5 Tips To Know Before Buying Proper Fitting Shoes

When it comes to shoes, there are usually two types of people: those who buy too many pairs and those who avoid buying shoes at all costs. But did you know that shoes are not just about looks – the shoes you choose can have a huge impact on the health of your feet. How?

Each time you move or walk, your legs will carry twice your total body weight with each step you take. The right shoes will provide your feet with the necessary cushioning and support and at the same time they will be comfortable. On the other hand, shoes that do not fit properly can contribute to injuries such as shin splints and Achilles tendon pain, corns, ingrown nails, or posture problems and low back pain.

Our podiatrist have the following tips to keep in mind when buying new shoes:

1. Have adequate space

Make sure there is a gap of 1.5 cm between the toe and the toe of the shoe. Wrap your toes to make sure they have enough room to move – they may not feel pinched. In some cases (for example, if your shoes are leather) it may take a long time for the shoes to take off, but in general, the shoes should be comfortable, even if they are new.

2. Test shoes before buying

Trying on shoes is important, especially if we have access to an online store these days. We can order shoes based on our normal size from online, although it should be noted that not all brands make the same size. So it’s important to physically go to the store and choose the shoes you like and try them on.Before wearing shoes regularly, try them on different surfaces to see how they feel when walking. Put on your new pair of shoes at home for a shorter period of time than you put on for a longer period of time. 

3. Shop in the afternoon

Did you know that at the end of the day, your legs are bigger than in the morning? Buying shoes later gives your feet plenty of time to expand naturally and you will find a pair that fits you. As we age, our arteries become incompetent, which means they can no longer carry fluid in the circulation, causing fluid to build up in the feet. Many elderly patients with swollen feet and ankles can often benefit from buying shoes when their feet are more swollen. The foot fits so well in the shoe and the patient will not feel uncomfortable when they are tight.

4. Get Proper fitting

The easiest way to find out if a shoe is too big or too small is to find out how big the toe is. There should be a gap about the width of a toe between the toe and the toe of the shoe.

Another way to check this is to slip your toe between the heel of the foot and the heel of the shoe. There should be enough space on your finger to fit properly. If your finger slides quickly into the left area, you should drop half the size, while if it clicks firmly, go half up.

If your shoes are too tight, they are likely to scrub and this friction can cause blisters, so it’s best to have some room to move. The ball of your foot should fit snugly against the widest part of the shoe and the heel should allow the heel to slip slightly. Slipping on the heels will not cause blisters if you break the shoe slowly.

If a pair of shoes seems too tight, try half the size of the shoes, because you won’t have to buy new shoes in the hope that they will last longer over time.

Shoe sizes may vary by brand and style, so you may need to change your shoe size from time to time. If you try on the shoes and they fit well, then the size of the label theoretically does not matter. If your shoes are obviously too big, then you should not wear them, because bad shoes can lead to foot problems, as we mean, and it is important to take care of your feet.

5. Make sure your feet are supported

The inserts help provide extra cushioning and support and add strength. It can also help alleviate back and hip problems. inserts can be used to reduce unnecessary knee movement and more effective shock absorption. ​​One of the most common painful conditions the inserts help alleviate is the plantar fasciitis. 

There are several types of over-the-counter inserts. They are available at a retail pharmacy. Some over-the-counter orthoses are made of soft materials that immediately dissipate when you step on them – you want to avoid them. Instead, use those that are made of polymer plastic or hard plastic because they are stiffer and offer more support underfoot. 

In order for the inserts to really help with your foot pain, you need to provide strong support that adapts to the contours of your feet. It starts by determining the height of your arch. You want different top cover thicknesses depending on whether you prefer thick removable insoles along their entire length, thin removable insoles along their entire length or no distortion eliminated.

The most important thing for foot care is to find the right solution for you – if you get the right product, you will know! Simply adjusting your slippers can change how your feet feel after a long day of standing and walking for hours.

​​Meet our podiatrists, who can help you find shoes that suit your type of foot and your daily activities. We can also perform biomechanical analysis of gait and also make custom orthoses based on your foot type to provide you with the support you need for pain free walking. We have two offices conveniently located in Whittier and Bellflower. An appointment is usually also available on the same day.