Measure Your Feet Day is celebrated every year on January 23. If you’re scratching your head wondering why we need a day dedicated to measuring feet, then this holiday is definitely for you! Our feet often get overlooked; many people don’t give them the attention they truly deserve. However, the purpose of Measure Your Feet Day goes beyond just pulling out measuring tapes to compare shoe sizes. In fact, most people don’t even know their correct shoe size, which often results in shoes that are either too tight or too loose, leading to discomfort and pain. Ultimately, Measure Your Feet Day is about promoting foot health.
The origins of Measure Your Feet Day are somewhat mysterious, but some sources trace it back to an ancient practice in Iceland. In Iceland, spring can be quite chilly, and during severe rainstorms, the locals would seek refuge in their huts. To celebrate these storms, they would measure their feet in pairs and engage in a traditional Icelandic ritual known as Shelbing, which involves high-fiving a fellow Icelander using their feet.
To accurately determine your shoe size, the best tool is the Brannock Device. Invented by Charles F. Brannock, it took him two years to develop this foot-measuring device. In 1925, he patented the first prototype, followed by an improved version in 1927. The Brannock Device was manufactured by the Brannock Device Company, led by Brannock until he passed away in 1992. You can even find examples of the original Brannock Device at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. This device measures the length, width, and arch length of your feet, making it crucial for athletes. In fact, in 2018, the Syracuse minor league baseball team renamed themselves the Syracuse Devices for one night to honor the Brannock Device and its significant role in their foot health.
As we go through life, our feet change; they flatten and widen due to the pressure they endure. Therefore, the best time to measure your feet is after a long day of walking when they’ve had a chance to expand.
Measure Your Feet Day Timeline:
- 1970s: The Mondopoint System of Shoe Sizing is developed by the International Organization for Standardization to create a universal shoe sizing system.
- 1938: The earliest known shoes, sagebrush bark sandals dating back to 7000-8000 B.C., are discovered in Fort Rock Cave, Oregon.
- 1925: The Brannock Device is invented by Charles F. Brannock to measure feet and determine shoe sizes.
- 1933: A U.S. Navy captain informs a shoe salesman of his sailors’ foot problems; the salesman uses the Brannock Device to identify their incorrect shoe sizes.
Measure Your Feet Day FAQs
- When should you measure your feet? Feet tend to swell during the day, so it’s best to measure them in the evening when they’re at their largest.
- Is there a National Foot Day? While there isn’t a dedicated National Foot Day, there is a National I Love My Feet Day, which encourages people to appreciate their feet and give them some pampering. Other foot-related observances include National Feet Week, International Podiatry Day, and National Foot Health Awareness Month.
- When is National Feet Week? National Feet Week takes place annually from March 8 to March 14, aiming to raise awareness about foot health. During this week, individuals are encouraged to visit their podiatrists for foot check-ups.
How to Celebrate Measure Your Feet Day:
- Measure Your Feet: It might seem obvious, but measuring your feet is the first step in celebrating this day. The simplest way to do this is to place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall, stand on it with your heel touching the wall, and then use a ruler to measure the length and width. Having a friend assist you can make this easier. Once you have your measurements, compare them against a shoe size chart.
- Get Your Feet Checked: Visit a local foot clinic and consult with a pedorthist, who specializes in footwear modification to address issues in the lower limbs.
- Buy New Shoes: Once you know your correct shoe size, treat yourself to some new shoes. Experience the comfort that comes with finding the perfect fit!
5 Facts About Shoes and Shoe Sizes:
- 85% of People Get It Wrong: A staggering 85% of people underestimate their shoe size by at least half a size.
- It Increases with Age: Your foot size can increase by over one-and-a-half sizes even in adulthood.
- No Right or Left: Before the ancient Romans, shoes were interchangeable between feet.
- 10th-century Chinese Practices: During this time, women would break their feet to conform to the ideal of small ‘golden lotus’ feet.
- Measured in Barleycorns: In 1324, King Edward II of England established that the diameter of a barleycorn would represent a full shoe size.
Why We Love Measure Your Feet Day:
- Everyone Should Care for Their Feet: Feet are the foundation of our bodies, and we all need to prioritize their care. Regardless of whether you’re an athlete or not, our feet are essential for mobility.
- Prevent Health Issues: Wearing the wrong shoe size can result in numerous foot problems, including calluses, hammer toe, and ingrown nails. Measure Your Feet Day encourages us to avoid these issues before they arise.
- No One Should Wear the Wrong Size: Ill-fitting shoes can be incredibly uncomfortable, leading to pain, blisters, and marks on your feet. Shoes should provide protection, not discomfort.
What is the date of Measure Your Feet Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
Measure Your Feet Day 2023 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2023 | Monday | 0 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2024 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2024 | Tuesday | 0 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2025 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2025 | Thursday | 25 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2026 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2026 | Friday | 390 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2027 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2027 | Saturday | 755 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2028 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2028 | Sunday | 1120 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2029 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2029 | Tuesday | 1486 days left |
Measure Your Feet Day 2030 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2030 | Wednesday | 1851 days left |
So, mark your calendars and make sure to measure your feet on January 23! For more information on foot health and shoe sizing, visit https://findnomore.net.