Shoe Buying Tips That Protect Your Feet

If you need to buy a new pair of shoes, abide by these seven tips, and your feet will thank you for it.

1. Comfort Over Style – You may want to buy the newest Jordan’s or a fashionable heel, but always make sure you prioritize comfort over style. If your feet aren’t comfortable in the shoe, a number of different foot problems can develop. Always make sure your feet are comfortable and well-supported in any new shoe you’re buying.

2. Try On In Store – The internet makes it easy for people to buy shoes from the comfort of your home, but you’ll never know how your feet fit into a shoe unless you try them on first. You may tell yourself that you’ll return them if they don’t fit, but many people just wear a shoe that’s a half size too small instead of going through with an exchange. Try before you buy when purchasing new shoes.

3. Allow Your Toes To Breathe – As we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, if your toes don’t have enough space at the front of your shoe, you can be setting them up for foot problems like hammertoes, claw toes or mallet toe. Your toes should not be scrunched at the front of your shoe.

4. Buy For Primary Tasks – Make sure you keep in mind what types of activities you’ll be doing in your shoes, and buy with that in mind. Look for stiff-soled athletic shoes if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, or considered a more cushioned support if you’ll be standing on your feet for an extended period. Make sure the shoe you buy is designed for the common activities you’ll be performing in them.

5. Ditch The Heel – We understand that high heels aren’t going away anytime soon, but the shorter the heel lift, the better it is for your foot. Really high heels shift your foot out of a naturally comfortable position and can put you at a higher risk for a problem like bunions. If you need heels, go with a shorter variety and limit the amount of time you spend in them each day.

6. One Size Doesn’t Fit All – Keep in mind that just because your last pair of shoes was one size, it doesn’t mean your next pair will be the same, even if you think your foot is done growing. Different styles and brands fit differently, even if they claim to be a certain size, which again speaks to the importance of trying your shoes on before you buy.

The post Six Tips For Finding The Perfect Shoe appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.