If the shoe fits, wear it. Sound advice in the most literal sense,
and if it’s coming from a podiatrist, it’s something to be taken
seriously.
Your feet take a real pounding over the course of a lifetime, and even in the course of just one day. So it’s important to treat them well, and wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes.
Foot doctors have some very definite ideas of what separates the good shoes from the bad, and how you should go about acquiring a good pair. First of all, do your shoe shopping later in the day. By then you’ve been on your feet for hours, and they’ll be the most swollen they’re going to be. That will help you get the best fit for everyday shoes; they should never feel tight.
The best shoes are those made of natural substances that breathe. Genuine leather makes for excellent shoes, as do fabrics. Shoes that breathe are going to minimize problems like athletes foot. Avoid shoes made of synthetic leather or rubber, because these can cause the feet to perspire, which can in turn lead to problems.
Always wear socks made of fabric that will wick away moisture – that is, will absorb it or draw it away from the skin. Cotton and wool are best for this. Foot specialists say stay away from nylon or polyester socks.
If you’ve got a pair of shoes with laces, lace them up. Laces will stabilize the shoe around the foot, which in turn can help decrease rolling or turning the foot and ankle. If you wear clog-style shoes, like Crocs, make sure your toes don’t slide forward and touch the end. If they do, it can lead to nail damage.
Edward A Filcheck is a Board-certified podiatrist who opened his practice in West Virginia in 1998.
Your feet take a real pounding over the course of a lifetime, and even in the course of just one day. So it’s important to treat them well, and wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes.
Foot doctors have some very definite ideas of what separates the good shoes from the bad, and how you should go about acquiring a good pair. First of all, do your shoe shopping later in the day. By then you’ve been on your feet for hours, and they’ll be the most swollen they’re going to be. That will help you get the best fit for everyday shoes; they should never feel tight.
The best shoes are those made of natural substances that breathe. Genuine leather makes for excellent shoes, as do fabrics. Shoes that breathe are going to minimize problems like athletes foot. Avoid shoes made of synthetic leather or rubber, because these can cause the feet to perspire, which can in turn lead to problems.
Always wear socks made of fabric that will wick away moisture – that is, will absorb it or draw it away from the skin. Cotton and wool are best for this. Foot specialists say stay away from nylon or polyester socks.
If you’ve got a pair of shoes with laces, lace them up. Laces will stabilize the shoe around the foot, which in turn can help decrease rolling or turning the foot and ankle. If you wear clog-style shoes, like Crocs, make sure your toes don’t slide forward and touch the end. If they do, it can lead to nail damage.
Edward A Filcheck is a Board-certified podiatrist who opened his practice in West Virginia in 1998.
