elf-feetThe following fun foot facts may be of use for those of you who love a quiz at Christmas or even making your own Christmas crackers!

The average adult takes 4-6 thousand steps a day. In our lifetime that is the equivalent of five times round the earth.
Studies have shown that 75-80% of the adult population has some form of foot problem during their adult life.
Toenails grow slower than finger nails and, as such, if you completely lose your big toenail it will take 18 months to completely regrow.
There are 26 main bones in each foot, plus two smaller bones – sesamoids, under the big toe joint. The sesamoid was said to contain the soul accordingly to ancient Hebrew literature.
A pair of feet has 25,000 sweat glands. Our feet do not sweat primarily due to being hot, but due to emotional triggers.
The average foot gets two sizes longer when a person stands up.
The world’s largest feet belong to Matthew McGrory being UK size 27.5. The average men’s shoe size is UK 9.5.

There seems to be little conformity in actual shoe size charts. US sizes vary compared to UK and European and each manufacturer seems to have their own version also. Now for the serious bit, if you are buying shoes you really do need to try them on and walk around the shop to check for their fit and comfort. If you do this in the afternoon your feet will be slightly larger as gravity will have had more effect. So if you have been bought slippers for Christmas don’t assume they fit as the size may well be very different to your shoe size requirements.