Weight loss and shoe size?

BrendaLee · February 2012

I've read a lot about shoe size going down with major weight loss. How common is that? Is it due to actual fat loss (because there doesn't really seem to be any fat on my feet to lose), or is due to other factors? Anyone know?

La_Amazona · February 2012

I have no idea but my feet have shrunk. Most of my heels (that aren't strappy) slip off the back of my feet. I just tried some on last night as I was cleaning my closet.. there's a gap in the back now! It's crazy!

I also tried on a pair of open toe silver hot shoes that fit way too tight back in the day but I bought them on clearance... now they fit!

ItsCasey · February 2012

I've dropped a whole size ... in some brands, a size and a half. It happens. I don't know how, really, because I always thought shoe sizes were based on the length of your foot, and I can't imagine how that changes by losing weight. But whatever. I definitely wear a smaller shoe now.

BrendaLee · February 2012

The idea of a smaller shoe size excites me to no end. I wore a size 9 until I got pregnant then went up to a 10 and stayed there. It's hard to find 10s that fit right most of the time. That's my new motivation -- smaller feet.

SmartAlec03211988 · February 2012

My shoe size definitely changed by at least one size.

Vermilla · February 2012

I've never heard of such a thing, but that doesn't mean it's not true. Most of your foot is the bone and tissue and stuff. You don't have a crapload of fat on there. Well, I suppose if you're really overweight, you would, and then, just like any other body part that loses fat with weight loss, your foot would there as well. Then I could see shoe size changing, yes. I personally would be thrilled if my shoe size changed. I've been wearing 10s since high school. I have such big feet :frown:

ijeppa · February 2012

Might have something to do with the way our feet retain some of the water. I was a size 8.5 forever...gained a ton of weight and at my heaviest, was in a 10.5 - 11 ... As I lose, so do my feet! I am back in an 8.5 and man does it feel good to be able to buy CUTE shoes off the rack...can't wait til sandal weather!

ncwingnut71 · February 2012

I went from a 10 to a 9 or 9.5 depending on what type/brand of shoe. 10s were even tight at one time.

OceansForever · February 2012

I think the weight flattens the feet, so they get bigger. Not sure if they get smaller again when you lose it, though. Mine got bigger after my pregnancy since the ligaments all loosen up.

spottedlee · February 2012

10 a year ago, still 10... of course, I have always had skinny feet and hands.

beccadaniixox · February 2012

When you're heavier you tend to have bloated feet.
So losing all that water weight and bloatedness helps your feet!

dalgal26 · February 2012

Yep, gone from a size 9 wide to an 8 1/2.

MsTanya77 · February 2012

I went from a size 11 shoe to a size 9 and from wide width to normal width. I think for some ppl when they gain weight their feet spread to accomodate carrying the extra weight.

pocomama · February 2012

I actually went from a womens size 12 to a 13. I don't understand, lol. I wonder if my arch could have fallen a little? I have always had a very narrow foot.

shine_ · February 2012

I was a size 7 (UK) before and I'm a 6 or 5 now. It's the same as your fingers getting thinner surely, I mean it can't be so much fat as it is water. That's my guess anyway.

ilovejuan2009 · February 2012

i used to weigh 197 and i had a 10 shoe size but when I went down to 154 I had a 9 shoe size, 8 1/2 in heels. My friend had 3 children and her shoe size is now 12 from a size 9 but she didn't put on much weight. so i guess it just depends on the person.

court182 · February 2012

Hmm...I don't know what's going on with my feet then! They've always been super boney and not very fleshy at all and they're still getting smaller! Not really sure where or what I'm losing...

Yitsukan · February 2012

I wondered if it were to do with the actual width of the foot? I went from a UK ladies size 6 to a size 4, and a lady I know, went up from a 6 to a 7 upon gaining weight. Whatever the reason behind it, I'd say its as good'a reason as any to get healthy! :-)

Rklane · February 2012

When I was pregnant with my son, I only gained 11 pounds but went up a half size from a 7 1/2 to an 8. Now, 10 years later I've lost 35 pounds and have gone back down to a 7 1/2.

Jill_newimprovedversion · February 2012

I went from a size 11 shoe to a size 9 and from wide width to normal width. I think for some ppl when they gain weight their feet spread to accomodate carrying the extra weight.

^^^^^ What she said..........I also went from a 6.5 Wide to a 5.5 Normal.
Obviously every body is different, but it's been true for me. Only time in my life I like being "normal" haha

AnninStPaul · February 2012

It's quite normal; they spread as you gain (more weight pushing on them plus the tissues in your feet hold water too) and should reduce as you do. I wouldn't expect them to go back to the same size you had before your weight gain, as sometimes the ligaments are too stretched out to do so -- that happened to a couple of my friends post pregnancy.