Properly fitting shoes are one of the most important purchases a person can make. A shoe that fits appropriately can not only prevent foot problems, but may also resolve many foot related issues. One of the most difficult tasks when purchasing a new pair of shoes is deciding whether the shoes fit right. Following a few basic guidelines can ensure for accurately fitting footwear.
Guidelines:
- Shoes should be purchased at the end of the day. Feet swell and can be a larger size at the end of the day. It is best to have your feet measured later in the day to find a more accurate fit.
- It is important to have your foot measured and to try on shoes in the store. Shoes should fit comfortably in the store before purchase. People do not “grow into” their shoes, but some shoes need to be broken in gradually. Before a shoe size is decided, each foot should be measured with the individual in the standing position. Shoe sizes can vary between brands and size selection should be based upon measurement.
- Make sure there is 3/8 of an inch from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe and 1/8 inch from the back of the heel counter and the heel. Shoes that are too big or too small can increase the pressure on the foot and can lead to corns and calluses, as well as other painful foot conditions.
- Buy shoes that fit the shape of your foot. Shoes should allow adequate room for the arch and different contours of a person’s foot. Shoes should also not be too tight. Pointed toed shoes should be worn with caution since they can alter the shape and function of the toes.
- Make sure the shoe fits appropriately on your heel. Shoes that fit appropriately, should not ride up and down on a person’s heels while walking or running. If shoes should slip on a person’s heel they do not allow the feet to function properly.
- Make sure there is adequate room in the shoe’s toe box or ball of your foot. Your toes play a large part in proper foot function and need adequate room to help you ambulate. The widest part of the shoe should have enough room for the ball of your foot.
- Test your shoes before buying them. It is imperative to try on both shoes and take them for a test drive around the store before purchasing. A properly fitting shoe should feel comfortable when walking around in them. How they feel in the store after walking around for a while should be a deciding factor before purchasing.
- The right shoe for the right job. Shoe manufacturers design shoes for specific purposes. To use footwear outside of its intended design can lead to injury. For example, be sure to purchase a walking shoe for walking, a basketball shoe for playing basketball, and so forth.
If you need guidance in buying shoes or suffer from foot pain, call to make an appointment to see one of the doctors at Progressive Foot Care. If you desire a stylish shoe with a custom fit, consider Dr. D-LuCS (drd-lucs.com), the Doctor Designed Luxury Custom Shoe company. Clients have the ability to design their bespoke footwear while they undergo a full biomechanical examination and computerized gait analysis.