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.