Choosing the Right Shoe
Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. Most often, it’s neglect or a lack of proper foot care – including ill-fitting shoes – that cause the problems. Dr. Dan E. Robinson, board-certified podiatrist, shares tips for choosing the right shoe for your foot.
- Shopping for shoes is best done in the afternoon. Your feet tend to swell a little during the day, and it’s best to buy shoes to fit them then.
- Walk in the shoe to make sure it feels right and there is no pain.
- Your foot size can change as you grow older. Have both of your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and do it while you’re standing.
- When shopping for shoes, try them on both feet; many people have one foot larger than the other, and it’s best to fit the larger one.
- Shoe sizes vary by brand and style, so don’t select shoes only by the size marked inside the shoe.
- Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.
- Choose a shoe that has proper heel support. If the shoe has a flat bottom, check the inside to see if the heel is built up.
- A shoe that has proper support should only bend where the toes are, and should not twist like a rag.
- When using a shoe insert, support is more important than cushion. Buy the most rigid insert you can find.
- Buy shoes that have enough space for your toes. Shoes with a pointed-toe place your toes in an unnatural position.
If you are concerned about your feet, Dr. Dan E. Robinson, DPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle specialist. He is welcoming patients to his offices in Blackfoot, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robinson, contact his office at 782-2490.
The content on our website is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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