As part of our Measure Your Feet campaign this month, we’re exploring an important question: Why do so many shoe stores stop measuring feet once you reach a certain size?
Remember the metal measuring tool at shoe shops? It felt official. Precise. Reassuring. But somewhere along the way, measuring bigger feet was optional or forgotten entirely.
Let’s be honest, most girls and teens are learning about skincare, fitness, and body changes through social media, YouTube, or friends. But when was the last time someone taught them about their feet?
At Lofty Little Boutique, we believe it’s time to change that. We want to care about their feet and create their cinderella shoes.
Why Feet deserve more attention
Feet are complex. They have 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They carry us, balance us, and support our entire body. Yet, most people don’t think about them until there’s a problem—blisters, back pain, or constant shoe discomfort.
For children and teens in particular, foot education is especially important. Their feet are still developing, and those with larger feet often find themselves stuck with adult shoes that don’t quite fit right—in size, style, or comfort.
Having large size shoes for women and men is one thing, but girls and teens are often left out entirely. We are looking for stores for girls and teens with long feet not women with long feet!
The growth factor
Foot growth is unpredictable. Some girls reach their full foot size by age 12, others keep growing into their late teens. Boys often grow even later. In all cases, buying the right shoe goes beyond length.
Girls or Teens with larger feet are often told to “just size up.” But that leads to poor fit, pain, and even insecurity. A larger size doesn’t mean a better fit.
Understanding your Feet
We believe every teen should know:
- Foot Length: Obvious but important.
- Flat Width: Affects side-to-side comfort.
- Ball Girth: Determines volume through the ball of the foot.
- Instep Girth: Impacts how a shoe feels on top.
- Arch Height: Can change how pressure is distributed.
- Toe Shape: Rounded, square, tapered? This affects the toe box fit.
These measurements can make a world of difference when choosing the right shoes.
Understanding your feet means understanding what support your body needs—and that affects everything from posture to physical activity.
Confidence starts at the Feet
We’ve spoken to dozens of parents and teens. Here’s what we heard:
- "I never find the shoes I like in my size."
- "Shoe shopping is embarrassing."
- "I don’t like how shoes make my feet look huge."
All of these impact confidence. Shoes are a form of self-expression. But if nothing fits, that expression is stifled.
The hidden lesson
Most teens don’t realise that knowing their feet helps them:
- Shop smarter
- Avoid pain
- Feel more secure
It’s not about vanity. It’s about comfort, performance, and health.
Lofty Little Boutique’s role
We’re here to help. Our free Measuring Guide and Measure Your Feet Campaign is designed to teach the basics of foot measurement in a fun, accessible way.
We’re not just selling shoes. We’re building a community. One where girls and teens feel proud of their feet, not ashamed.
So let’s talk about our feet. Let’s learn about them. Let’s celebrate what makes them unique.
And let’s build shoes that finally fit.
A lost art?
Many big retailers don’t offer measurement anymore. Instead, customers are left guessing their size or trying on a pile of shoes that might fit.
For our girls, boys and teens, this is even riskier. Parents rely on gut feel or last season’s shoes. But growth, width changes, and activity levels mean the foot can change quickly.
For adults, the assumption that “you already know your size” can lead to years of discomfort—especially for those shopping for large size shoes.
Why measuring still matters
Here’s what happens when you skip it:
- Shoes that rub, cause blisters, or deformities
- Back, hip or knee pain
- Loss of confidence from not finding anything that fits well
And let’s not forget style. A shoe that fits well always looks better.
A 2024 scoping review in Applied Sciences confirmed that properly fitted footwear can help prevent callus formation, improve posture, and reduce foot-related discomfort across all ages—not just children. The review reinforces how fundamental correct sizing is for overall wellbeing and physical comfort (Footwear and Foot Health, MDPI, 2024).
Especially for Big Feet
If you (or your child) have large feet, getting the right measurements is critical. Larger sizes often come in fewer widths and shapes, so knowing your foot profile helps you shop smarter.
Our community at Lofty Little Boutique knows the struggle:
- Girls sized out of children’s sections
- Teens stuck in men's shoes or trainers.
- Parents feeling frustrated
Shopping for big feet—whether in large size shoes for women, men, or growing kids—shouldn’t be this hard.
What YOU can do
- Measure regularly. Feet change—even in adulthood.
- Use a full guide. Don’t stop at length.
- Track changes. Especially during growth periods.
- Shop for fit, not just size. Length is only part of the equation.
Our Campaign
We launched the Measure Your Feet Campaign to help families and individuals rediscover their feet.
We provide:
- A free guide
- Measure for flat width, ball girth, instep, and more
- A way to submit your measurements to help shape future shoe designs
Join the movement
Whether you're a parent, teen, or just curious about getting the best fit possible, measuring matters. It leads to better shoes, more confidence, and fewer problems.
We’re on a mission to bring back foot awareness—and to make sure every girl (and boy) feels confident in what they wear.
Download the guide, measure and (optional) ask you girl/teen to join the feet squad
To join our community click here . (Go to the bottom of the page or wait for the pop up)
With love,
Vanessa
Founder, Lofty Little Boutique