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21 December 2016

Feet are getting bigger and wider!

According to The College of Podiatry, Britain’s feet are getting bigger and wider, growing on average two sizes since the 1970s.

British feet are on the increase!

According to recent research, British feet are getting bigger and wider. In fact, they have grown an average two shoe sizes since the 1970s, says the College of Podiatry.

Today, the average male wears a UK size 10 compared with a size eight shoe 40 years ago while the average woman wears a size six versus a size four.

Research suggests that our taller, heavier bodies are to blame. That’s because increased weight gain places more pressure on the feet causing them to splay.

Lorraine Jones, from the College of Podiatry, the research arm of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, says: "Feet are getting bigger because as a nation we are becoming taller and we're increasing in weight.

"Increased weight gain places more pressure on the feet and means ligaments and joints need to work harder to maintain the foot's structure and keep you mobile.

"Over time if someone is gaining weight the feet splay to try and accommodate the increased pressure, which can cause pain, lead to mobility issues and increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in the lower limb joints.

"Whatever your shoe size, the most important thing is to wear a comfortable, well-fitting shoe."