By Bryce Paschold, DPM, Orthopedics & Sports Enhancement Center
These chronic problems may not show up for years but will generally cause pain and discomfort for a lifetime! The good news is that the great majority of chronic foot problems can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly and offer adequate support. A good, comfortable fit is the single easiest way to prevent unwanted foot trouble down the road. And this applies to men as well as women.
When deciding on what shoes to wear, what is most important? Is it comfort? Is it the brand? Or is it solely (no pun intended) about the look? Here are a few tips to consider the next time you go shoe shopping.
- Always try on shoes before buying. Walk around the shoe store for a while to be sure that there isn’t an area of discomfort that wasn’t noticed right away.
- Get your feet measured every time. Your feet will change size and shape over the course of a lifetime.
- Shoes that are too tight can easily cause corns and calluses, whereas shoes that are too loose can lead to blisters and irritated skin. If you have wide or narrow feet, seek out a brand of shoes that comes in specialty widths.
- Try shoes on toward the end of the day when feet are most swollen and tired.
- Shoes should not have to be broken in. They should be comfortable from the start.
- In general, shoes that are more rigid and less flexible offer more support and will be better for your feet. Shoes should only be able to bend freely at the ball of the foot. If they bend at other places, the shoes are too flexible.
- Avoid high heels, flimsy flip flops, and flats. If you do wear these, limit the amount of time spent in them. Avoid high heels greater than two inches at all costs.
- Avoid purchasing shoes only based on brand or look. Sizes vary from brand to brand.
- Wear socks while trying on shoes.
- Avoid basing your running shoe purchase solely on type of shoe versus your foot structure (i.e., stability, neutral, motion control). Most studies have shown that this does not actually make a difference and may oversimplify things. Again, shoe fit and feel dominates!
- If you must wear a high heel or fashionable shoe at work or to an event, consider wearing a more comfortable shoe to and from work, and change in the parking lot or office. This will limit the amount of time spent in the painful shoe.
- Think of less sensible shoe gear like dessert. It is okay if it is done in moderation and not every day!
Remember, the most “stylish” type of shoe will always be the one in which you can walk naturally and comfortably!
Dr. Bryce Paschold, DPM, provides a full and complete range of foot and ankle services for patients of any age. He is board certified and subspecializes in foot and ankle sports medicine. For any foot or ankle related problem, no matter how big or small, please feel free to contact Dr. Paschold at Orthopedic & Sports Enhancement Center at 309-663-9300, visit their Facebook page, or check out their website at ww.sportsenhancement.net.
Photo credit: Dean Bertoncelj/iStock