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British men have big feet
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-11 14:49

British men's feet are getting bigger, with the average shoe growing by a size in the last five years, according to figures released Wednesday.

The average man's shoe size in 2004 was eight, but now it is size nine. Demand for size 12 shoes has soared and for the first time has outstripped requests for size sevens.

Men in Birmingham appear to have the largest feet, followed by Liverpool, Belfast and Cardiff.

The figures suggest the average shoe for women also seems to be becoming broader and longer.

A Debenhams spokesman said: "For the first time, we're considering stocking size 13 as a standard fitting across all of our ranges, and size 14 is a possibility too. Our largest shoe currently available is a size 12. In the past, these shoe sizes would have been available only on special order.

"We think it is because people are growing taller. The trends tell us that clothing sizes are also getting bigger. Interestingly, women's shoes are getting broader as well as longer, which would suggest that women are getting bigger in general."

The top 10 cities by men's shoe size (according to Debenhams) are

1. Birmingham

2. Liverpool

3. Belfast

4. Cardiff

5. London

6. Manchester

7. Aberdeen

8. Cambridge

9. Bristol

10. Milton Keynes