Shoe Buying Tips

Children’s Shoes:

- At a young age we recommend children be out of shoes as much as possible to allow the child to develop strength and stability. 
- Once children are placed in shoes, it is the job of the guardian to monitor the child closely. As you all know children grow like weeds and that includes their foot size. 

-Shoes that have rubber soles are better than thin soled shoes due to a better ability to cushion their walk.

Women’s Shoes
- Function + Comfort should usually be over fashion however we all know that is not that case all the time. 

- When we wear a heel that is over 2 inches this completely changes the presesure points to the foot and heal. This also can promote muscle imbalance and issues with posture. Just like with everything else in life, the key is moderation

- Change it up: Try to alternate between work shoes/heels with sneakers throughout the day if possible. Or alternate the size heel you wear each day and stretch. stretch, stretch, stretch the hamstrings and achilles tendon.

Men’s Shoes

- The same is true for men - Function + Comfort should take priority over style

- A good quality oxford goes a long way for the working man

Shoes for Work
- We recommend using 3-5 different pairs of shoes which are appropriate for the level of activity one is performing that day.

- Alternate your shoes daily and choose the shoes that is appropriate for the days work

- For certain industries: steel toe caps are recommended, water proof, and anti-slip resistance is key

Shoes for Athletes
- Improper shoes can lead to injury and can keep you from performing your best

- Tennis shoes are made to be more supportive of the ankle to permit sudden stops and turns.

- Running shoes are made to accommodate the high impact of forefoot contact during running.

- Walking shoes should be lightweight and have a firm heel counter. 

- We recommend all our patients to go to a local running shoe store, like runners edge

More shoe buying tips

• Have your feet measured to ensure proper fitting shoes. Most foot problems arise from shoes that are the incorrect size.
• Always try shoes on and walk around with them to ensure comfort.
• Most peoples left and right feet are not the same size. Therefore buy the shoe size of the larger sized foot.
• There is no break in period for shoes. They should be comfortable immediately
• Try to buy shoes later in the day. Feet tend to swell toward the end of the day and it is better to buy shoes when feet are at their largest size.
• Make sure all aspects of the shoe fit well.
• Make sure the shoes have enough room for your toes to wiggle while you are standing in them.
• Select a shoe that has good cushioning, a stiff heal counter, and flexibility only at the ball of the foot. It should be flexible there because this is the only part of the foot that bends. So if the shoe bends at the arch area, it is not a good shoe.
• Try on shoes with either socks or stockings.

Author

Garrett Kalmar, DPM, AACFAS