Yes, it is common for men to find their feet increase in size as they age, but this change is not due to true bone growth. This perception of “growth” is generally a result of alterations in the foot’s soft tissues and structure, leading to an increase in length and especially width. These physiological changes occur gradually over decades, causing the foot to spread and flatten under the continuous load of body weight and gravity. The need for a larger or wider shoe size later in life is a direct result of these cumulative changes.
When Bony Growth Ceases
True skeletal growth of the feet stops after the epiphyseal plates, or growth plates, fuse and harden into solid bone. For males, this process typically concludes in late adolescence or early adulthood, generally around the age of 20 or 21. This means the bones of the foot do not lengthen further once a man has reached his full adult height. The foot size a man has in his early twenties is determined by his underlying bone structure.
The feet experience their most rapid growth during the intense hormonal shifts of puberty, commonly occurring between the ages of 10 and 15. Although bony growth has stopped, the architecture of the foot remains dynamic and susceptible to dimensional changes. Therefore, any subsequent increase in size is non-osteological, meaning it does not involve the growth of the bones themselves.
Structural Changes and Arch Collapse
The primary reason adult feet increase in size is a gradual loss of elasticity in the connective tissues that maintain the foot’s complex structure. Over time, the ligaments and tendons within the foot lose some of their strength and flexibility in a process known as ligamentous laxity. This weakening directly impacts the medial longitudinal arch, which acts as the foot’s main shock absorber.
As the supporting structures become less taut, the arch begins to flatten and collapse, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as adult-acquired flatfoot. This flattening causes the foot’s bones to splay outward and downward under the weight of the body. The resulting change is a measurable increase in both foot length and, more notably, foot width.
One of the most important stabilizing structures is the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of the ankle and supports the arch. As this tendon weakens or sustains damage from continuous strain, it becomes less able to hold the arch in its proper position. This mechanical failure contributes significantly to the foot becoming wider and longer, requiring a change in shoe size for comfort.
External Factors Affecting Foot Dimensions
Several external and systemic factors can exacerbate the natural changes occurring within the foot’s architecture, leading to an even greater dimensional increase. Sustained weight gain is a significant contributor, as the increased downward pressure on the foot further stresses the ligaments and tendons. This added force accelerates the collapse of the arch, causing the foot to spread more than it otherwise might.
Swelling, or edema, is another common factor, particularly in older adults, and can cause a temporary or persistent increase in foot size. Edema is often related to circulatory issues, certain medications, or underlying health conditions, and the fluid buildup in the feet and ankles requires wider or deeper footwear.
Conditions such as arthritis or diabetes can also directly impact foot size and shape. Arthritis can cause joint deterioration and bone deformities like bunions or hammertoes, which physically alter the foot’s contour. Diabetes can lead to specific structural changes, such as Charcot foot, or increase the risk of chronic swelling.
Footwear Implications for Aging Feet
The structural changes that lengthen and widen the feet necessitate a change in footwear to maintain comfort and prevent injury. Many men find they need to move up by a half or full shoe size, primarily to accommodate the increased width and lower arch profile. Continuing to wear shoes that fit the foot’s younger dimensions can lead to a host of problems.
Ill-fitting shoes place excessive pressure on the toes and joints, which can accelerate the development of deformities like bunions, corns, and ingrown toenails. To ensure proper fit, men should have their feet measured periodically, especially after the age of 45 or 50, and should always measure both feet.
Since feet often swell slightly during the day, it is advised to purchase new shoes in the afternoon or evening. Selecting footwear with a wider toe box and adequate depth is important to avoid compression. Shoes that offer substantial arch support and stability can help mitigate the effects of arch flattening and reduce strain on the compromised ligaments.