Women talk openly about hormones, mood changes, energy levels and even skin changes — but one area that gets almost no attention is how hormonal shifts affect your feet.

Yes, your feet.

From pregnancy to perimenopause to the later stages of life, hormonal changes directly impact:

• Foot shape

• Arch height

• Joint flexibility

• Fluid retention

• Stability

• Daily comfort

It’s one of the most overlooked areas of women’s health, yet it affects your movement, posture, joints and overall wellbeing.

Here’s what every woman should know.

1. Pregnancy: When Foot Changes Begin

Pregnancy is one of the biggest hormonal shifts a woman will ever experience — and it often leads to noticeable changes in the feet.

✔ Relaxin causes ligaments to loosen

Relaxin is the hormone that prepares your body for birth.
But it also affects your feet by loosening the ligaments that support your arches.

This can lead to:

• Flattened arches

• Widened feet

• New or increased foot pain

• Changes in shoe size (often permanent)

A huge number of women go up half to a full shoe size after pregnancy due to these structural changes.

✔ Extra weight = extra pressure

The added weight of pregnancy increases strain on:

• Arches

• Ankles

• Knees

• Lower back

This is why supportive shoes are essential, especially in the final trimester.

2. Perimenopause: The “Invisible Change” Women Don’t Connect to Their Feet

Perimenopause can start as early as your 30s and last over a decade — and many women never link its symptoms to foot discomfort.

✔ Falling estrogen affects joint and ligament health

When estrogen levels drop, the tissues supporting your feet become:

• Less elastic

• Less cushioned

• More prone to inflammation

This is why women often develop:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Burning feet

• Arch collapse

• Increased ankle instability

✔ Fluid retention becomes more common

Fluctuating hormones cause swelling in the feet and ankles, leading to:

• Tight shoes

• Soreness

• Tingling or numbness

✔ Hot feet & nighttime discomfort

Many women report a “burning” sensation in their feet during perimenopause — a symptom often dismissed but very real.

Proper airflow and cushioning in footwear help manage this.

3. Menopause: Long-Term Changes in Foot Structure and Comfort

Once estrogen drops significantly, the foot changes become more noticeable and long-term.

✔ Arches may flatten further

This leads to:

• Overpronation

• Knee and hip pain

• Lower back strain

✔ Fat pads on the feet thin out

This means less natural cushioning, making walking or standing more painful — especially on hard floors.

✔ Bone density changes increase foot sensitivity

Some women experience more aches in:

• Ankles

• Heels

• Toes

• Midfoot

Supportive, shock-absorbing footwear becomes essential — not optional.

4. Why Hormonal Foot Changes Matter for Your Whole Body

Your feet are the foundation of your movement.
When hormones affect your foot structure, the impact travels upward through the whole body.

Common chain reactions include:

• Knee pain

• Tight hips

• Lower back aches

• Poor balance

• Reduced motivation to walk or stay active

The right footwear can significantly reduce these issues by keeping your body aligned and supported.

5. Signs Your Feet Are Being Affected by Hormonal Changes

You may be experiencing hormonal foot symptoms if you notice:

• Your shoes suddenly feel tight

• Arch pain or heel pain

• Worsening foot fatigue

• Burning or tingling

• A new shoe size

• Swelling that comes and goes

• Pain after long days standing

• Feeling unsteady on your feet

These are not “normal signs of ageing” — they’re hormonal effects.

6. The Right Footwear Makes a Huge Difference

During pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, footwear should prioritise:

• Arch support

• Cushioning for impact protection

• A stable heel

• A wider, natural toe box

• Breathability for swelling and comfort

• Lightweight materials

Supportive shoes protect:

• Knees

• Hips

• Lower back

• Daily movement

• Long-term mobility

This is where a good pair of everyday supportive shoes becomes a genuine part of women’s health — not just style.

The Bottom Line

Hormonal changes don’t just affect mood, weight, or skin — they affect your foot structure, comfort, movement and overall body alignment.

Pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause all create real, physical changes that deserve support.

The right footwear can:

• Reduce pain

• Improve posture

• Increase comfort

• Boost energy

• Support daily movement

• Protect long-term mobility

It’s one of the simplest ways women can support their wellbeing through every stage of life.

Women’s Foot Health: The Overlooked Link to Joint Pain, Energy and Overall Wellbeing

When most women think about their health, they think about nutrition, stress, hormones, sleep or fitness. But there’s one area that quietly affects every step, every movement, every long day — yet rarely gets the attention it deserves:

Your feet.

Women are far more likely than men to experience foot pain, joint issues, and chronic discomfort. And it’s not just about uncomfortable shoes — it’s about how foot health influences posture, energy levels, mobility, and long-term wellbeing.

Let’s break down the hidden connection between women’s feet and whole-body health, and why the right shoes can make a bigger difference than you might expect.

1. Women Experience More Foot Problems Than Men — Here’s Why

Women’s feet are structurally different.
On average, women have:

• A narrower heel

• A wider forefoot

• More flexibility in foot joints

• Higher risk of collapsing arches

Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, also affect ligaments and can lead to new foot pain later in life.

And then there’s footwear…

Years of wearing shoes that are too narrow, too flat, too hard, or too high leave long-lasting effects that show up as:

• Heel pain

• Knee aches

• Hip tightness

• Lower back problems

These aren’t “age issues” — they’re foot health issues.

2. Foot Health Directly Impacts Your Joints

Your feet are the base of your entire body.
If they’re not supported properly, everything above them has to compensate.

That means:

• Knees twist inward

• Hips tilt

• The lower back overworks

• Shoulders tighten

• Posture shifts

Even a slight imbalance at foot level can cause joint pain by the end of the day — or become chronic over time. Supportive, cushioned footwear isn’t just for comfort. It’s for joint protection and long-term mobility.

3. Poor Footwear = Lower Energy Levels

When your feet hurt or lack support, your body uses more energy to simply walk.
Every step becomes harder than it needs to be.

Women report:

• Heavy legs

• Tired feet

• Fatigue by afternoon

• Less motivation to move

All because their shoes are draining energy rather than preserving it. Supportive shoes give energy back, making daily movement easier — which improves overall health.

4. Women’s Hormones Affect Foot Health More Than You Think

Throughout life, hormonal shifts can change:

• Arch height

• Foot width

• Stability

• Joint flexibility

• Fluid retention

Pregnancy can flatten arches.
Perimenopause can increase inflammation.
Low estrogen affects ligaments.

This means the shoes that worked five or ten years ago may not be right anymore — and that’s normal. Footwear should adapt as your body does.

5. Comfortable, Supportive Shoes Improve Movement and Wellbeing

A good shoe does more than feel nice.
It should:

• Cushion impact

• Reduce strain on knees and hips

• Support natural arch shape

• Improve balance

• Encourage more movement

When your feet are supported, you stand better, walk further, and feel lighter throughout the day — physically and mentally. It’s one of the simplest lifestyle upgrades women can make.

6. Signs Your Shoes Are Affecting Your Health

You might notice:

• Heel pain in the mornings

• Burning or aching feet by midday

• Knee aches after walking

• Tight calves

• Back stiffness

• Shoes wearing out unevenly

• Feeling “off balance”

These are signals — not things you should just “put up with.”

7. So What Should Women Look For in Daily Footwear?

The ideal everyday shoe includes:

• Proper arch support to prevent collapse

• Cushioning to protect joints

• A supportive heel cup to keep alignment

• Breathable materials for all-day comfort

• Lightweight design to reduce fatigue

• A flexible forefoot for natural movement

• A shape that fits your actual foot

And yes — it should still look good. The right shoe blends comfort + style + structure effortlessly.

The Bottom Line

Women’s foot health isn’t a niche problem — it’s a foundational part of overall wellbeing.

Better foot support means:

• Better posture

• Better joint health

• Better energy

• Better movement

• Better daily comfort

Small changes make a big difference.

And if your shoes have been slowing you down, causing aches, or making long days harder, it may be time to choose footwear that supports your whole body — starting from the feet up. 

With Revs® Black Friday offers now live, it’s the perfect time to upgrade to shoes that support your posture, protect your joints and keep you moving comfortably through every part of your day.

From back pain to tired legs to low energy levels, footwear plays a major role in how your body feels — and most men are wearing shoes that simply aren’t doing them any favours.