Footwear News
November 22nd, 2014

Footwear doesn’t last forever and shoes will need replacing at some stage no matter how new the shoe laces look…

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Choosing the right shoe is important. There are a few general rules that need to be followed when purchasing new shoes.

Here are some of the more important features to look for when purchasing new shoes…

LACE-UP

Laces keep the foot back in the heel of the shoe.  This allows the forefoot to function properly and efficiently. It also helps to reduce forward pressure onto the toes.

BROAD TOE AND BOX

a broad toe box helps prevent lateral compression (i.e. squeezing of the toes).  If the shoe is too shallow, this causes pressure on the toes which can lead to blisters, the formation of corns and toe nail trauma or damage.

THUMB-SPACE CLEARANCE

Always try the shoes when standing as feet elongate and spread when you are weight bearing.  Insufficient toe room can result in nail problems and instability. In some cases, shin pain may occur du to overuse of leg muscles. Ensure the shoe fits the longer of your two feet and approximately 10mm to 15mm of room beyond the longest toe is advised.

FOREFOOT BEND

Footwear should bend only at the ball of the foot where the toes normally bend and not through the arch.

HEEL COUNTER

The heel counter should be firm and feel snug as this helps to keep the heel stable.

THE UPPER

Leather uppers are preferred for durability and its ability to breathe.  Avoid synthetic man made materials unless the upper is an open weave fabric or breathable.

SHOCK ABSORBING SOLE

A cushioned non-slip sole is preferred to minimise jarring through the foot, leg, and spine and to also prevent slipping.  Avoid hard sole materials (e.g. leather soles) especially when you have severe plantar heel pain.

TORSION

Only a small amount of twisting motion should be available in a stable shoe. Excessive torsion can exacerbate ankle instability.

HEEL HEIGHT

A shoe with a low heel is preferable (i.e. 10mm to 25mm). The higher the heel, the more unstable you become.

HEEL BASE

The heel base needs to be broad.  The smaller and narrower the heel base is, the less contact you have with the ground thus affecting your stability.

HELPFUL HINTS WHEN BUYING SHOES

  • Always have your feet measured as sizing varies with different brands and styles of shoes.  The size marked on the shoes should be used as a guide only as feet may change in size and shape with time.
  • If one foot is larger than the other, always fit the shoe to the larger foot .
  • To obtain the best fit, try shopping for shoes later in the afternoon as feet may be slightly swollen.
  • Try shoes on with the thickness of socks or stockings you would usually wear.
  • If you have been provided with orthoses or orthotic appliances or innersoles prescribed by your podiatrist, make sure you try them inside the shoe.
  • If you are still unsure about stability of footwear ask your podiatrist to check them for you before wearing your new shoes.

Podiatry Care now offer a range of school shoes and sandals which cater for orthotic appliances. We also have Orthaheel thongs (flip flops) available for summer. For more information call your nearest Podiatry Care clinic.