Finding The Right Shoes – Top Tips

Finding the right shoes can be difficult. There are so many different styles out there and not everything on display will fit your feet. Remember! You only have one pair of feet, but you can buy several pairs of shoes! Luckily, there are a few tips that can make it easy to choose the perfect shoes, no matter where you’re going!

The right shoe should:

1. Have a stiff heel counter. Pinch the back of the shoe with your fingers. You should not be able to fold it over. If it is too soft it will not support your foot.
2. Have a small amount of torque. Hold the shoe at both ends. You should be able to twist it slightly.
3. Bend where your toes bend.
4. Provide arch support. This will help prevent heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes that are completely flat like flip-flops or ballet pumps greatly increases your risk of this condition. Cushioned footbeds not only feel more comfortable, but they also act as shock absorbers, reducing the impact of your foot hitting the ground with each step you take.
5. Are wide enough and long enough at the toes. It should not push the toes in or make them curl. Make sure have about 1cm space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe when you are standing. If you consistently wear heels without enough toe space, you will increase your chances of developing hammer toes, corns, bunions, and arthritis.
6. Get your foot measured by a professional. Most people wear shoes that are too small for their feet! Foot size can change as you age. As the arch lowers over time, your foot appears longer, therefore you may need bigger shoes!
7. Shop for shoes at the end of the day — that’s when your foot is at its largest and most swollen.
8. Wear the type of sock you will most likely use with the shoes you are buying. If the podiatrist has prescribed a custom orthotic, you should also try it on with the shoes

Choose styles that improve stability. The more stable and secure your shoe feels, the more comfortable you will feel. In addition to the toe space, the heel height will affect your comfort. Ideally you should go for a shoe with a low heel height. Check your heels for the following:

• Wear a chunkier heel. The wider the heel, the more stability you will have.
• Shoes that have wooden or hard plastic soles are more rigid and will be more difficult to walk in. Look for shoes with leather and rubber soles.
• Slingbacks, heels with ankle straps, peep toes, and boots are easier to walk in than mules or super strappy sandals. The more your foot moves around, the more difficult it will be to walk.
• Make sure the sole will protect you if you step on anything sharp. The primary purpose of your shoes is to protect your feet. If you wear a shoe with a thin, flimsy sole, and you step on something sharp like a tack or a nail, you could be seriously injured. Make sure the sole is thick enough and sturdy enough to keep anything from penetrating all the way through to your foot.

The right shoes should feel comfortable right away. Don’t buy shoes that pinch your feet or feel tight anywhere. There is no such thing as a “breaking in” period. Shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you leave the shop.

And Don’t Forget! Too much pain is a bad sign; take off your shoes and figure out why. If they don’t fit, no matter how much you like them, get rid of them. You only have one pair of feet, and shoes can be replaced.

At Medipod Clinics we always keep up to date with best Podiatry practice. Furthermore, we are always searching new ways to improve our service to you, and we listen to the feedback from our patients.  If you feel that you or your family will benefit from our expert advice and experience, we would be more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We offer a wide range of podiatric services, such as verruca treatments, ingrowing or fungal toenails management as well as gait analysis and provision of custom orthoses, so do not hesitate to ask for more information. With our in-depth knowledge and expertise, we can support you every step of your way by providing a highly professional service.

For more information about our standard podiatry treatment, ingrowing or fungal nails management, biomechanics service or verruca management, please contact us on 01455 246100.

We would love to help you with any issues you may be experiencing. Thank you for reading this month’s blog “Finding The Right Shoes – Top Tips”.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
www.medipodclinics.com