Footwear is an important part of every person’s everyday life. The average American takes over 7,500 steps every day. That’s almost 4 miles of walking each day! Having the proper footwear is essential to maintaining the health of your feet and preventing injuries. Most of us probably aren’t lucky enough to have perfectly fitting glass slippers like Cinderella; but if you follow these simple suggestions, you will have no trouble at all picking out the correct “glass slippers” for your feet.
Go to a store that offers fittings – Most specialized shoe stores will do in-store fittings for their customers. Team members will help you find the right type of shoe you’re looking for as well as the right size. Many store associates have years of experience fitting shoes and can offer you great specialized advise, whether you’re looking for a shoe to wear around the house or run a marathon in!
The shoe needs to conform to your foot, not vice versa – Shoe size can vary from brand to brand, so don’t be afraid to go up or down a size from your usual. Your foot should never feel cramped inside of a shoe. There should be plenty of room for you to wiggle your toes, as well as a half inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Wearing shoes that are too tight can ultimately cause foot, leg and back pain.
Fit to the bigger foot – The majority of Americans have one foot that is bigger than the other. When shopping for shoes, fit them to your larger foot. You can always adjust the fit of the smaller foot by adding inserts or arch supports to the shoe.
Try before you buy – Be sure to try on both shoes before purchasing. Nothing can give you a better idea of how the shoes feel then to walk around in them. Wear them around the store for a few minutes, paying attention for any rubbing or discomfort as you stand up and walk. There is no such thing as a “break in period”, so if they’re uncomfortable in the store, they’ll still be uncomfortable in a month or two.
Try different widths – Wide width shoes are becoming easier to find. If you have wide feet ask the associate if the style you like comes in wide. Having the right width can prevent painful corns and calluses from arising from a tight fit.
Shop later in the day – As you walk throughout the day your feet swell. In order to maintain a comfortable fit throughout the entire day it is best to shop for shoes when swelling is at its maximum. This typically occurs late afternoon/early evening.
Talk to your podiatrist – Nobody can offer you more personalized expert advice about your feet than your podiatrist!
If you or anyone else you know have any specific questions or concerns about how your shoes should fit consider making an appointment with Dr. Jay C. Larson with Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists in Glendale, Arizona.