Proper Shoe Fit: How to Choose the Right Comfort Shoes
Shoes are items that often become our second skins, keeping us in proper walking form running form, providing stability comfort, and even protecting us from sharp objects we may step on. Before we begin, ask yourself these few simple questions. When it comes to what you put on your feet, do you think much about it or very little at all? When was the last time you had your foot measured? When was the last time you bought a new pair of shoes? We recommend that you get your foot measured at least once or twice a year because the soft tissues and ligaments within our feet tend to relax and stretch out as we age. The stretching and relaxing cause a change in the shape and size of our foot, often resulting in new shoe size or width.
Recognizing that shoes support us in many ways, it is essential to find a pair that fits correctly and is not likely to create problems down the road. Along with this, I would recommend that you invest in a new pair of shoes between every 300-500 miles you place on them. This mileage has proven to be when shoes begin to wear out or develop slants in the soles, creating problems if they continue wearing.
Getting the proper fit:
So, what exactly is a proper fit? When purchasing your new pair of shoes, it is vital to start by wearing the socks you plan to wear with the type of shoe you are searching for. For example, if you buy tennis shoes, you might take a thick pair of crew socks with you; however, if you are looking to buy dress shoes, you might be likely to choose hosiery or thin no-show socks. The next step is to get your foot sized by someone who knows what they’re doing. Lucky for you, I know just the person, and he lives right here in town (keep reading to find out who). Be open-minded while shopping because you will likely find that your foot has changed, or the shoe size varies depending on the brand. Like jeans, every shoe is made differently, and a number should not be relied on when choosing the proper fit.
When getting your foot measured, opt to go later in the day or evening because our feet often swell slightly throughout the day from all of the movement we do. By ensuring that the shoe fits when the foot is slightly swollen, the shoe will be sure to work throughout the entire day. As you are getting measured, be sure to stand tall with your weight in the center of the foot, which will cause it spread out and become more expansive than it first appears. This will allow a proper measurement. The foot should be measured for width and arch length, meaning the heel to the ball of the foot where the big toe joint bends. One foot will almost always be bigger than the other, making it essential that you get fitted for shoes to match your biggest foot. If there is more than a one-and-a-half size difference between feet, I recommend buying two different sizes of shoes.
While trying on shoes, make sure that there is about half an inch from the longest toe to the front of the shoe and about 1/8 inch of space in the back where the heel rests. The toe box is the area in which the toes sit and should allow them to have plenty of space, avoiding calluses, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, corns, and even deformed toes. Once the shoe is on, it should immediately feel comfortable and not be “broken in.” Take the time to walk around with both shoes on and try a variety of surfaces like carpet, wood, tile, or concrete. If anything feels uncomfortable, take that as a sign of the shoe not fitting correctly. The goal is to walk out of the store with a shoe that allows optimal foot space while providing the necessary support.
Choosing the best shoes:
When shopping for shoes, the number one mistake is choosing a shoe for its looks rather than fit. You now know what it means to have a shoe that fits properly, but is there anything special you should be looking for when it comes to the shoe itself? When you first pick up a shoe, look at its overall shape. The shoe’s shape should look similar to the shape of your foot. Check to ensure that the width and depth of the shoe reinforce a proper fit to where your foot is not rubbing against the shoe as you walk. Sadly, most shoes will not stretch out over time, so please, do not bank on this when solidifying your purchase.
A quality shoe will have a cushioned heel with a firm sole. The shoe should allow for flexibility in good areas. However, it should not be so flimsy that it can easily be twisted. Strong soles are the best choice due to the layer of protection they create between your foot and anything sharp you may step on. While the sole should be firm, it is ideal for getting a shoe with an upper part made of soft, breathable materials. This allows the foot to breathe and makes for more comfortable wear during more extended periods. I recommend getting shoes that have laces or straps so that the shoe can easily be adjusted to your foot every day.
Many shoes on today’s market can offer a variety of built-in comfort designs that may meet your wants and needs. Shoe designers may include an “Achilles notch” that places a groove at the back of the shoe where the Achilles tendon rests. This notch reduces friction and heel rubbing to prevent blisters and skin irritation. Another addition may be an ankle collar that wraps around the ankle where the Achilles notch is and provides ankle support while avoiding irritation. A built-in midsole in the shoe’s floor will work to absorb shock and control the motion of your foot as you stride. As discussed previously, the shoe should have a toe box that allows the toes to move freely without being smashed or hitting the sides. A unique built-in feature may even include a roll bar most often seen in specific running or hiking shoes that help prevent excessive movement in the heel area and prevent “ankle rolling.”
When choosing the best shoe for you, take a moment to think about the type of activity you will be completing in this shoe. A shoe’s support and style will vary depending on the activity designated. Specific activities that may require specialized shoes include walking, running, cycling, cross-training, hiking, and even dressing up.
Walking shoes tend to have shock-absorbing heels that flex at the ball of the foot, while running shoes have cushioned heels and flexible toes. Cycling shoes are designed to be stiff to help to pedal, yet cross-trainers are more flexible and often used as all-purpose shoes. Hiking boots tend to provide excellent ankle support, are snug around the heel, have a padded tongue, and have a lot of room in the toe box. Dress shoes are another specific category, and nowadays, they can be both comfortable and stylish as opposed to stiff and flat classic Italian loafers.
Along with comfort, shape, activity, and general fitting, arch length within a shoe should be included when finding the perfect pair. Most shoes have built-in arch supports; however, those who need extra support can find compatible orthotics or inserts discussed below. Those measured to have a neutral arch should choose a shoe with firm midsoles since additional support does not need to be compensated. If you have flat or low arches, look for a shoe with a straight shape to it, creating a solid motion control that will stabilize your stride. Look to make sure that the boots have raised insoles in the place of the arches to help alleviate any added pressure. If you have a high arch, look for shoes with cushioned arch supports to reduce the impact the foot experiences with each step you take.
Orthotics:
If you cannot seem to find a shoe that fits your foot or have a specific foot imbalance, inserts and orthotics may be the answer to your problems. Inserts fit in your shoes and may provide some support; however, they are not custom-designed or made to fix foot problems. Inserts are simply insoles that can be bought in stores without any prescription and made from various materials, including gel, plastic, or foam. Orthotics are either pre-molded or custom-fit insoles that sometimes require a prescription and work to place the foot and ankle in an efficient and preventative injury position.
Often, people experience foot pain and run out to the local general store to pick up a pair of gel shoe inserts mentioned above. These gel inserts break down fast and tend to mess with our bodies’ natural walking movement. The inserts may provide relief for a little bit but are not likely to last. A long-term solution to your problem may include finding proper orthotics that will provide you with ample stability and a hard enough surface to support your feet where needed. Orthotics can correct biomechanical issues, help with foot pain related to diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and even avoid surgery to fix flat feet. Many orthotics offices and quality shoe fitting stores will have scanners that you stand on to identify where additional foot support is needed. Keep reading if you search for an expert shoe fitter and someone who can identify your instabilities.
Help from an Expert:
If you seek expert help finding shoes that fit your needs, look no further than your backyard. Shoe expert John Parker is the store owner of Feet for Life, located inside the Visalia Mall. His shoes can be found in his store or on his local website, https://feetforlifeshoes.com/. Mr. Parker has owned and operated this store since 1983 after working ten years for his father, who also owned a shoe store, Dick Parker Shoes. Mr. Parker has built quite a credible name for himself, specializing in fitting both men and women with comfortable footwear emphasizing health and wellness.
Along with shoes, Feet for Life offers a wide variety of orthotics made to meet the needs of each individual. The store includes a 3D foot scanner that will properly match you with the perfect orthotic based on your foot and its needed support. In cases of extreme support, the scanner can print out custom orthotics specifically designed for you. You may often hear people talk about how expensive custom molds are the only way to feel a real difference, but this is not necessarily the case. In 90-95% of cases, pre-molded orthotics are suitable because of the large variety to choose from, and with the help of Mr. Parker, you are likely to find the pair made for you. One of the few times that custom orthotics should be sought after is having two extremely different-sized feet.
Feet for Life is the store I strongly recommend you search for shoes to maximize comfort and support. https://feetforlifeshoes.com/
