 The Women's Place promotes proper footcare while maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. |
Footwear facts
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Contributed - Story:
38436
Apr 4, 2008 / 5:00 am
Apr 4, 2008 / 5:00 am
When purchasing footwear keep these points in mind:
Have both feet measured when standing. Heel to toe (overall length). Heel to ball (where your foot bends) and width. Keep in mind that feet change with age, weight gain, pregnancy and hormonal changes.
One foot is often bigger than the other. Fit to the largest foot.
Try on both shoes, walk around and be sure that the footwear is comfortable immediately.
Don’t rely on the shoe “stretching” or breaking in the shoe. This occurs at the expense of your foot health.
Footwear should fit well in the front, back and sides.
You should have ½” of space between the end of your longest toe (this can often be your second toe) and the end of the footwear when standing.
The widest part of your foot should match the widest part of the shoe.
You should be able to pinch approximately 1/8” to ¼” of material in the upper of the shoe. Your footwear should be the same general shape as your foot.
Keep in mind that shoe size will vary in length, width and volume between manufacturers and various styles of shoes. Always ensure that the fit and feel of the shoe is comfortable when buying new shoes rather than relying on the size.
Make sure that your footwear is offering optimum support. You should not be able to compress the heel counter or easily twist the shoe.
The shoe should be thick, wide, square to rounded, stiff with only flexibility at the flex point (which is at the ball of the foot) or a rocker sole at the ball. Laced up shoes, rather than slip on shoes, offer the best adjustability feature and will keep your footwear on more effectively while allowing for an optimum fit.
Ensure that you are wearing the appropriate shoe for the activity that you are performing. If you are involved in a lot of walking, you should wear a running shoe or a high end and supportive walking shoe. A cross trainer style of shoe is not appropriate for walking. If you are playing racket ball sports, you should be in a court shoe that is designed for side-to-side movement, etc. Choose supportive footwear for the house such as a supportive sandal.
Make sure that you replace your footwear often. Factors such as
activity level, weight, variety of shoe selection and walking surfaces
will affect the life of your footwear. Ensure that you replace your footwear at least every 8 to 12 months depending on the above-mentioned factors. Check for sole wear and distortion of the upper material.
There are occasions when dressier shoes must be worn. Simply limit excessive walking during these times and keep the duration and frequency to a minimum. Foot care and comfort should be a priority during the more active times of your life.
Promoting and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle begins with strong foundations from the foot up!
For further information on your footwear needs, please contact your local Certified Pedorthist, Lise Dallien of Orthoquest Pedorthics, at 860-4181.
Orthoquest Pedorthics is a medical company that evaluates foot posture and analyzes how people walk in order to determine whether improper movement is contributing to pain that may be experienced in the feet, ankles, knees, hips or back. Custom foot orthotics (devices worn in shoes) can help alleviate pain if improper alignment is evident.
You should have ½” of space between the end of your longest toe (this can often be your second toe) and the end of the footwear when standing.
The widest part of your foot should match the widest part of the shoe.
You should be able to pinch approximately 1/8” to ¼” of material in the upper of the shoe. Your footwear should be the same general shape as your foot.
The shoe should be thick, wide, square to rounded, stiff with only flexibility at the flex point (which is at the ball of the foot) or a rocker sole at the ball. Laced up shoes, rather than slip on shoes, offer the best adjustability feature and will keep your footwear on more effectively while allowing for an optimum fit.
activity level, weight, variety of shoe selection and walking surfaces
will affect the life of your footwear. Ensure that you replace your footwear at least every 8 to 12 months depending on the above-mentioned factors. Check for sole wear and distortion of the upper material.
Promoting and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle begins with strong foundations from the foot up!
For further information on your footwear needs, please contact your local Certified Pedorthist, Lise Dallien of Orthoquest Pedorthics, at 860-4181.
Orthoquest Pedorthics is a medical company that evaluates foot posture and analyzes how people walk in order to determine whether improper movement is contributing to pain that may be experienced in the feet, ankles, knees, hips or back. Custom foot orthotics (devices worn in shoes) can help alleviate pain if improper alignment is evident.
The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet.
Castanet presents its columns "as is" and does not warrant the contents.
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