Avoid These Everyday Shoe Mistakes

If you want to protect your feet and reduce their risk of an injury that develops in part because of your footwear, mind these common mistakes.

1. Unsupportive Or Uncomfortable – You might be wondering, “who chooses an everyday shoe that’s uncomfortable or unsupportive?” The answer is many more people than you think. Far too often people choose fashion over function and end up in a shoe that doesn’t support their specific foot shape. A narrow shoe or one with an elevated heel may be perfect for special occasions, but those aren’t great qualities in a shoe you’ll wear every day. Make sure that you pair your choose for an everyday shoe is supportive and comfortable.

2. Doesn’t Fit The Activities – Most everyday shoes are great for the normal day-to-day activities, but if you’ll be doing anything outside of your regular routine, your everyday shoes may not be the best option. If you’ll be walking around the mall for hours, walking on the beach or doing some running or jumping, you may want to switch into a shoes that is a better fit for the activity. Before you just throw on your normal pair of shoes as you leave the house, consider the activities you’ll be performing that day and choose footwear that is better designed for the activities that are to come.

3. Hanging On Too Long – You’re probably pretty fond of your everyday shoes, as they’ve been your go to pair for a while now. However, like most things, it’s helpful to know when to move on. If your daily shoes have worn down, lost traction or grown holes, it’s time to move on to a new pair. Extremely worn shoes won’t offer your feet as much natural protection, so it’s helpful to know when to trade out an old pair for a newer, more supportive option.

4. Too Big Or Too Small – Finally, even though our feet are generally done growing by the time, that doesn’t mean that our foot size won’t change. Natural degeneration and the aging process can lead to flattened arches and minor foot size changes, so don’t always assume that you will always have the same size shoe once you’re an adult. Moreover, shoe sizes can vary from one company to another, so while you may be a 12 with Nike, you may be an 11.5 with Converse. Always make sure that your everyday shoes fit properly and are not too big or too small for your feet.

The post Missteps To Avoid When Choosing A Daily Shoe appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.