Why Proper Fitting Shoes Are Important for Maintaining Healthy Feet

When your feet ache, it can make doing the things you love a chore and even prevent you from easily getting around. Although many factors can cause poor foot health, you can often resolve them with a supportive, well-fitting pair of shoes.

At Go Feet, we can help you understand which shoes may be the best fit for your foot structure, health issues, and daily activities.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY SHOES?

Low-quality shoes can reduce circulation, cause foot ailments such as: blisters, calluses, and corns, and even lead to other pain in your body. When your feet are out of alignment and not supported, you are likely to experience a slew of problems that include back pain, knee pain, and hip pain.

Thin-soled shoes, high heels, and flip flops are all to blame. Improve your foot health, gait, and comfort by shopping for a proper-fitting pair of shoes. Quality shoes are an investment in your health.

WHAT’S A BREATHABLE SHOE?

Make sure your footwear gives your feet a chance to breathe. Leather shoes, or those made of other natural materials, can allow air to circulate. If your feet sweat a lot, select shoes made of mesh fabrics that allow for maximum breathability.

When your shoes don’t allow for optimal air circulation, moisture can accumulate and encourage blisters and fungus to appear. Plus, slippery, sweaty shoes are just uncomfortable and smelly.

WHAT’S A PROPER FIT?

Shoes that fit properly aren’t too tight, too wide (or narrow), or unsupportive. Choose a shoe that has a broad, rounded tip with plenty of room for your toes and a wide, stable heel.

Pointy shoes can cramp your toes and encourage ingrown toenails.

Make sure there’s enough room in the toe box so that you can wiggle your toes freely. Cushioning inside the shoe provides for comfort and reduces impact when you take each step. You want a shoe that’s firm in the midsole to support the space between the heel and the toe box. If you can twist your shoe easily, it isn’t supportive.

When you go shopping for shoes, go a little later in the day to allow your foot to swell naturally. Try on the shoes, and walk around a bit to feel if the shoes really work when you’re moving.

WHAT ABOUT STYLE?

Style can get in the way of a healthy foot. High-quality running shoes, for example, offer ample support for your feet, but may not go with your suit or dress. If you do need to wear dress shoes, make sure the heel isn’t more than 1 ½ inches high. Change out of those heels if you need to walk for a long period of time, such as during your commute. Men might opt for customized orthotics in their dress shoes to offer support and keep their feet healthy.

If you have questions about the right shoes for your foot health and lifestyle needs, talk to the expert team at Go Feet. We want to help men and women in Mays Landing have the healthiest feet possible, so they can feel comfortable doing daily tasks and athletics. Call our office, or schedule a consultation online to learn more about shoe choice and how it can affect your wellbeing.