Shoe gear plays a big part of our everyday lives. Shoes provide protection, cushioning and support to our foot and ankle. You have been wearing shoes since before you could walk. You must be wearing the right size, right? Unfortunately, many people develop foot and ankle issues due to improper shoe fit. Here are some tips to make sure your shoes fit properly and avoid complication related to improper shoe fit.
1. Consider having a professional shoe fitting. Many shoe stores can measure your feet for you. As we age, the soft tissue structures and ligaments loosen causing your foot to change in both width and length. You should not assume your past shoe size will always be the same. Make sure you measure both feet as well, one foot is typically longer than the other. You also want to make sure you measure your feet while standing.
2. Pay close attention to your arch shape while standing. When looking at shoes makes sure there is a built in arch and that it fits well with you own arch. You can take the insole out and put it against your foot to see if the arch matching. You may also consider adding an arch if the shoe does not have enough arch support.
3. New shoes should fit right as soon as you put them on. Don’t assume the shoe will expand with time or stretch. If it doesn’t fit right at first, it is not the right fit for you. Do not get that shoe.
4. Your feet swell and slightly flatten during the day, so measure your feet towards the end of the day.
5. Shoes should have about a half-inch space at the tip of shoe and eight of an inch in the back.
6. All shoe brands vary in size. Never assume if you are the same size in all shoes.
7. If you are buying athletic shoes, don’t have on hose. You should have the type of sock you will wear with that specific shoe.
8. Make sure that the widest part of your foot corresponds with the widest part of the shoe.
9. Don’t buy shoes without wiggle room for your toes. A too narrow toe-box will lead to rubbing, and of friction that can cause corns, calluses, neuromas, or deformed toes.
10. Spend amble amount of time walking around in the shoes (both of them) before purchasing. If purchasing online, make sure to review the return policy.
If you have any foot and ankle related issues, make sure to contact your local specialist for an evaluation.
Isin Mustafa DPM, MSHS, AACFAS
For more information, you may contact Dr. Isin Mustafa at Family Foot & Leg Center at (239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT).
Family Foot & Leg Center has 8 locations throughout Collier, Lee, & Charlotte Counties to quickly resolve all your foot and ankle problems.
Family Foot & Leg Center
3161 Harbor Blvd., Suite B
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com