Wearing shoes recommended by a foot and ankle institute helps to keep you comfortable and promotes long-term foot health. If your shoes are too tight or loose, your toes could rub against each other, or your feet rub against the shoe material. These conditions might cause injuries, hammertoes, calluses, neuropathy, and a range of other foot problems. Here are five tips for choosing foot-friendly shoes:
Get the Right Size
Choosing the right shoes starts with getting the correct size or fit. Tight shoes can cause various problems, such as discomfort, blisters, and ingrown toenails. A tight shoe can also press your nerves, resulting in nerve damage and neuropathy. If you have one foot slightly larger than the other, choose the size of the larger foot. You can get the correct fit by getting both of your feet measured at a foot and ankle institute. These institutes also help to treat bunions, diabetic foot ulcers, and other conditions.
Choose Shoes With Arch Support
Choose shoes with adequate arch support to maintain your natural foot alignment. Wearing shoes with flat soles may lead to pain and issues like overpronation and plantar fasciitis. To find shoes with adequate arch support, speak to an experienced podiatrist. Shoes recommended by a podiatrist typically come with built-in arch support. If you prefer flat shoes, purchase orthotic insoles to provide greater balance and stability. Use insoles recommended by a podiatrist or foot and ankle center.
Test the Shoes for Comfort
You should test your new shoes for comfort before purchasing. Try on the shoes and take a short walk around the store to determine if they are comfortable. Pay attention to the toe box space, pressure points, and areas of discomfort. The toe box area requires enough wiggle room to prevent issues like ingrown nails, corns, and blisters. Avoid shoes that pinch or push your toes together.
The shoe’s foundation helps to keep you stable when walking, jogging, or standing. If the foundation is unstable, your body weight can squish it resulting in an uneven base. Uneven soles lead to imbalances and poor posture. You can bend the shoe at the toe gently to test the foundation. If the base folds in half, the shoe is too soft and may become squishy over time. Shoes with good support can bend slightly but remain rigid.
Test the Shoe’s Flexibility
A rigid base is required for stability, but shoes that don’t bend at all can also cause damage. Foot-friendly shoes are flexible and allow natural movement when walking. Check if the shoe bends at the ball of the foot by pressing the area lightly. You can also pay attention to the flexibility during your short walk within the store. If the shoe doesn’t flex, replace it with one that is more flexible and accommodating to your natural movements.
Choose Quality Materials
The quality of the material used to make your shoe determines its durability and comfort. Breathable materials like mesh allow air circulation, which is useful for all types of shoes. Proper airflow reduces the likelihood of fungal infections that cause odor. Choose shoes with laces to allow convenient adjustments when you need more airflow or a tighter fit. High-quality materials are also more resilient to roads, gravel, and daily wear and tear. Use the right shoe for the job to avoid getting pricked, bruised, or twisted when you step on other objects.
Visit a Foot and Ankle Institute Today
Various foot issues can be prevented or addressed by wearing the right shoe. If you have injured your foot or ankle or have a medical condition that affects your foot, speak to an expert. Contact a foot and ankle institute today for professional tips on how to get comfortable, supportive shoes.
