Measure Your Feet Day is observed on January 23 each year. It's a reminder that feet can change size and shape over time, and that wearing well-fitting shoes matters for comfort and foot health. Many adults haven't measured their feet in years and may be wearing the wrong size. With New Year's fitness goals in full swing, it's a great time to check that your shoes fit properly.
History of Measure Your Feet Day
People have measured feet for centuries. In medieval England, shoe sizes were based on barleycorns, an old unit equal to about one-third of an inch, and that system still influences U.S. and U.K. shoe sizes today.
In 1925, Charles Brannock, the son of a shoe store owner in Syracuse, New York, invented a metal device to measure foot length, width and arch length. He patented the Brannock Device in 1927, and it became a standard tool in shoe stores across America. The same basic design is still made in Syracuse today.
Today, many shoe stores use digital foot scanners, and some apps estimate foot size using a smartphone camera. Who created Measure Your Feet Day is not documented.
Why Measure Your Feet Day Matters
Feet often change with age, weight changes, pregnancy and activity. Over time, arches can flatten and feet can become longer or wider.
Shoes that don't fit well can lead to blisters, calluses, bunions and pain, and poorly fitting athletic shoes may make exercise uncomfortable.
Measuring your feet regularly helps you choose the right size, especially when buying shoes online, where sizes can vary between brands.
It's also a chance to give your feet some attention. Each foot has 26 bones and more than 30 joints, and they carry you thousands of steps every day.
How to Celebrate Measure Your Feet Day
- Measure at home: trace your foot on paper and measure length and width.
- Measure in the afternoon: feet swell slightly during the day.
- Measure both feet: buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
- Visit a shoe store: get measured with a Brannock Device or scanner.
- Check your shoes: replace worn-out athletic shoes.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, encourage employees who stand all day to check their shoe fit and replace worn shoes. In classrooms, students can measure and graph foot lengths, convert measurements or learn about the history of measurement units. At home, families can trace and measure everyone's feet, especially growing children, who may need new shoes every few months. See a podiatrist for ongoing foot pain.
Fun Facts About Measure Your Feet Day
- Charles Brannock patented his foot-measuring device in 1927.
- Each foot has 26 bones.
- Old shoe sizes were based on barleycorns.
Measure Your Feet Day FAQs
When is Measure Your Feet Day?
Measure Your Feet Day is observed on January 23 each year.
Why should I measure my feet?
Feet can change size over time, and well-fitting shoes help prevent pain.
How do I measure my feet at home?
Trace your foot on paper while standing and measure from heel to longest toe.
When is the best time to measure feet?
In the afternoon or evening, when feet are slightly larger.
What is a Brannock Device?
A metal tool that measures foot length, width and arch, invented by Charles Brannock.
How often should children's feet be measured?
Every few months, since children's feet grow quickly.