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smaller feet?
Question:
<HTML Foot size is supposed to get larger with age, right? I was a size 11 in my 20s, but by the time I started running in my mid 40’s, I was a size 12. <P But when I went to buy shoes the other day, I measured myself to be a size 11 1/2. <P Has anyone alse found their shoe size getting smaller? <P Details concerning accuracy. My memory is that more than one person measured me for a size 12, so I think that was accurate. It is not difficult to measure shoe size, I assume, and yes I was standing on my foot when I took the measurement, and I checked it several times, so I think the measurement of 11 1/2 was also accurate. The 11 1/2 measurement occurred at night, when foot size presumably is larger. <P Speculation. About a year ago, I stopped wearing insoles, in both my regular shoes and running shoes. The goal was to avoid supporting my arch. (I also avoid medial posts.) Could this make a difference? Supposedly the normal increase in foot size is caused by a sagging arch. <PBob Frick</HTML
Response:
Foot size is supposed to get larger with age, right? I was a size 11 in my 20s, but by the time I started running in my mid 40’s, I was a size 12.
Athletic shoes usually run small. I, for example, will normally wear a 10 1/2 in a dress shoe but wear an 11 1/2 in an Adidas running shoe. But when I went to buy shoes the other day, I measured myself to be a size 11 1/2.
You measured yourself? Measuring the foot to get fitted for shoes is just a starting point. Depending on the fit of the shoe you could be a whole size off. You really need to go by feel not by a number on a gauge. Has anyone alse found their shoe size getting smaller?
Due to a 60 pound weight loss my feet got narrower at first. After a year of running they got a half size longer. Not smaller. Details concerning accuracy. My memory is that more than one person measured me for a size 12, so I think that was accurate. It is not difficult to measure shoe size, I assume, and yes I was standing on my foot when I took the measurement, and I checked it several times, so I think the measurement of 11 1/2 was also accurate. The 11 1/2 measurement occurred at night, when foot size presumably is larger.
Again, don’t get hung up on the numbers. Just go for what feels best while running. I can tell you from spending 15 years in the shoe business that too many people get stuck in a rut as far as their shoe size. I call this trying to fit your head instead of your foot. -Phil