Research released in March 2026 revealed substantial differences between standard shoe dimensions and actual foot measurements. The study indicates that many people could be experiencing unnecessary discomfort because footwear sizing often overlooks variations in width and shape.
Researchers also documented noticeable differences between left and right feet, which may contribute to fitting challenges experienced by many adults.
The findings support earlier studies, including a wider review showing that between 63% and 72% of people wear shoes that do not fit correctly in either width or length.
For many individuals, this can lead to rubbing at the heel, cramped toes, slipping while walking, or selecting larger sizes to achieve a more comfortable fit.
Charles Denton, Managing Director at DB Wider Fit Shoes, says many people assume discomfort is unavoidable.
“People often think they just have awkward feet, when in reality many shoes are made to fit a fairly limited range of foot shapes and widths,” says Charles.
“We regularly hear from people who have spent years buying larger sizes just to feel more comfortable, or avoiding certain styles altogether because they expect discomfort after a few hours.”
“For many people, it is not necessarily about needing a different shoe size. It is about needing footwear that better accommodates the natural shape of their feet.”
Experts note that width, depth and foot shape can be just as important as length when assessing fit.
This can be especially significant for people who are on their feet for extended periods or experience swelling during the day.
The research contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that standard footwear sizing may not accurately represent natural variation in foot shape.
For those who struggle to find comfortable shoes, the findings offer a possible explanation.