UKC

I have recently tried on walking boots from several manufacturers (Scarpa, Meindl, Lowa) and I have the same problem in all: they seem too narrow at the outer edge of my feet in the middle, i.e. level with the arch. Today I then went for a short walk in a pair of Scarpas which I got a long time ago as my first walking boots after my feet stopped growing. These fitted me perfectly for many years, but today I had the same problem in them too.

I would guess that my feet have changed in some way, probably connected with getting older. (I am in my early fifties.) Has anybody else had this problem, and what is the solution? E.g. orthopaedic insoles, walking boots for wide feet?

I've had exactly the same problem but with my face! All of a sudden I seem to be turning into a turkey.

No experience of this issue myself so far (I'm only 38...) but it's fairly common for feet to start changing shape in the second half of one's life.

Me too. Went up a size. Had to get new boots.

Yes, happened to me in my early fifties, I had no idea your feet spread as you get older, a young lad from Cotswolds explained it to me, I go for wide fitting footwear now, surprising why more manufactures don't cater for this, being as its so common, 

I though it was just me! My feet seem to have got wider too. The problem is it resulted in me developing pain in the 5th metatarsal on both feet. Whatever you do, don't continue to wear shoes or boots that are even a little bit narrow.

What!  You can't get your face in your boots anymore?!

It's difficult, what with the paper bag I wear on it in public

Asking slightly delicately... have you put on weight?

If you get fatter there's corresponding changes in the feet, notably width in the middle. Just asking...

No... or at least not in any noticeable way... about half a stone since I was 18

Funnily enough, I've lost weight, so I can't explain my duck feet with that. It's very odd and has only happened this last year.

alex_th it would be nice to know how quickly yours happened.

Not relevant but  youtube.com/watch?v=EGTN74z1iPM&

Noticed it for the first time when trying on some shoes last year.

I have broad feet and finding boots that fit is often a challenge. SImply buying a larger size just means they don't fit in a different place. Your feet may have got flatter, as the ligaments can stretch with age. 

I once bought a pair of boots which seemed fine to begin with but by the end of the day were cripplingly tight. I went back to the shop for advice and they suggested my feet were pronating when they got tired. They recommended Superfeet to support the arches and tongue depressors*, which did the trick. Probably worth a try, and a lot cheaper than new boots.

*not the giant lolly stick a doctor uses to inspect your tonsils, but shaped pieces of hard foam which fit between the laces and the tongue of the boot to help seat your foot in the boot properly.

Mine did have done similar although I think mine is related to running more. I've come to the conclusion that there isn't a boot in the world that fits me (I've probably spent £1000s trying to find one). I just wear trainers now and embrace the discomfort in winter when trainers are no longer an option. 

I seem to have the same problem, but I'm pretty sure it's actually caused by the mirror in my bathroom!

I try not to look too often. It's not great sitting staring at yourself in the barber's chair in broad daylight.