Leading outdoor clothing retailer GO Outdoors is offering a free 3D foot analysis to all in-store visitors in 5 locations, as new studies reveal that 77% of adults in the UK are at risk of foot, hip, and knee injury.
As part of their campaign to get the UK wearing well-fitting shoes, GO Outdoors conducted a nationwide survey of 2,000 UK adults, combining the results with anonymised in-store 3D foot scan data, to reveal the number of adults who are at risk of injuring themselves through ill-fitting shoes.
Please find the full research here: https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/
The study found that
77% of UK adults have never had their feet professionally measured. This is most common in London and Manchester, where 83% of respondents have never had their feet professionally measured as an adult.
Up to 88% of people wear shoes that are too narrow. This can cause corns, calluses, and damaged toenails.
Over a third of millennials admit to wearing uncomfortable shoes in the hopes that they will ‘break them in’.
Women are less likely than men to have their feet professionally measured as adults, and are more likely to prioritise style over comfort and fit when buying shoes.
David Eardley, a podiatrist with more than 40 years of clinical experience and founder of The Gait Clinic, comments on how footwear fit affects comfort, movement, and injury risk:
“It doesn’t surprise me that many adults haven’t had their feet measured in years. People often stick with the shoe size they wore decades ago, but our feet can change shape and volume over time.
“Length is only one part of the equation – the overall shape and volume of the foot also matter. Assessing these factors properly helps people choose footwear that fits their feet as they are today, rather than how they used to be.
“Ill-fitting footwear can contribute to a range of problems beyond simple discomfort. Conditions like plantar fasciitis can develop when the foot isn’t supported properly, or the shoe doesn’t move naturally with the foot.
“In some cases, shoes that are too short or tight around the heel can also contribute to Achilles tendon irritation because of repeated pressure on the back of the heel.”
David adds, “Many of the problems I see in the clinic come down to shoes that are the wrong shape for the foot. Choosing footwear that fits securely and supports the foot can reduce this movement and help prevent rubbing.
“Small details like wearing good-quality socks can also make a noticeable difference. Lacing also plays an important role. Securing the shoe properly around the midfoot and ankle helps prevent the foot sliding forward, which is a common cause of rubbing and toe discomfort.”
To help Britain avoid injury, selected GO Outdoors stores (Manchester Arndale, Northampton, Stoke, Stockton, Coventry, Swindon, Derby, and York) offer an in-store scanning service that captures the full 3D shape of your feet.
