Global Watch: Has Your Shoe Size Increased Lately?

UK department store Debenhams has released survey results indicating that womens shoe sizes are getting larger and larger thanks to the increasing obesity epidemic. In the past five years, average ladies shoe sizes have increased from UK size 5 (Australian size 7) to a UK size 6 (Australian size 8), with larger sizes 9 and 10 also in higher demand.

Michael Paynton, from the British Chiropody and Podiatry Association, said: "It's part of the process of evolution, as generally people are getting bigger and taller. We are seeing it clinically in both men and women as modern diets and lifestyle change." Famous celebs who walk with a (slightly) bigger spring in their step include Nicole Kidman, Paris Hilton and Kate Winslet, all slipping into a size 9. Larger sized womens shoes are notoriously hard to find, so hopefully designers and chain stores are taking note.