The average female foot size in Australia has increased, now generally considered to be around an AU size 8.5 to 9, though some sources place the average slightly lower at 7.5 or 8; this reflects a global trend of growing foot sizes, with taller women often having larger feet.
Women's average shoe size
The global average shoe size for adult women is 7 to 8. In the US, the average shoe size of women is 8.5 to 9. The typical shoe size of women in the UK is 6.5 or 7. Australian ladies have an average shoe size of 7.5 while most Japanese adult women fit 5.5 shoes.
The average foot size for women in the U.S. is estimated to be between size 7 and 9. Your feet help you stay active, support you while you stand, and establish your balance. The size of your feet may play a role in how well they function.
An EU size 38 is generally a US women's size 7.5 or 8, often falling between sizes, making it closer to a US 7.5 but sometimes considered a US 8 depending on the brand and fit, as size 38 usually corresponds to about 24.1-24.6 cm in foot length.
So I'm going to say that's a medium size foot. Definitely not a small size or large. I'm a size 7, sometimes 7.5 depending on the brand. I consider my feet to be not much smaller than average, as most people I've met are size 8-9.
Once the growth plates in the feet close, foot size generally remains the same. However, due to natural changes in the ligaments and tissues, many people find that their feet become slightly longer and wider with age. This change is normal and can be managed by adjusting shoe size as needed.
Tanya Herbert from Webster, Texas holds the Guinness World Record for the largest feet on a living woman. Her right foot measures 13.03 inches and her left foot measures 12.79 inches. She wears a women's size 18 shoe, or a men's size 16-17.
An Australian size 38 (AUS 38) typically corresponds to a European size 38 (EU 38) for clothing, which is often a women's size Small (S) or a men's size in the 38-inch waist, but for shoes, an AUS 38 is around a US 7-7.5 or EU 38, depending on the brand and whether it's men's or women's sizing.
Not necessarily. It all comes down to the size of your feet, both width and length. Sometimes runners will size up to account for swelling, while others may prefer slightly larger boots to pair with thick winter socks.
In the United States, studies suggest that the average clothing size for women falls between size 16 and 18. In Europe, the general average is around UK size 16 or EU size 44. In Asia, the average dress size ranges between sizes 7 to 9, while in South Asia, it's closer to sizes 12 to 14.
Losing weight can bring noticeable changes to your feet, including a potential shift in shoe size. As body weight decreases, the pressure placed on the feet is reduced, which can lead to a decrease in foot width or length. This change may allow the arch to rise slightly, altering the overall shape of the foot.
For women, a men's Medium (D) is considered a Wide width, while anything E or bigger is Extra Wide. For men, Wide typically starts at E and anything greater than 2E is considered Extra Wide. Not all brands will offer widths in every increment, and 2E/4E are the most common.
Our beautiful bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and what might be considered "average" by one brand simply won't work for everyone. The average Australian woman is reportedly a size 14-16, yet many brands still don't cater well to this size range.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming one brand fits the same as another. Sizes can vary between manufacturers. Ignoring changes in foot size over time. Wearing shoes that feel slightly uncomfortable, thinking they will “stretch” with use.
The "3 Shoe Rule" is a popular travel hack that suggests packing only three versatile pairs of shoes to save space and avoid overpacking, typically consisting of a comfortable walking shoe, a versatile day-to-night option (like flats or loafers), and a weather-appropriate or activity-specific shoe (boots, sandals, or sneakers). This minimalist approach ensures you have appropriate footwear for various activities without lugging heavy, bulky shoes, creating a functional and stylish capsule wardrobe for your trip.
Your toes should have some wiggle room and should not feel restricted. Toes should never touch the end of the shoe, even when walking downhill. Shoes should feel secure on your feet but not uncomfortably snug, nor should they feel too loose around the ankles.
Like everything else on your body, it is normal for your feet to not be identical. Typically the left foot is larger than the right. Why? Because most people are right side dominant and therefore, it's easier for them to keep their balance when they step forward with their left foot.
A US women's size 7 often converts to an EU 37 or 38, but it can fall in between (37-38) or lean towards 38, depending on the brand, with some charts showing size 7 as a 37 and others as a 38 or 37.5, so always check the specific brand's size guide for best fit.
Using a one-size-fits-all size chart across different product categories is another common pitfall. Different products, such as shoes, shirts, and pants, each have unique sizing requirements that a general chart cannot accommodate. A lack of specificity can lead to incorrect sizing and, consequently, increased returns.
Good news: for women's shoes, AU and US sizes are the same. So if you wear a women's AU 8, you'll also wear a US 8.
Never Marry a Woman with Big Feet: Proverbs About Women From Around the World.
The largest feet on a living person (female) belong to Tanya Herbert (USA) whose right foot measures 33.1 cm (13.03 in) and left foot measures 32.5 cm (12.79 in), as measured in Houston, Texas, USA, on 15 April 2022.