Do your feet change size as you get older is a collaborative post with Hotter. They provided me with two free pairs of shoes in exchange for a review of their new 3D foot-measuring service, but as readers know all opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Do you know what size feet you have? I used to be 4.5 before I had children, however, as I have gotten older and after each pregnancy, I swear my feet have changed size and shape. The thing is I love shoes. They rock my world and I have never wanted to sacrifice style over comfort, but honestly, I am really starting to value comfort more and more.
So I dragged the husbeast along to the York Hotter store to be my very poor videographer and photographer and try out their new Hotter footprint technology which uses a 3D scan of your feet to identify not just the best fit for your foot, but the best comfort solutions for your needs.
Do your feet change size as you get older?
According to research feet usually stop growing a few years after puberty. In girls, the “normal” age for feet to stop growing is around 14 years, while in boys, it’s around 16. However, the final closure of growth plates in the feet occurs between 18 and 20 years of age.
Pregnancy and age change the size of feet, but they do not grow. Instead, they flatten out and elongate with age even more so in pregnancy as the ligaments stretch. So it is important to get your feet measured if your shoes start to feel uncomfortable or if you are looking for new shoes.
When it comes to having my feet measured with the Hotter footprint technology, all I had to do was stand on the machine barefoot (don’t worry the staff use disinfectant wipes between each use). I lifted my trousers to give a clear view of my feet and then a minute later there is a scan on the screen.
Not only do you get emailed the scan at home, but in-store it can advise you on what specific shoe size and width would work for each style. Hotter – Please can you do the same for the website as it is really cool.
Believe it or not, I am a size 5 to 5.5 – a full size larger than I thought and there is a half-size difference in the length of my feet, however, this balances out a little as my shorter foot is wider! I always thought I had high arches, but it turns out that they have dropped and they are now neutral.
Shakira the York store manager was amazing and talked through my scan with me then when I showed her which shoes I was interested in she brought me them to try and and thanks to the scan knew if I needed wide or average. She also explained if they didn’t have the colour in stock then they would ship them to me free.
I opted for a pair of the new athletic-inspired footwear which is so light and are perfect for the gym and dog walks. They are ultra comfortable with a fabric upper to keep my feet cool. There has been no rubbing on my heel which can sometimes happen with trainers and me.
Then a pair of walking sandals from their new Spring collection for my upcoming holiday. They didn’t have the colour I wanted in store after a busy bank holiday, but they posted them to me at no extra cost. I have been wearing them this week and there was no need to wear them in like some sandals. They have been comfortable since I first put them on.
I have been a long time fan of Hotter shoes and still wear the pair of wedge heel sandals I got years ago.