By Joe Altepeter, DPM
Whether you are a runner, a walker, a shopper, a beach goer, or somewhere in between, making sure you are in the right shoe gear is an important part of keeping it moving. This is especially imperative for those of us who have a history of foot and ankle or any lower extremity issues.
A couple of the more basic principles to keep in mind when shopping for shoes would include:
– Always have your feet measured while you are standing with full weight on that foot.
– Try to go shopping towards the end of the day to accommodate for any amount of swelling.
– Bring and wear the socks he will be using with the shoes you are purchasing.
– Make sure the toe box is wide enough for the front of your foot, and that the shoes accommodate an arch support or orthotic if you wear them.
Having an understanding of your foot type is a great place to start when selecting appropriate shoe gear particularly for exercise. Understanding if you are a pronator or supinator, or have a neutral foot type can put you down the right path for selecting the right pair. A great place to start in determining your foot type would be to consult your local podiatrist. You could also consider a simple at-home, at-pool, or at-beach evaluation of your foot prints. If you notice the classic appearance of a footprint you may have a neutral foot type, if you notice there is a break in the imprint along the outside of your foot you may have a supinated foot type, if you notice the area under your arch is filled in then you may have a pronated foot type. If you fall into the supinated category you may benefit from more cushioned shoes to help shock absorption and if you fall in the pronated category you may benefit more from supportive shoes with stability and motion control. If you are in the neutral category, look for a balance between stability and cushion.
It is also important to take into consideration any deformities of the toes. Shoes that have wider toe boxes made with more forgiving materials will be much friendlier to the prominences of bunions and hammertoes.
These rules can be applied to summertime and formal footwear as well. There are plenty of supportive and cushioned sandals on the market that can be particularly helpful for your feet.
Some specific types of sandals have unique problems associated with them.
– Flats and slides may provide inadequate support, causing arch and heel pain. Look for options with appropriate arch contact for your foot and for
soles that you are unable to bend and twist as easily.
– Strappy sandals may cause irritation between the toes allowing for callus and dead skin buildup at the skin to strap interface. Look for materials that are soft and supple.
– Wedges and heels but you at higher risk of instability and subsequent injuries, and pain in the ball of the foot. Try to find options with better traction and a wider and lower wedge or heel then provide a little more stability.
– Peep-toe sandals may cause irritation of the toes especially in the presence of bunions and hammertoes. Try to limit the use of these if you
are susceptible to irritation.
Joe Altepeter, DPM, AACFAS, is a Podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Centers in Fort Myers FL. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Call 239-430-3668 or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to make an appointment. Visit FootHealthFacts.org to learn more about foot and ankle conditions.
1645 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33907
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.