Getting A Proper Fit

It’s almost time to start ditching the sandals and flip-flops for boots and closed toed shoes, weather permitting of course. With the change of season, evaluate the shoes currently in the closet. Throw away shoes that have wear and tear from last fall and winter because serious foot disorders can be caused by ill-fitting shoes. When shopping for new shoes this season, shy away from shoes based on how they look and focus on the following tips to help reduce the risk of foot problems.

• Purchase durably constructed shoes.
• If your feet are two different sizes, buy shoes that fit the largest foot.
• Feet keep growing, width and length, as one gets older so measure each foot before a purchase is made.
• Shoes should conform to one’s foot. Don’t force the foot into a shoe. This is a sign that the shoe will cause discomfort and potential blisters.
• The “break-in-period” is a myth. Shoes should be comfortable from the start.
• Try on both shoes. People have a tendency to just try on the right shoe, figuring that the left shoe will fit equally well. Feet can be different shapes and sizes.
• Just because you may be a size 7 doesn’t mean you are a size 7 in every shoe. Manufacturer’s sizes may vary. Try on shoes between the 6 ½ and 7 ½ sizes. Focus on how the shoe feels, not the size.
• Rule of thumb: there needs to be a ½ inch of space from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe.
• Purchase shoes at the end of the day as feet swell continuously throughout the day.
• Toes should be able to wiggle in shoes.
• Don’t forget about the heel. Make sure it doesn’t slip out of the shoe.
• Limit high heel height to two inches or less to minimize the amount of pressure applied to the ball of the foot.

Citation:
Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist. (2012). Getting a proper fit. Retrieved from http://www.vittorifootclinic.com/library/3778/GettingaProperFit.html
Image by Andrew Huff. (2007). X-ray shoe fitter. Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/deadhorse/462921241/