What percent of people have narrow feet?

Answered by Michael Wilson

According to the National Shoe Retailers Association, approximately 33 percent of all women have narrow feet. This means that a significant portion of the population faces the challenge of finding shoes that fit properly. However, the difficulty is even greater for individuals with extremely slim feet.

For women, finding shoes in size A, which is equivalent to narrow width, can be a daunting task. These shoes are not commonly available in regular shoe stores and often require special ordering or searching in specialty shoe retailers. The same goes for men’s shoes in size B, which is also considered narrow.

But the struggle doesn’t end there. For those with even slimmer feet, the options become incredibly limited. Women’s shoes in size AA-AAA, or Men’s shoes in size A, are often nearly impossible to find. These sizes are categorized as “Slim” and are extremely rare in the market.

The scarcity of shoes in these slim sizes can be frustrating for individuals with narrow feet. They may have to resort to wearing shoes that are too wide or ill-fitting, which can lead to discomfort, blisters, and other foot issues. Some may even have to wear children’s shoes in order to find a better fit, though this is not always a practical or stylish solution for adults.

The lack of options for individuals with slim feet highlights the need for greater inclusivity and variety in shoe sizing. While shoe manufacturers have made progress in offering a wider range of sizes in recent years, there is still a long way to go in addressing the needs of people with narrow feet.

In my personal experience, I have seen friends and family members struggle to find shoes that fit properly due to their narrow feet. They often have to spend a significant amount of time and effort searching for the right pair, and even then, it can be a challenge to find something that truly fits well. This issue not only affects their comfort but also their confidence and ability to find shoes that match their personal style.

To summarize, approximately 33 percent of women have narrow feet, making it a common foot type. However, the availability of shoes in sizes A and B, which cater to narrow feet, can be limited. The situation becomes even more challenging for those with extremely slim feet, as shoes in sizes AA-AAA or A are rarely found. This lack of options emphasizes the need for greater inclusivity in shoe sizing and highlights the struggles faced by individuals with narrow feet in finding properly fitting shoes.