They say if a man wears a size 13 shoe, nature has generously rewarded him with more than just big feet.
Where this legend came from is anyone's guess. But it's remarkably long-lived.
Picture a man proudly slamming a size 13 boot down on the table.
«Ну что, девочки, вопросы есть?»
And there are definitely some questions. Especially from scientists.
The British take on the boots
Back in 2002, two British urologists decided to put old wives' tales to the test.
They examined 104 men, measured their stretched penile length, and compared the results with their shoe sizes.
The study was published in the academic journal BJU International.
And that's when the worst-case scenario happened for anyone who loves to brag about their footwear.
No statistically significant correlation was found!
Neither huge feet guarantee impressive dimensions, nor does small footwear mean the opposite.
Size thirteen just stayed size thirteen.
What about height? Hands? Nose?
The legend refuses to give up!
If shoes don't work, maybe height holds the answer?
Science has indeed found some correlation between height and penile length. But correlation doesn't mean a foolproof prediction.
A tall man is by no means obligated to live up to anyone's expectations.
And fortune-telling by noses, palms, and boots is probably better left to the superstitious.
Wait, what about women?
This brings up a question that people somehow usually manage to avoid.
If shoe size supposedly gives away a man's anatomy, why doesn't anyone try to figure out a woman's based on her heels?
Imagine a shoe store salesperson:
«У вас 39-й? Поздравляем, у нас есть научная гипотеза!»
No, folks. Science has established no such pattern.
Women's intimate anatomy is individual, and shoe size is definitely not its measuring tape.
So why do we believe it?
Because the human brain loves simple explanations for complex things.
One case matched the legend? Remembered!
Ten cases didn't match? Well, it happens.
That is how myths that outlive generations are born.
The Verdict
Big shoes mostly mean big feet.
Everything else cannot be calculated from footwear.
So men with size 13 can relax. And guys wearing size 8 have nothing to worry about whatsoever.
And now a question for our readers: what is the wildest myth about the male or female body you've ever heard?
Tell us without names or personal details. Let's debunk the next legend together!