One thing that just about everybody has in common is that they wear shoes. Finding shoes that fit well can not only make you more comfortable but it can also help you maintain the health of your feet. By purchasing shoes that fit right, you can avoid pain and discomfort.
The 10 tips listed below, which are provided by the Pedorthic Footcare Association, should help you keep your feet in great shape by choosing shoes that fit.
- Shoe sizes can vary between manufacturers and by style. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you wear the same size in every shoe. Instead, know your general size range, trying on as many different sizes and widths as necessary until you get the right fit.
- Don’t just measure one foot – measure them both. Most people have one foot that is larger than the other. By carefully measuring both of your feet, you can figure out which one is larger. You should then buy shoes based on those larger measurements. When shoe shopping, you should also wear the type of socks that you plan on wearing with your new shoes.
- Consider the shape of the shoes. Ideally, it should be similar to the shape of your actual foot. The closer the shoes are to matching your foot, the better they will fit.
- Try on a lot of different types of shoes when you are shopping. Pay more attention to the fit than the style. Avoid shoes that are too snug or that create pain points on any parts of your feet. Make sure that the shoes aren’t too loose, either. By looking for the perfect fit, you can help ensure that your shoes are as comfortable as possible.
- The width of the shoes should be the same as the width of your foot. In terms of length, however, the shoes should be slightly longer than your actual foot. When your feet hit the ground as you walk, they become slightly longer, requiring extra space in your shoes. Most experts recommend allowing anywhere from about 3/8 of an inch to 1/2 inch of extra space at the front of your shoe.
- Check the width of the shoe, as well. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the shoe, even when your foot is bent. Make sure the shoe’s widest area is wide enough to comfortably accommodate your foot.
- Make sure your heels are comfortable. One mistake that people commonly make is opting for shoes that are too small for their feet, simply to keep the heels from slipping. If the heel slips, there are other options, instead. You could use a shoe insole, try on a different pair, or have the shoes altered to fit your feet.
- If you use inserts or orthotics, adjust the size of your shoes accordingly. When they are placed inside your shoes, they take up a lot of extra space. If you plan on using orthotics, look for shoes that have room to spare so that they don’t wind up being too tight. If you need them for a particular issue such as plantar fasciitis then maybe plantar fasciitis shoes are a better option than insoles.
- Think about how and where you plan on wearing the shoes. Over the course of the day, your feet can swell, becoming larger. The same holds true for changes in the weather. Activities like standing for a long period of time, exercising, or putting on weight can also affect the size of your feet.
Keep this in mind as you shop so that you can buy shoes that are appropriate for the types of activities that you do and for the times of the day that you plan on wearing them.
- Walk around in the shoes at the shoe store. Don’t just stand in one place when trying to tell whether or not a shoe fits well. Instead, walk around a little bit to get a sense of how comfortable it really is.
The right shoes not only allow you to make a fashion statement but they also directly impact your comfort and well-being. Choosing shoes that fit perfectly will allow you to keep your feet healthy while at the same time enjoying your favorite activities in comfort and style.
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