It’s normal to focus on outward appearance when it comes to shoe shopping, but there are more than just looks to consider. Make sure you’re buying the right footwear to support your style and your feet as you go about your day! Otherwise, you could be faced with health issues that significantly impact your quality of life. Keep reading for more information.
The Importance of Wearing the Right Footwear
Your feet are more complicated than you might think. That means there’s a lot of room for a wide variety of different issues you could have to deal with. Wearing the wrong kind of footwear for a particular activity or simply wearing unsupportive footwear day to day can seriously impact the health of your feet. And your feet affect the overall health of your entire body, so support is a must!
Generally unsupportive shoes can lead to pain and discomfort, which can start in your feet but eventually move to your legs, hips, and back. Shoes that are too tight, point at the toe, or have a very high heel can cause more specific problems like plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, and more.
How to Shoe Shop with Your Feet in Mind
Besides the obvious—making sure they’re comfortable—we have some extra tips to help you on your search for the perfect shoes!
For starters, before you even go shopping, it’s a good idea to measure your feet. You probably already know your shoe size, but did you know that it’s incredibly common to have one foot that’s slightly larger than the other? Figuring out which one (if any) of your feet is larger will help you make sure you buy shoes that are comfortable for that one, not just the slightly smaller one.
Your feet also expand throughout the day, so it’s best to shop for shoes at the end of the day! The last thing you want is to buy shoes that seem like they fit, only to have them feel tight and uncomfortable after wearing them all day.
Again, you probably know your shoe size—but buying shoes without trying them on or buying a pair just because the box says they’re your size are bad ideas. Pay more attention to how the shoes actually fit than what numerical size they are. Different brands size shoes differently anyway!
It’s best practice to never assume shoes will “break in.” Some will get a little more comfortable over time, but most will retain their original fit. Don’t shove your feet into a pair of shoes assuming they’ll stretch out or adjust to the shape of your feet later on. If you can’t wiggle your toes inside the shoe, they’re too small!
In order to find shoes with the right support for you, it’s important to know exactly what kind of support you need. Do you have high arches or flat feet? How does your particular walking gait affect your feet? Where might you need extra support where someone else doesn’t? Your podiatrist can analyze all of these things and more to tell you what you need to know. Custom orthotics are a great option, since they offer support specifically for you and can be put in most shoes!
Experiencing Foot Pain?
You shouldn’t have to live with foot pain or even mild discomfort. If you’ve been experiencing either, it’s time to address the issues before it becomes an even bigger problem! The professionals at Foot Specialists of Birmingham are ready to help you find a solution. Get in touch with us today to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
