FOOTWEAR

Foot wear has been designed to meet many needs including protection, support, comfort, and stylishness.

Feet endure tremendous pressure with daily activities. They are subject to more injury than any other part of the body. Doctors of podiatric medicine are health care professionals trained for both conservative and surgical care of the foot and ankle. They are fully qualified to recommend selection of the right pair of shoes or address other aspects of foot health, for all members of the family.

CHILDREN'S SHOES

When a child begins to walk, shoes are generally not necessary. Allowing an infant to go barefoot indoors, or to wear only a pair of socks, helps the foot grow normally and develop muscles and stretch. As the child grows more active, and their feet develop, the need for shoes become apparent. It becomes necessary to change shoe sizes at a pace that frequently surprises parents to allow room for growth. When purchasing shoes for children, remember these tips:

  • Examine the shoe itself. It should have a firm heel counter, adequate cushioning of the insole, and a built-in arch. It should be flexible to bend where the foot bends-at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe.
  • The child's foot should be sized while he or she is standing up with full weight bearing.
  • There should be about a thumb's width between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe. The child should be able to comfortably wiggle their toes in the shoe.
  • Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or she feels any pressure spots in the shoe.
  • Shoes should not slip off at the heels.
  • Both feet should be measured and shoes should be chosen that fit the larger foot.

WOMEN'S SHOES

Many women's foot problem results from high-heeled shoes. Podiatrists believe such heels are medically unsound, and attribute postural and even safety issues to their use.

To relieve the abusive effects of high heels, women are encouraged to limit the time they wear them, alternating with good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day.

Perhaps the best shoe for women is a walking shoe with laces, a composition sole, and a relatively wider heel with a rigid and padded heel counter.

MEN'S SHOES

The best shoes for men are good quality oxford styles, often associated with wing-tip or cap toe designs. Also suitable are slip-ons, dressy loafers, and low dress boots. Men as well as women should buy shoes for work, leisure, and special activities, matching the shoe to the activities.

For those who work in heavy industry, it is important to wear safety shoes or boots that are waterproof or water-resistant, with insulated steel toe caps and soles of non-conducting materials to help prevent injuries to the feet.

ATHLETIC SHOES

Different sports activities call for sports-specific footwear. The weekend or occasional athlete, should wear the correct shoe for each sport. An important consideration is the condition of the shoe-do not wear any sport shoes beyond their useful life.

SHOE CARE

For longer service, keep shoes clean and in good repair. Avoid excessive wear on heels and soles. Give your shoes a chance to breathe-do not wear the same pair two days in a row. Never wear hand-me-down shoes, this is especially important for children.

BUYING TIPS FOR SHOES

  • Have your feet measured while you are standing.
  • Always try on both shoes, and walk around the store.
  • Always buy shoes for the larger foot; feet are seldom exactly the same size.
  • Do not buy shoes that need a "break-in." They should be immediately comfortable.
  • Do not rely on the size of your last pair of shoes. Your feet can get larger, and shoe sizing between brands varies.
  • Shop for shoes later in the day; feet tend to swell during the day.
  • Be sure that shoes fit well -- front, back, and sides -- to distribute weight.
  • Select a shoe with a leather upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.
  • Buy shoes that do not pinch your toes, either at the tips, or across the toe box.
  • Try on shoes while you are wearing the same type of socks you expect to wear with the shoes.
  • If you wear prescription orthotics, you should take them along to shoe fittings.
This website is maintained to facilitate access to information about foot health and to provide information about footcare products. The content of this website, such as text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the services of a trained health care professional or to be a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified physician or other appropriate health care professional. You should consult your own physician or other appropriate health care provider on specific medical questions, including matters requiring diagnosis, treatment or medical assistance.