Two things we often hear people say: "I know what shoe size I am” and “I’ve been the same shoe size for years." But the truth is, feet can change size over time. They’re dynamic structures, reacting to a range of factors that impact us as we walk through our life and career.
The other problem with being so sure of your foot size? Different brands often have a very different idea of sizing. Let's explore both problems, and then talk about solutions.
HOW FEET CAN CHANGE SIZE OVER TIME?
Adult feet are not immune to change, and there are several factors that can alter your foot size and shape over the years.
👣 AgEing
For many people, feet don't stop growing until their early 20s. So, if you started as an apprentice when you were 17 but you’re now 21, your feet could be bigger than they were when you bought your first pair of work boots - and could get bigger still! Ultimately, your feet may have grown more than you think since your last formal foot measuring - particularly if that took place when you were at the start of your career.
Furthermore, over time, tendons and ligaments lose their elasticity, and this can cause arches to flatten, making feet longer and wider, resulting in the need for a size up in footwear.
👣 Pregnancy
During pregnancy, due to gained weight and the loosening and relaxation of ligaments, many women find their foot’s arch flattens which causes the bones in their feet to spread and widen, which can also lead to an increase in shoe size. While some women return to their regular foot structure post-birth, many stay at this larger size for life.
👣 Physical Conditions
Arthritis, diabetes, injuries, lifestyle habits and work conditions/demands can all impact the overall structure of the foot. That means the size that fit you five years ago — or even last year — may not be the right size now. And even if your work activities don’t lead to a change of size, a proper measuring could highlight the need for a change of arch support or footwear type.
how Footwear CAN VARY
Three quarters of all footwear is produced in the Far East. And while this incredibly industrious region is so vital for feeding global demand with its billions of shoes and boots, there can be a fit issue with this.
Footwear made in these nations such as China, Cambodia and Vietnam is often smaller, because the native population of these regions tend to have narrower feet. As a result, the lasts used to shape the shoes and boots made in these Asian regions are often smaller. This means when this footwear is shipped out to western nations, wearers with wider feet can end up in boots and shoes that are too small, even if they are labelled as their size, as they've been made using a comparatively smaller 'template.'
In short, footwear sizing is not standardised across brands. You might be a size 8 in one brand, but if another footwear manufacturer bases their boots on a differently designed last, their 'size 8' might be far too big or too small. So, reviewing your size is important, but doing the same with your footwear brand to get consistent comfort is equally key.
Why This Matters in Safety Footwear
Firstly, it matters because work boot wearers are in their boots on average 8-9 hours daily, taking up to 12,000 steps. So, being in the wrong sized footwear can be pretty horrid...
But just as key, poor fit is a safety issue. According to the HSE, badly fitting footwear is a contributing factor in 25% of slips, trips and falls each year. Plus, it can contribute to:
- Foot fatigue and musculoskeletal issues
- Blisters, bunions and bruised toes
- Compromised protection - as safety componentry such as toecaps, ankle cushions and met guards might not cover the intended area of the foot
In short, if you spend long hours on your feet in a safety environment, you need a boot that provides proper support, stability, and protection — and that starts with the right size and fit.
How to Get the Right Fit
Whether you're buying your first pair of work boots or replacing a well-worn favourite, here are a few tips on nailing your foot comfort:
✅ Measure your feet once a year, ideally at the end of the day when they are most swollen. This way you’ll have the generous end of your size to accommodate feet when they're enlarged through activity. (Got our free home foot measuring kit? It's here.)
✅ Walk, crouch, and stand in the boots when trying them on, checking for any unwanted heel slippage or tightness.
✅To support and consolidate your correctly sized boot, try them with your usual work socks and any insoles you wear, as these can both impact the room your foot has within the boot.
✅ Be open-minded about your size. If your feet are uncomfortable, review your size by getting them properly measured. Fit is more important than being right about what you thought your size was!
BEST FIT FORWARD
No amount of cushioning, padding or foam is going to make a boot comfortable if you don’t have the right size.
At V12, everything we do has comfort at the core - and that means giving our wearers the right fit. That’s why we offer:
- Footwear built on a last designed using 4,000 foot scans to provide a global fit for universal comfort
- A wide range of half and XL sizes
- Arch-supporting insoles designed to fit with the V12 last
But given the points mentioned in this article, we also recommend regular reassessments not just of your boot size, but also your arch support and foot shape - particularly if there is a change in your job demands or health status. What worked for you a few years ago might not be ideal today!
Your feet change. Your job might well. Keep up with them both!.
When it comes to comfort, protection, and long-term foot health, the right fit isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Click below to view the V12 Footwear range, and start taking the right steps to comfort.
