There is often a moment during menopause where women suddenly realise something has changed.
The trainers you once wore all day now leave your feet aching by lunchtime. Your favourite heels feel impossible after an evening out. Sandals that used to feel effortless suddenly rub, pinch or leave your feet sore for days afterwards. Many women assume this is simply part of getting older, but hormonal changes during menopause can genuinely affect the way your feet function, feel and fit into footwear.
At Callen Olive we regularly see women frustrated that shoes they once loved no longer feel comfortable. Often, these changes happen gradually, making them easy to dismiss until everyday comfort and confidence start being affected. Hormones, particularly oestrogen, help support collagen production, skin elasticity, joint stability and soft tissue health throughout the body. As hormone levels fluctuate and decline during menopause, the feet can change in several ways.
Some women notice their feet becoming slightly bigger, wider or flatter over time as ligaments lose some of their elasticity and support. Others experience increased sensitivity under the ball of the foot or heel due to reduced natural cushioning and or a loss of collagen / fat. This means footwear that once felt supportive may suddenly feel tighter across the toes, less cushioned or more uncomfortable after long periods of wear. Pressure points and rubbing may become far more noticeable than they once were.
For many women, this change can feel surprisingly emotional. Footwear is often closely linked to confidence, identity and lifestyle. Feeling uncomfortable in shoes you once loved can be frustrating and isolating, particularly when it begins affecting holidays, social events, shopping trips or evenings out. Spending years prioritising everyone else before themselves. We see on a daily basis in our clinics menopause is often the first time discomfort begins forcing women to slow down and pay closer attention to their own wellbeing.
At Callen Olive, we believe women should not feel forced to choose between comfort and confidence. One of the biggest misconceptions around supportive footwear is that it has to look bulky, clinical or unfashionable. Fortunately, modern footwear brands now combine cushioning, support and elegant design far more successfully than in the past.
Feeling comfortable should not mean compromising on style, movement or lifestyle. Many women notice that heels suddenly become far less comfortable during menopause. As the feet change, pressure through the forefoot can increase significantly in heeled shoes. Reduced cushioning beneath the ball of the foot may make heels feel sharper, harder and more fatiguing than they once did. This does not necessarily mean giving up stylish footwear altogether, but it may mean rethinking heel height (wedges are best for this), cushioning, toe box width and how long certain shoes are worn for.
Travel and holidays can also make symptoms more noticeable. Long flights, increased walking, warm weather and flat sandals can all place additional strain on the feet during menopause. Swelling, aching arches and burning sensations often become more noticeable during city breaks and sightseeing holidays.
At Callen Olive we regularly help women identify why their feet have become uncomfortable during menopause and what can be done to improve comfort. A podiatry assessment may help identify pressure points, changes in foot posture, reduced flexibility or footwear-related issues contributing to discomfort. Sometimes, relatively small adjustments can make a significant difference to comfort and mobility. This may include footwear advice, orthotic support where appropriate or treatments designed to improve pressure distribution and overall foot comfort.
Menopause often encourages women to become more intentional about self-care and wellbeing. Looking after your feet is an important part of that, they lead the way each and every day! Healthy, comfortable feet support movement, confidence and lifestyle. Whether it is feeling comfortable on holiday, enjoying long walks or simply getting through busy days more comfortably, foot health matters more than many people realise.
Our Callen Olive Medical Pedicure treatments combine expert podiatry care with a luxurious, relaxing experience designed to leave feet feeling revitalised, comfortable and cared for. Changes in your feet and footwear comfort are common during menopause, but they should never simply be dismissed as “normal ageing”. We are here to support comfort, movement and confidence throughout every stage of life.
Written by the team at Callen Olive providing expert podiatry care focused on comfort, mobility and long-term foot wellbeing.
