom | 6.5 to 7 |
| Japan | 5.5 |
| Australia | 7.5 |
Average Shoe Size by Height
There is an established relationship between height and shoe size.
Tall women naturally need a larger foot base for balance, whereas short women require a smaller base due to their smaller feet.
American women report that their shoe size varies greatly depending on their height. This variation can be due to natural hereditary and genetic factors or wearing the wrong shoe size.
Although there is no official data on the relationship between height and shoe size among American women, anecdotal evidence suggests the following:
| Height | Average shoe size (US size) |
|---|---|
| 4’9″ to 5’3″ | 5 to 8.5 |
| 5’4″ to 5’7″ | 6.5 to 10 |
| 5’6″ to 6′ or taller | 9 to 15 |
Reasons for changing shoe sizes
In the United States, the average woman’s foot size in the 1960s was 6.5, which increased to 7.5 in the 1970s. According to the Royal College of Podiatry in London, the average shoe size for women has increased by two sizes since 1970. Here are some possible reasons for this change:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one factor that can change a woman’s shoe size. During pregnancy, some women report that their feet become wider or flatter. In some cases, this change can be permanent.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women typically gain 25–35 pounds during pregnancy. This is due to the release of a hormone called relaxin from the placenta, which loosens the ligaments in the feet. As a result, the shape of the feet gradually changes.
Modern Lifestyle
Modern lifestyle habits can also contribute to an increase in women’s foot size.
Compared to previous generations, women today have more advanced technology and equipment that encourage them to be on their feet more often. With more active and physically demanding lifestyles, their feet bear weight throughout the day, gradually affecting their shape.
Obesity
According to the Society of Shoe Fitters, obesity can cause the arch of the foot to expand to support extra weight, leading to an increase in shoe size.
- Additionally, as mentioned earlier, height can also affect foot shape. No matter the reason for changes in foot size, you can get accurate measurements by following the proper foot measuring guidelines below.
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
2 large pieces of paper
Pencil or pen
Chair for sitting
Measure your Foot at Home
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. Repeat with the other foot.
4. Measure the length of the foot from the tip of the heel to the longest toe. Next, measure the width at the widest point of the foot.
5. Enter these two numbers.Subtract ¼ of an inch or about ½ centimeter from both the length and width.
6. Find your shoe size on the sizing chart using your foot length and width measurements.
Tip:
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.
You can measure your feet more easily using this chat.
Download chart click here
Foot Measuring Products
If you want to be more precise, you can purchase a foot measuring tool. Here are some great options:
Branck Device: A classic tool used in shoe stores that measures both length and width with high accuracy.
NBC Practical Foot Measuring Device: An inexpensive option that is easy to use at home.
Ritz Stick Foot Measuring Device: Simple and reliable, this tool gives accurate results.
Footer Foot Measuring Tool: Affordable and compact, this tool provides quick measurements for everyday use.
Shoe brands for big feet
It used to be hard to find nice shoes in plus sizes, but now
Many companies make shoes for big feet: Here are some great brands:
Nike: Offers up to size 12 for women.
Adidas: Offers up to size 15.5 for women.
Zappos: Known for its wide range of sizes, even up to size 15.
Sally’s: Offers up to size 15.
Nordstrom: Makes stylish shoes up to size 14.
Shoe Brands for Small Feet
For women with small feet, these stores offer a variety of small-sized shoes:
Small Shoes: For women starting at size 2.
Pretty Small Shoes: Sells stylish shoes starting at size 2.
The Little Toe Shop: For women with small feet starting at size 2.
Zappos: Offers small sizes starting at size 3.
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References
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Victor Adrian
Footwear Expert
Co-authors: 6
Updated: Mar 9, 2025