At Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC, if we had to pick one thing that has the greatest impact on the health of your feet, it would be proper footwear. Many common foot and ankle conditions are caused by wearing shoes that are poorly made or don’t fit properly. Many major foot problems are made worse by wearing shoes that are wrong for your feet. Below are some tips for getting the best shoes for you:
- Have your feet measured professionally each time you buy a new pair of shoes. Feet size can increases as you age.
- Shop for shoes at the end of the day—that’s when feet are swollen and at their largest.
- Most people have one foot that is larger than the other. Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
- Limit heel height to 2 inches or less. Heels higher than that force your toes to be squeezed together in the front of the shoe and puts excessive pressure on the ball of the foot.
- Be sure the toe box is roomy enough to comfortably wiggle your toes. There should be at least a half an inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Inspect the inside of the shoe for loose stitching or fabric that could cause friction or rub on a part of your foot.
- Try on both shoes and take your time walking around the store to be sure they are comfortable. Shoes should fit properly from the moment you buy them. A “breaking in period” is a myth.
- Make sure the shoes you buy accommodate any foot condition that you currently have. Our podiatrists, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight, and Dr. Marzana Mleczko can examine your feet and advise you on the proper shoes to protect an injured or sore area or to accommodate an orthotic device if necessary. To get the foot doctor recommendations on the best shoes for your individual feet, contact our Valley Stream or Lake Success office to schedule an appointment.