We often think of feet as a perfectly matching pair—but having two different sized feet is actually more common than you may think. According to industry research, roughly 60 percent of adults have one foot that is bigger than the other. Typically, this isn’t a problem, until we try to find shoes that fit well and are supportive for both feet. Most people have one foot that's both larger and wider than the other and need to wear different shoe sizes for each foot. Unfortunately, most of us opt for one shoe size or the other and purchase footwear that doesn't fit properly.
Having one foot larger than the other doesn't cause any issues in and of itself. The problems arise when you try to fit your foot in shoes that aren't the correct size, with footwear that is too tight or too loose. Shoes that are too tight can cause deformities like bunions, which is a protrusion on the outside of the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of your foot, is another serious condition that can occur if your shoes are not the correct size. Then, there's also swelling and irritation where the shoe is too snug or too loose.
If one of your feet is a full size longer than the other, it still is not a big enough difference for you to buy mismatched shoes. The difference between a full size is 1/3 of an inch and the difference between widths is 1/8 of an inch. If your feet have more than a 1 1/2 size difference, then getting mismatched shoes would be better for your feet's health and protection. Please use discretion when deciding on the most comfortable and affordable choice for you.
If your feet have two different widths, you may have to add or remove an insole to compensate for the lack of volume of the smaller foot. Insoles come in various thicknesses, and finding the appropriate insole to add to a shoe will depend on the difference of the two feet. Diabetic Shoes from Healthy Feet Store come with numerous inlays that can be easily removed. However, if there is a big difference between the lengths and widths in your feet, then you must order mismatched size shoes.
If you think that you are not wearing the correct shoe size, then head to The Healthy Feet Store to find the perfect fitting shoe. Discover a great selection of both men's and women's shoes that are not only stylish but comfortable too. HealthyFeetStore.com recognizes that custom ordering isn't for everyone, so they offer a special discount program for those ordering two pairs of mismatched sizes. This is best for those who have never ordered mismatched size shoes before, because these shoes can be exchanged or returned if they don't fit correctly.
Written by
Dr. Jeffrey S. Hurless
DPM, FACFAS Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon/Podiatrist
Medical Director, HealthyFeetStore.com