{
  "id": 8264719,
  "title": "Your Shoe Size Can Change as You Age. Here's Why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/your-shoe-size-can-change-as-you-age-heres-why",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-18T14:53:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/09/18/your-shoe-size-can-change-as-you-age/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Your shoe size can change as you age, and there are several reasons why. Dr. Kimberly Koury, an orthopedic surgeon, explains that adult feet don't continue to grow like they do in childhood. Instead, the shape of the foot can gradually change with age, often making the foot wider, flatter, and slightly longer. This change is due to the flattening and spreading of the arch, which is often caused by a decrease in collagen production as we age. This loss of collagen leads to a laxation of the ligaments that support the arches, causing the foot to widen and lengthen.\n\nOther factors that can contribute to foot changes include foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, which become more common as we get older. Bunions form a bump on the inside of the big toe joint, making the forefoot wider and potentially causing previously comfortable shoes to feel too tight. Hammertoes occur when the tissue of the toes weakens, causing the muscles and tendons to buckle and curve. These conditions, which can be genetic or result from wearing tight, narrow shoes for years, can also contribute to flattening arches.\n\nArthritis in the feet and ankles, particularly in the big-toe joint, can also cause foot changes. This condition can lead to bone spurs, which may rub against shoes and make them feel too tight. Age-related changes in feet are most common in women, and they may start to occur in the 30s. However, these changes are not limited to a specific age and can affect people of all ages.\n\nThe changes in foot size can vary from person to person. A study of women aged 20 to 80 found that the width of the balls of their feet increased by 3 to 4 millimeters per decade, while the circumferences of the balls and heels increased by 5 to 7 millimeters and up to 2 millimeters, respectively. Over time, these small changes can accumulate and affect shoe fit. Some people may need shoes that are a full size larger, while others may require a half size larger.\n\nIf your feet start to feel wider or longer, and you're experiencing pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or difficulty walking or doing other activities, it's recommended to see a doctor. They can provide the best treatment, which may include orthotics to improve arch support, modifying footwear for bunions or hammertoes, physical therapy, or even surgery in some cases. To protect your feet as you age, it's crucial to wear shoes that fit well. Avoid narrow toe boxes and high heels, which can cause bunions and other deformities. Shoes should be supportive and have a wider toe box. Periodically measuring your feet, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity can also help keep your feet healthy as you get older.",
  "summary": "The shape of your foot can change with age, but it doesn't mean your foot bones are growing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}