Proper Shoe Fit
As they say, “If the shoe fits, wear it.” But whatever you do, don’t wear the shoe if it doesn’t fit, because improperly fitted shoes can cause corns and calluses, and can aggravate bunions, hammertoes and other foot disorders. Along with the right fit, you’ll want to make sure that your shoes are made with durable construction for both protection and comfort.
The next time you’re shopping for shoes, keep these tips in mind:
- Since your feet grow with age, have your foot measured every time you buy new shoes to ensure that you’re getting the right fit.
- It’s not uncommon for one foot to be slightly longer than the other. After having your feet measured, choose a shoe that fits your longer foot. Keep in mind that there should be a little bit of breathing room between your toe and the front of the shoe. Your feet should never be right up to the front of a shoe.
- Because your feet can swell as the day goes on, it’s best to shop for new shoes in the evening, when your feet are their biggest size.
- Get shoes that conform to your feet—not the other way around.
- Avoid buying shoes that come to a point, such as high heels that force your toes to bunch together.
- No matter what kind of shoe you’re buying, you should be able to move your toes freely
- Along with making sure your toes are comfortable, make sure your heels fit properly in the shoes, as well.
- When it comes to high heels, the lower the heel the better. A heel over two inches high can put unnecessary pressure on the ball of your foot. Also, the higher the heel, the more your toes will be jammed together in the shoe’s toe box.
- No matter what the shoe salesman tells you, don’t buy shoes unless they are comfortable immediately—not down the road when you’ve “broken them in.”
