Shoe Size Changes after Weight Gain or Loss? Here's the Explanation

Illustration explaining how shoe size changes after weight gain or loss (Freepik/magnific)

YOGYAKARTA - Have you ever felt that the shoes you used to wear were comfortable but now feel tight or loose? Changes in shoe size can indeed occur over time, and one of the causes often associated with it is weight gain or loss. However, this change is not only influenced by the numbers on the scales, but also changes in the structure and cushioning network of the foot.

Foot specialist (podiatrist) Nicole Nicolosi, DPM, reported by the Cleveland Clinic, Thursday, July 30, explained that the feet continue to change throughout life. The ligaments and tendons that support the arch of the foot will wear out due to daily use. As a result, the arch of the foot can become lower so that the feet look a little longer or wider.

Weight can affect foot size

Increased weight puts more pressure on the feet every time you stand or walk. This additional pressure makes the ligaments and tendons work harder to support the body so that, in the long run, the feet can widen or lengthen. In addition, weight gain can also change the walking pattern so that the load on the feet is different.

Conversely, losing weight can reduce the pressure on the soles of the feet. A study of 41 adults with obesity found that losing about 4 kilograms of weight for three months was able to reduce pressure on the soles of the feet when walking, although it did not significantly change the structure of the feet. This means that some people may feel their shoes are looser after losing weight, but the length of the feet does not necessarily change.

Illustration explaining how shoe size changes after weight gain or loss (Freepik/jcomp)Not only weight, age also plays a role.

As you get older, the connective tissue in your feet becomes looser and the fat pads on your feet get thinner. The combination of these changes makes your feet feel different when wearing the same shoes. No wonder the size of the shoes that fit five or ten years ago is not necessarily still appropriate today.

In addition, several conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, corns, or increasingly flat soles can also make shoes feel narrower. These conditions are more common in the elderly so they also affect comfort when using footwear.

Pregnancy can also change shoe size

Changes in foot size are not only experienced by people who experience weight changes. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin helps loosen ligaments throughout the body, including in the feet. As a result, the arch of the foot can decrease so that the feet become longer or wider, and in some women this change can be permanent.

When should you remeasure your shoe size?

Because foot size can change, experts suggest not always relying on old shoe sizes. Measuring feet periodically, especially when buying new shoes, can help get the right size. The best time to do this is in the afternoon or evening when the feet are slightly swollen due to daily activities, so that the size obtained is more accurate.

Choosing the right size shoes is also important to maintain foot health. Shoes that are too narrow can increase the risk of blisters, pain, bunions, to foot deformities. Conversely, the right shoes will provide enough space for the toes while supporting the arch of the foot properly. So, if the size of the shoes changes after weight gain or loss, it's not just a feeling. Weight changes can indeed affect pressure on the feet, but age, pregnancy, and natural changes in ligaments and foot structures also play a role. If old shoes start to feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to remeasure your feet to keep getting the right footwear and support foot health.