When it comes to the health of your feet, your shoes carry more importance than you may think. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to common foot ailments such as blisters, corns, hammertoes, bunions, and toenail fungus as well as more severe issues such as stress fractures and neuroma, tissue growth under the toenails that is extremely painful. So, how do you choose the right shoe for you? Follow these simple tips and your feet will be thanking you for years to come!
- Pay Attention to Shoe Construction! You want to choose shoes that are constructed of durable, yet breathable material so that they can appropriately mold to your feet. Leather is the best fabric available, but cheaper canvas is perfectly fine for children whose feet are constantly growing. In addition to the fabric, you should also pay attention to the soles, insoles, and arch supports. The soles should be strong and flexible with adequate grip and the insoles should be well cushioned to absorb the shock of walking on hard surfaces like concrete or pavement. Arch supports are important because they help distribute your weight evenly throughout your foot and shoe, helping to eliminate pain caused from focused distribution of your weight.
- Buy Shoes that Fit! Don’t buy shoes if they are too tight, believing that they will stretch—it’s not a good idea! If a shoe fits you properly, you will have enough room in the toe box to wiggle all of your toes, your forefoot will not be wider than the shoe, and your heel should fit snugly in the back of the shoe with no gaping in your instep.
- Get Measured! Your feet widen with age, therefore it is important to have your feet measured each time you go shoe shopping. Also, be sure to have both feet measured as one is always bigger than the other. Buy shoes that will fit the bigger foot!
- Wait it Out! Your feet swell later in the afternoon, making it the ideal time to shoe shop.
- Use Common Sense! Always wear shoes that are appropriate for the activities for which you will be participating. For example, you should not wear high heels when you are going to be doing a lot of walking.
What is your favorite pair of shoes?
