Is this secretly an ad for Big Shoe?

Same thing in NZ. I think Aussies and Kiwis walk around barefoot more than it seems Europeans do, including women, so it probably shapes how our feet develop. I know its common in the northern Anglosphere for the pinky toe to 'tuck', because the tendons are tightening in the shape of a pointed shoe.

I can wear wider mens street shoes if i need to, but the options for women's dress shoes that fit are nearly non-existent.

When i do need shoes, there's a particularly Aussie brand I try first. I noticed its wider than the other imports

The findings also point to the importance of considering Australia’s multi-ethnic population when designing footwear.

Of the 25 participants who said shoes were often too narrow, 60% were from North-East Asian, South-East Asian or Southern Asian backgrounds. The study was not designed to establish differences between individual ethnic groups, and the researchers said further research with a larger sample would be needed.

Huh, even shoe sizes are eurocentric. Shouldn’t be surprising I guess.