Local Northamptonshire Business DB Wider Fit Shoes Urges People to Step Into Healthier Footwear with Sara Davies MBE’s Joyful Strides Campaign
After a successful campaign launch in May 2024, DB Wider Fit Shoes—a Northamptonshire-based business rooted in the UK’s shoemaking capital—is urging Northampton residents to rethink their approach to foot health. With the support of entrepreneur and philanthropist Sara Davies MBE, the Joyful Strides for Wider Feet campaign is driving vital awareness around the need for properly fitted footwear and addressing the UK’s neglected foot health.
Following a recent survey conducted by DB Wider Fit Shoes, critical insights reveal that many Northampton residents, like those across the UK, are unknowingly compromising their foot health due to outdated shoe-fitting habits.
Alarming Survey Findings: Northampton’s Foot Health in Focus
Key survey findings reveal the impact of poor-fitting shoes on comfort, confidence, and mobility:
- 74% of people across the UK, including Northampton residents, haven’t had their feet measured since the age of 16, often resulting in painful and unsuitable footwear choices.
- 17% of people acknowledge their shoes are too narrow, with 76% recognising the serious effect of improper fit on their daily lives.
- A staggering 96% of respondents agree that wearing the correct shoe size is essential, yet many lack awareness or access to resources to determine their true size and width.
- 70% cited a lack of knowledge and awareness as the main reason for choosing ill-fitting footwear, while nearly 30% of Northampton residents admitted they prioritize style over comfort when shopping.
- Age group disparities show that individuals aged 35-44 are among those most likely to suffer in silence, with limited confidence and reduced ability to perform daily activities due to improper footwear.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for better fitting services, particularly for those who have struggled with foot issues for years. DB Wider Fit Shoes, with its longstanding reputation and specialist fitting centre in Rushden, Northamptonshire, is at the forefront of addressing this crisis.
Sara Davies MBE: Empowering People Through Foot Health
Sara Davies MBE, ambassador of the Joyful Strides campaign, shares her insight on the findings:
“It’s startling to see how many people are unaware of the importance of measuring their feet regularly and how this impacts their daily lives. Properly fitting shoes are essential, not just for comfort but for confidence and health. The Joyful Strides campaign has already started important conversations, and we’re encouraging everyone, especially here in Northampton, to use the fitting services at DB Wider Fit Shoes to take that first step towards better foot health.”
As a Northamptonshire-based business, DB Wider Fit Shoes offers a unique fitting experience tailored to the needs of the community. Local residents are encouraged to visit the fitting centre to discover their true shoe size and width and gain insights into how properly fitted footwear can transform their daily lives. Utilising their own fitting service guide, DB Wider Fit Shoes ensures that customers of all ages can find shoes designed for wider feet, offering both comfort and style.
Charles Denton, Managing Director of DB Wider Fit Shoes, highlights the brand’s dedication to the Northamptonshire community:
“Our data shows the significant disconnect between what people know about foot health and what they actually do about it. The fitting centre here in Northamptonshire is designed to bridge that gap, providing a hands-on experience for people to understand the importance of well-fitted shoes. And the best part? You don’t have to compromise—our wide-fit shoes bring comfort without sacrificing style. Our fitting centre is by appointment only so that we can give every customer our undivided attention and appointments can be made by calling our customer services team or visiting the website.”
Real Stories: The Difference of a Proper Fit
The campaign also focuses on real stories, like Matt Barnes (39) from St Albans, who had been wearing the wrong shoe size for over 20 years. Believing he was a size 12, Matt discovered, after using the DB Wider Fit Shoes online fitting guide, that he was actually a size 10. The impact of wearing the correct shoe size transformed his comfort with the correct width fitting, highlighting the importance of taking the time to find the proper fit.
As the Joyful Strides for Wider Feet campaign continues, DB Wider Fit Shoes remains committed to advocating for foot health and educating Northampton residents on the life-changing benefits of proper footwear. Locals are invited to book an appointment at the fitting centre, access the online fitting guide, and explore a wide range of stylish, seasonal footwear designed to accommodate wider feet.
For more information on foot health and to discover your true size at the DB Wider Fit Shoes Fitting Centre in Rushden, Northamptonshire contact 01933 311077 or visit their website.
