Shopping for shoes is a pastime for some and a chore for others. But whether you enjoy buying shoes or not, the reality is we all have to wear them.
Shoes provide support and protect your feet from injury. They can keep your feet comfortable or cause pain and damage. The key is knowing what to look for.
David B. Glover, DPM, FACFAS, and our team at Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute know that the right shoes can make a big difference for the health of your feet. In this blog, we share the dos and don’ts of shopping for shoes.
Do these things when buying shoes
Try on shoes before buying
Different brands and styles of shoes can fit differently, and the only way to know if a pair fits is to try them on. When you go shopping, wear or bring socks that are similar to the socks you’ll wear with the shoes. If you’re shopping for dress shoes, bring dress socks. If you’re buying running shoes, bring sports socks.
Measure your feet
Your feet will likely change over the years, so measure both of your feet each time you buy shoes to make sure you’re wearing the right size shoes.
In addition to measuring your feet, consider shoe shopping in the afternoon or evening. Feet naturally swell as the day goes on, so trying on shoes when your feet are at their biggest will ensure a good fit.
Consider shoe inserts
Some types of shoes don’t come with a lot of support. Boots and casual sneakers can have flat footbeds that don’t provide enough arch support, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them.
Shoe inserts can make an average pair of shoes very comfortable. Putting inserts in your shoes can give your feet the support they need and can help alleviate foot pain.
Don’t do these things when buying shoes
If they’re tight, they aren’t right
Just because a pair of shoes is the size you normally wear, that doesn’t mean they’ll fit your feet. If a pair of shoes squeeze your feet or your toes, don’t buy them. Shoes with narrow, pointed toes can increase your risk of developing bunions, hammer toe, and other painful foot conditions.
Style minus comfort equals disaster
Shoes should be comfortable and supportive above all else. For women in particular, shoes that are stylish often don’t have the support they should. High heels shift your body weight onto the balls of your feet and are notorious for causing foot problems.
If you must wear high heels, find shoes with large block heels and toe boxes that are wide enough for your feet. Larger heels will provide more stability, and wider toe boxes will allow your toes to spread out.
Don’t buy shoes that need “breaking in”
A new pair of shoes should be comfortable from the start. If shoes are stiff and uncomfortable when you try them on, they’re likely not right for your feet. Breaking in shoes can be painful and lead to blisters and other problems.
Whether you want to prevent foot problems in the future or you need help finding shoes that will relieve existing foot pain, Dr. Glover can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Mountain View Foot & Ankle Institute today.