Maintaining good foot health is essential to ensuring that your entire body is healthy and intact. It is estimated that millions of people across the United States experience some foot pain or condition because of ill-fitting shoes. Therefore, knowing how shoes ought to fit your feet and what to look for when you go shoe shopping can positively impact the health and vitality of your feet. While each person’s shoe shopping experience is unique, there are several rules of thumb that might apply to everyone. First, you might be especially mindful of finding a shoe that mirrors the shape of your foot. Although it might seem obvious, many people overlook how important it is to select shoes that are not smaller or narrower than the natural shape of their own foot. Additionally, one must be mindful of the fact that shoe sizes are not uniform across brands or shoe types. Therefore, instead of relying exclusively on your numerical shoe size when shopping, you might consider using these numbers as guides, focusing more on the fit of the shoe than the size. Lastly, look for shoes that provide adequate space in the toe box of the shoe. In a good-fitting pair of shoes, your longest toe will not rest flush against the front of the shoe. Leave at most one half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. For more tips on how to shop for a good pair of shoes, consult a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.