3D Foot Scanning Technology Reveals that Many Americans Are Wearing Poorly Fitting Running Shoes

CARRBORO, N.C., Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Measure Your Feet Day, Fleet Feet has released new data revealing key measurements customers frequently overlook when buying running shoes. The company examined both data points from a pool of almost one million 3D foot scans completed in their stores and customers previous purchasing habits on running shoes. In comparing the two, Fleet Feet confirmed that many customers haven't accounted for individual foot shapes when determining the correct shoe size.

The data found that nearly one in five customers scanned in-store in 2018 had at least a half size difference between their right and left foot lengths; about two percent of those customers were a full size different. These findings have led an increasing number of customers to select a larger-sized shoe.

"Technology has evolved and allowed us to study foot shape more closely, and it's made a big impact on achieving proper fit," says Victor Ornelas, director of brand management at Fleet Feet. "Being able to both pinpoint and explain individual foot differences gives customers the ability to make more informed decisions, grounded in comfort and personal preference. Some people may like a more snug fit, while others may have just been mistakenly purchasing the shoe size they believed themselves to be instead of the size that best suits their total foot shape and dimensions."

Additional data from a previous study conducted by Fleet Feet's technology partner, Volumental, also showed that customers often did not account for foot width when determining their correct shoe size. For example, in looking at men who purchased size 11 shoes, the majority —58 percent — of those men would have been better suited with a narrow or broader width shoe. Additional data collected by Volumental found that individuals with the same foot length might have a difference of 20 millimeters or more when it came to width.

The combined findings emphasize the need for consumer education when it comes to finding the right shoe fit. Fleet Feet's in-store outfitting experience introduced in 2017, fit id™, helps Fleet Feet outfitters personalize solutions for customers based on their individual needs.

Fleet Feet currently stands at 175 franchise and company-owned locations in 37 states, and has a robust website at www.fleetfeet.com that fulfills online orders from the local inventory of its stores.

About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running stores with 175 locations in 37 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C. Committed to offering expert advice, intelligent products, personalized solutions, robust training programs, and 24 / 7 brand access at fleetfeet.com, each Fleet Feet location serves runners based on the belief that Running Changes Everything. Stay inspired, motivated, and connected @fleetfeet.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nikki Rode
Fish Consulting
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SOURCE Fleet Feet

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https://www.fleetfeet.com