Many of us want the shoes we wear to be fashionable, but it is important to look beyond fashion to function when wanting to keep our feet in good shape. There are steps you can take to find shoes that fit well. Though it might sound strange, it can help to take a tracing of our feet with us when we go shoe shopping. Before even trying shoes on, place shoes under consideration on top of the tracing and notice if the shoe is shorter or narrower than it should be. Shop for shoes in the afternoon as the feet naturally expand during the day. Wear the same type of socks or hose to the store as you plan on wearing with the shoes to be purchased. Have a salesperson measure your feet every time you buy new shoes as your feet change with age, often becoming flatter and wider. If one of your feet is bigger than the other, opt for the larger size in shoe selection. Try on the shoes, wiggle your toes to make sure there is enough room in the toe box, pay attention to the shoe’s width on your foot, and press on the top of the shoe to see if you have about a half an inch of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Walk around in the shoes to see how they feel, if they are comfortable, and whether there are any areas of friction from the start. Shoes should not have to be broken in. Feel around the inside of the shoes to see if there are tags or seams that might irritate your foot. Finally, examine the soles of the shoes to see if they provide protection from sharp objects and have enough cushioning. For more advice on selecting the best shoes for your feet, consult with a podiatrist who is trained in everything related to the health of your feet and ankles.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.