Age-related differences in women's foot shape.
OBJECTIVE
Describe age-related differences in women's foot shape using a wide range of measurements and ages.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, observational study.


METHODS
Six foot-shape measurements of each foot: foot lengths, ball widths, ball circumferences, low instep circumferences, high instep circumferences, and heel instep circumference.


RESULTS
168 women from 20 to over 80 years of age, divided into seven age categories, were included. Older women had significantly greater foot-shape measurements, even after adjusting for Body Mass Index. Ball widths increased 3.1-4.0mm per decade, ball circumferences 5.6-7.4mm per decade, high instep circumferences 0.4-4.8mm per decade, and heel instep circumferences 1.8-1.9mm per decade. Ball widths, ball circumferences, and left high instep circumference plateaued in the 70-75 years-of-age category, and decreased in the oldest age category. For low instep circumference, age did not prevail significantly over Body Mass Index. Foot length was not associated with age.


CONCLUSIONS
This study described women's progressive foot-shape changes with age. The findings provide a better understanding of foot-shape changes, mainly found in the forefoot. It demonstrates that for a good fit, shoe design for older adults and for younger adults should differ.
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, PO Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands.
Jone
J
Ansuategui Echeita
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.m.hijmans@umcg.nl.
Juha M
JM
Hijmans
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Sharon
S
Smits
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, PO Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Lucas H V
LH
Van der Woude
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Klaas
K
Postema
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012775:Shoes; D055815:Young Adult
Ageing; Female; Foot; Foot pain; Ill-fitting