The right shoe will do wonders:
- Cushions the Foot: The midsole is the main part of the shoe that provides cushioning. Surprisingly, shoes don't reduce the force that goes through the body all that much. However, they do increase the time taken for that force to apply, so the body has time to adapt.
- Supports the Foot: Your shoe should aid the alignment of your foot when it touches the ground.
- Feels Comfortable: Your shoe should feel immediately comfortable from the first wear.
- Fits Well: Make sure you have at least 1 or 1.5 cm at the end of the shoe. It should be wide enough and long enough to fit your feet. The shoe should feel snug but not tight.
- A shoe that can accommodate an orthotic, when used in combination with an orthotic, will offer the best support and protection.
Try to buy your athletic shoes from a specialty store. The staff may advise you on the type of shoe you need for your activity or sport. They can properly fit the shoes so you end up with the right size.
- Shop for shoes after exercise or at the end of the day. Our feet tend to be more swollen or larger at the end of the day. This will help make sure that shoes feel comfortable when your feet are at their largest.
- Try the shoes wearing the same type of sock that you will wear for the activity.
- Have the shop assistant measure your feet every time you buy shoes, because your feet may become larger and wider as you age. It's also common for one foot to be slightly bigger than the other.
- Check that you can wiggle all your toes when wearing the shoes. Remember, you need room for your foot to move within the shoe as you walk or run.
- The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. Don't rely on "breaking them in".
- Walk or run a few steps in your shoes to check they are comfortable.
- Make sure the shoes grip your heel. Your heel should not slip in the shoes when you move.
- Think about width as well as length. If the ball of your foot feels squished, ask if the shoe comes in a wider size. Shoes that are a half-size larger - but not wider - may not necessarily help.
- Feel the inside of the shoes to check for tags, seams, or other material that might irritate your foot.
- Examine the soles. Are they sturdy enough to protect against harmful objects? Do they provide appropriate grip? Try to walk on both carpet and hard surfaces.
- If you have orthotics, bring them with you so that you can try them on with the shoes. This will ensure you purchase a pair of shoes that will work well with your orthotics.
- If you are prone to ankle issues, high-top shoes are more appropriate, and will be provide further stabilization and protection of the ankle.
If you play a sport, it's a good idea to wear shoes designed for that sport. There are specific shoes designed for tennis, golf, soccer, football, running, cycling, and other sports. Each has a different design, material, and weight to best protect feet against the stresses of the particular activity.
A good tip when buying shoes is to take a tracing of your foot with you. If a shoe is narrower or shorter than the tracing, it is likely that the shoes are inappropriate for you and hence there is no need to try them on.
If you have any more questions about what shoes are right for you, call our office at (949) 364 - 2525 for an appointment today.
Author
Visoth Chan, DPM
Dr. Visoth Chan is the owner and medical director of Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience. Following this, she received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at the California School of Podiatric Medicine in Oakland. She subsequently completed her podiatric surgical residency at White Memorial in Los Angeles. She takes great pride in her role at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates and strives to make sure her patients have the best care possible. When not treating patients, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her daughter, Emmylou.
