A pair of shoes in today's world can serve a variety of purposes--dress shoes, running shoes, work boots...but they are not all constructed with pain management in mind. Wearing the wrong shoes for the wrong purpose can lead to all kinds of problems--foot pain, back pain,and so on. So with that in mind, I decided to do a little bit of research on how to get shoes that fit well, and spare yourself unnecessary foot and back pain!
1) The size of a person's foot changes with age, so measuring your feet every time you shop for shoes is a great idea. Over the course of a day, feet become a bit larger. Therefore, shoe shopping later in the day will give you best fit.
2) Most people's feet are not exactly the same size. Try on both shoes of a pair before buying them.
3) Select a shoe that is shaped in a similar way to your foot's shape.
4) The size on the shoe box is not that relevant. What really matters is how the shoe feels on your foot.
5) Don't buy shoes that are a little tight and expect them to stretch after wear. Some shoe materials will give a little with wear, but others will not.
6) Allow 3/8 to 1/2 inch at the top of the shoe for your longest toe when standing.
7) The ball of the foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
8) The heel area of the shoe should not allow for too much slipping. This is how blisters are born!
9) Walking in a pair of shoes before you buy is a good indicator of whether or not those are good shoes for you. Walking on carpet will help reinforce "yes" or "no" if you are unsure.
10) The body of the shoes you select should be soft and flexible. Leather is least likely to cause skin irritation. The sole of the shoe should provide good traction to keep you from slipping. Thick soles have a cushioning effect; shoes with low heels are usually safer and better for your feet than their high-heeled counterparts.
11) When you shop for shoes, wear the type of sock or hosiery you plan to wear after you purchase them. This will give you "the big picture!"
12) Shoes with laces are more "adjustable" to the size and shape of your foot.
13) If you are really unsure about fitting shoes properly, it is a good idea to shop at a store that takes the time to measure your foot and assist you with finding a good fit.
14) The arch length (the distance from the big toe bend to the heel) is important. To check, stand on your tiptoes in the shoes you are thinking about buying. The shoe should "bend" exactly where your big toe bends for a good fit.
Happy shopping!
Sources: http://foothealth.about.com/od/shoessocks/ht/ShoeFit.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22534
1) The size of a person's foot changes with age, so measuring your feet every time you shop for shoes is a great idea. Over the course of a day, feet become a bit larger. Therefore, shoe shopping later in the day will give you best fit.
2) Most people's feet are not exactly the same size. Try on both shoes of a pair before buying them.
3) Select a shoe that is shaped in a similar way to your foot's shape.
4) The size on the shoe box is not that relevant. What really matters is how the shoe feels on your foot.
5) Don't buy shoes that are a little tight and expect them to stretch after wear. Some shoe materials will give a little with wear, but others will not.
6) Allow 3/8 to 1/2 inch at the top of the shoe for your longest toe when standing.
7) The ball of the foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
8) The heel area of the shoe should not allow for too much slipping. This is how blisters are born!
9) Walking in a pair of shoes before you buy is a good indicator of whether or not those are good shoes for you. Walking on carpet will help reinforce "yes" or "no" if you are unsure.
10) The body of the shoes you select should be soft and flexible. Leather is least likely to cause skin irritation. The sole of the shoe should provide good traction to keep you from slipping. Thick soles have a cushioning effect; shoes with low heels are usually safer and better for your feet than their high-heeled counterparts.
11) When you shop for shoes, wear the type of sock or hosiery you plan to wear after you purchase them. This will give you "the big picture!"
12) Shoes with laces are more "adjustable" to the size and shape of your foot.
13) If you are really unsure about fitting shoes properly, it is a good idea to shop at a store that takes the time to measure your foot and assist you with finding a good fit.
Happy shopping!
Sources: http://foothealth.about.com/od/shoessocks/ht/ShoeFit.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22534
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