Jone Ansuategui Echeita1, Juha M Hijmans2, Sharon Smits3, Lucas H V Van der Woude4, Klaas Postema3. 1. University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, PO Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands. 2. 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. 3. University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. 4. 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.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Describe age-related differences in women's foot shape using a wide range of measurements and ages. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
PURPOSE: Describe age-related differences in women's foot shape using a wide range of measurements and ages. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.