Selecting the Right Shoes

Footwear serves several useful functions, including protecting our feet, cushioning our body weight, providing comfort and, of course, adding a fashionable element to our wardrobe choices. However, selecting the proper footwear can also make a difference in your overall foot health. As you consider those fun new kicks, we encourage you to be mindful of how the correct type of shoe can help you avoid injuring or further exacerbating existing foot and ankle conditions. Specifically, ill-fitting shoes can be painful and cause issues like bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, Lisfranc injuries and more.

Of course, living on the gorgeous Gulf Coast, we can’t talk about footwear and not discuss flip-flops. When you live, work and play in the sunshine state, it’s nearly impossible to avoid wearing them. After all, it’s not particularly practical to march out on our sugar white sands in a pair of wing tip loafers. However, flip-flops are not appropriate for everyday use. They leave your feet vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections, in addition to slipping around, causing painful blisters. Additionally, they contribute to heel pain, and the lack of support they provide can ultimately lead to bad posture.

We also treat many athletes of varying skill and experience levels who often find themselves wearing the wrong type of shoe. While the choices can be overwhelming, you can typically find shoes made for your specific athletic activity. From running, training and walking shoes to court and field sports shoes as well as specialty sports shoes, the options are endless. Visiting a specialty store where you can work with a trained staff member is often the best place to start.

For those who love to wear high heels, it’s equally imperative that you find the right fit to avoid injury or further damage to your feet and ankles. High heels are designed to point the foot down, which gives the leg a slender appearance. This position puts a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot, bending the toes up to meet the ground. The higher the heel, the higher the pressure on the ball of the foot, which, over time, wearing high heels may cause a stress fracture. However, by selecting options with lower heels and a wider toe box that matches your toe shape, you can alleviate pressure on the ball of the foot.

Regardless of the type of footwear you are considering, the following tips are helpful to keep in mind as you select how the shoes are constructed, correctly measuring your feet and finding the right fit.

• Find a well-constructed shoe. Look for a cushioned heel with a firm sole that doesn’t easily twist or bend and has flexibility in the proper area, depending on the type of shoe. Adequate arch support in the shoe or inside the insert area is also essential.
• Correctly measure and find the right size. Have your feet measured or measure yourself using provided online sizing guides. Your foot size and shape can change over time, and different brands may have minor differences in sizing that can have a significant impact. Additionally, measure both feet, as most people do not have feet precisely the same size, and take those measurements when your feet are the largest at the end of the day.
• Consider the shape and fit of the shoe. The shape should resemble that of your foot and fit your foot comfortably. Don’t plan on shoes stretching over time. They should fit well when you buy them. The ball of your foot (the widest part just before your toes begin) should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe. If the shoe’s toe box is too small, your toes will rub against the top of the shoe causing calluses or sores.
• Stand up and walk around in them. When you are standing, there is 3/8″ or 1/2″ (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe. Walk around to gauge the overall fit. They shouldn’t chafe or rub, and your heel should not slip or slide while walking.

If wearing the wrong type of shoe has caused an injury to your feet or ankles, or you have been experiencing symptoms of any of the painful conditions we’ve described, reach out to North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists. Our experienced physicians, Dr. Erik Nilssen and Dr. Sonya Ahmed are available to discuss your specific needs and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Call us at 850.435.4800 or complete our Online Appointment Form today.