Essentially each consultation is spent addressing footwear. Yes, that’s one of the things Podiatrists do, focus on your footwear. Shoes serve many functions, they:

• protect our feet.
• cushion our body weight.
• allow us to play sports.
• can make our feet feel comfortable or fashionable; hopefully both!

It’s not only important to find the proper shoes, but also to make sure they fit, to keep your feet and body happy. Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet. So can disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing ill fitting shoes. Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve, and circulatory disorders.

Poorly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. People have different foot shapes and needs. The shoes that may work for your neighbour, may not be right for you.

Even after you find the right shoes, remember that they will wear down over time, and need to be replaced; usually every six months, to one year of regular use.

 Tips for Selecting the Right Shoes

How do you find the right shoes? These tips will help you through the process:

1. Have your feet measured. People’s foot size and shape can change over time. Don’t rely on the fact that you have always worn a certain size. That size may no longer be your best fit.
2. Most people have one foot that is larger than the other, so ensure you measure both feet. Fit your shoes to the larger foot.
3. Get measured at the end of the day; it’s when your feet are the largest. When you are up during the day, your feet will swell and settle some. You want to make sure you are comfortable throughout the day, and not just when you head out of the house in the morning.
4. To ensure a comfortable fit, look at the shape of the shoe; it should resemble your foot shape.
5. Don’t plan on shoes stretching over time; they should fit well when bought.
6. The ball of your foot (the widest part just before your toes begin), should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
7. The shoe should also have enough depth to fit your toes, especially if you have hammertoes or other conditions. Shoes with a too small toe box will cause rubbing, leading to calluses or corns.
8. Stand up and make sure there is 3/8″ or 1/2″ (about the width of your finger), between your longest toe (usually the second toe), and the end of the shoe.
9. Always stand and walk around  to test for comfort, good fit, and no rubbing. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking.

Match the Shoe to Your Activity

Another critical point to remember, is to purchase shoes that are meant for the activity you intend. Running shoes are specially designed to provide the proper cushioning at the heel, with flexibility that athletes need at the toes.

Walking shoes have a shock absorbing heel, with flex at the ball of the foot. Cross-trainers are often good all-purpose shoes for general exercise.

Dress shoes can be comfortable as well as look good. Many dress shoes are now made with a sneaker-like sole that provides better cushioning, tread, and arch support.

Look for Good Shoe Construction

Some basic principles of a good shoe include: a cushioned heel; firm sole that doesn’t easily twist or bend;  flexibility at the proper area, depending on the type. A soft breathable material for the upper of the shoe makes it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time, and less likely to cause rubbing or skin irritation. The upper should also allow adjustment (laces, straps, etc.), to comfortably hold the foot in place with activity. There should be some arch support in the shoe too, or in the insert inside the shoe.

Many shoes can be made to fit better simply by removing the factory insert and replacing it with a high quality off-the-shelf orthotic. Custom orthotics should, however,  be prescribed by your orthopaedic surgeon or podiatrist, for specific foot disorders.

Following these simple steps will help minimise your risk for shoe  and foot problems. Don’t believe the myth that fashionable shoes have to be uncomfortable. There are many stylish shoes out there that feel good too. If you have certain foot or ankle problems, then talk to your orthopaedic surgeon or podiatrist. Don’t sacrifice comfort and safety for fashion. Your feet will thank you in the long run, short run, and even just walking around.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!