Many people are unknowingly neglecting their foot health, which could be impacting their overall wellness; 65 per cent of people admit to wearing the wrong size shoes, often due to convenience or lack of awareness about their actual size.
This is according to a new survey conducted as part of DB Wider Fit Shoes’ Joyful Strides for Wider Feet campaign. The nationwide survey, which polled 2,000 UK adults, also revealed that 74 per cent of people haven’t had their feet measured since childhood, despite knowing that proper footwear is essential for comfort and health.
Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of health issues, from bunions and blisters, corns and callous to chronic back and knee pain. Yet, despite these risks, many people overlook the importance of proper footwear.
Podiatrist and Managing Director of Toetal Footcare Ltd, Joanne Wynne, who consulted on the Joyful Strides for Wider Feet campaign, highlighted: “Our feet are the foundation of our bodies. Neglecting them doesn’t just result in localised pain; it can have a ripple effect on posture, mobility, and even mental wellbeing. Preventative care, such as choosing the right footwear, is essential.”
The survey findings provide a wake-up call for foot health, said DB Shoes.
- 17 per cent of people admit their shoes are too narrow, and 76 per cent understand the serious impact this has on their daily lives;
- 96 per cent agree that wearing the right shoe size is essential, yet many don’t take the steps to ensure they have the correct fit;
- 70 per cent cite lack of awareness as the main reason for not choosing properly fitting footwear, despite prioritising comfort over fashion.
Case study: Ann Wheale, Kent
Loyal customer of DB Wider Fit Shoes, Ann Wheale, has Peripheral Neuropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis. Put those three together, and Ann said it doesn’t do her feet any good…
“Finding the right size was life-changing,” she explains. “I can now walk comfortably, and it’s improved my overall quality of life. I found out about DB Wider Fit Shoes through my podiatrist; she suggested I try them, I have, and I’m not looking back. They’re great.”
Ann’s story highlights the importance of properly fitting footwear for individuals with medical conditions affecting their feet. Finding shoes that accommodate her needs has made a significant difference in her comfort and mobility, reinforcing DB Wider Fit Shoes’ commitment to providing solutions for those struggling with foot health challenges.
Charles Denton, Managing Director of DB Wider Fit Shoes, added: “The data speaks for itself. We know that comfort and function are more important to people than fashion, yet their behaviour doesn’t reflect that. This campaign’s next phase will focus on educating customers, particularly those who have suffered in silence, about the life-changing impact of proper footwear.
“Even better, you don’t have to compromise – there are stylish shoes available for wider feet that provide comfort without sacrificing style.”
Through the Joyful Strides for Wider Feet campaign, DB Wider Fit Shoes invites everyone to step into wellness by prioritising foot health. With expert resources, real-life testimonials, and a diverse range of supportive footwear options, the brand is making it easier than ever to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
