A Guide to Successful Shoe Shopping
What are you after? Something . . . . . sporty, funky, fun, dressy, or maybe alluring?
Almost any shoe store in the world can offer you good looks - But the right fit as well? Now that takes some smarts!
As a matter of fact, professional studies have shown that up to 88% of the shoe buying public regularly purchase footwear that will inevitably cause them pain.
Check out what the professionals recommend. It will most likely save you a lot of time, trouble, money and most importantly - keep your feet pain free!
Finding the Right Fit
Shop in the evening:
Oddly enough, morning feet are smaller than evening feet. Natural gravitational swelling of the feet is something no one can escape. If you want 24 hour comfort, be sure you’ve got a swelling accommodative, 24 hour shoe.
Be sure the shape of the shoe, fits the shape of your foot:
The shape of a shoe is determined by the shape of its sole. One extremely simple way to check the shoe's shape compared to your foot is to simply put your foot on the bottom of the shoe, or its sole. If it is not wide where your foot is wide, you know you’re very likely to have problems in the future.
Look for low, wide heels:
Those glamorous, leg-lengthening, high heels men so often favor seeing on women also put an incredible amount of pressure on both the heels and balls of your feet. Prolonged pressure of that sort can cause stress fractures, structural deformities of the foot, along with a number of other unpleasantness. A stable foundation is wise in any situation.
Try shoes one size larger than normal:
The most common mistake people make when shoe shopping is buying foot wear a hair too small. This is actually due more to the width of the shoe rather than the length. Always be certain there is plenty of space for the sides of your feet. You will avoid painful blisters, and calluses, as well as lengthen the life of your shoes.
Follow the Rule of Thumb:
One simple way to test the quality of your fit is to check if there is a thumb's width of space between your toes and the tip of the shoe while you are standing in the shoes. Your toes need space. Without that space, ulcerations, calluses, and other toe related deformities and ailments can easily occur.
Check the insole padding:
Quality insole padding is essential, particularly when selecting athletic shoes. When the pressure is on, that cushioning helps maintain the proper position of your foot, provides shock absorption, and general support. When all you have is your feet and a pair of shoes to support your entire body, that support can be pretty important.
Unfortunately, the right shoe is not always the right answer for everyone. If any kind of foot pain persists, contact your local podiatrist.
The answer to your problem may be as simple as a customized shoe insert, an orthotic, or as complex as a surgical procedure.
Pain is the body's way of letting you know something is wrong. Early detection of any present or potential problem, will always be to your advantage.
Healthcommunities.com