BigFoot Problems

BigFoot Problems

What I thought was Sasquatch was just a big black bear sauntering through my yard. Bigfoot got me thinking about big feet. I have had some patients with very large feet. The current world record holder for foot size is a man from Venezuela who has size 26 feet. The largest shoe size ever recorded was 37 by America’s own Robert Wadlow 1918-1940. There are no regular shoe manufacturers that make shoes of these sizes. People with extra large feet often need to have shoes custom made. US sizes go up to 16. I have had patients that have needed a little more than that but can usually make due with size 16 with the appropriate width. Not all manufactures make shoes up to 16. Fortunately, the brand we offer in our office micro shoe store, Propet, offer men’s sizes up to 16 5E and women’s sizes up to 15 4E. Large feet don’t predispose people to foot problems, however, people often develop problems from trying to squeeze extra large feet into the wrong size shoe. Hammertoes, corns, callouses and blisters can be the result of ill fitting shoes. Other than foot problems, extra large feet and hands can be a sign of a medical condition called acromegaly. In this condition, the body produces too much growth hormone, causing abnormal growth of body tissues. This can result in a number of complications that could be life threatening If you or a loved one has difficulty fitting shoes, come in to see our selection and we will provide a proper fit with function and style.