Living with Different Size Feet

For as long as I can remember, my feet have always been different sizes. I always assumed this was a weird little trait that was pretty much unique to me. But when I decided to start Mala and began doing lots of research about shoes, I realized  I definitely wasn’t alone! 

Why Do So Many People Have Different Size Feet? 

Statistics show that about 80% of US men and women have different size feet. What I found really interesting is the left foot is almost always the larger of the two. And while some people have as much as a 3 inch difference between their feet, this difference is usually around 1/8 of an inch.

Once I found out that most people do have at least a slight difference between the size of their feet, my next question was why. It turns out it has to do with our hands. Most people are right-handed, which means the default way they maintain their balance is by using their left foot. Over time, this action is repeated enough to cause different size feet.

Photo Credit: Greg Pye

Regardless of which hand is dominant for someone, a size difference between feet can also be caused by being born that way, a childhood foot injury or surgery. Pregnancy can also cause feet to change size (and not always uniformly).

Buying Shoes for Different Size Feet

I’ve found that the best fit for different size feet depends on the specific type of shoes. With Mala’s flats, go with the size that best fits your smaller foot. This means the fit will initially be a little tight on your other foot. But because all of Mala's flats are made from 100% leather, it won’t take long for the flat on your larger foot to stretch to a perfect fit and feel super comfortable. 

If you have any questions about Mala’s sizing, email me and I’ll help you find the perfect fit for your feet!