SHOES
Shoes are the first line of defense against foot and ankle injury. They are designed to provide protection, comfort, support and style. Over the centuries, the shoe has evolved. The designs and materials have changed many times. Today, there is almost an endless array of styles and designs. Which makes it difficult to decide which pair of shoes is right for you. The first question you should ask yourself is, "What activity are the shoes for?" Wearing the right shoe for a particular activity is probably as important a factor in the choice of shoes as any. Will they be for exercise walking or for more rigorous activities such as basket-ball or tennis? Are you starting an aerobics class? Are they for your teenager to wear to school, or for you to wear to work? Are the shoes for an infant, toddler or child?
Remember these tips when buying shoes:
 | Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe. Judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot. |
| Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot. |
| Most people have one foot that's slightly larger than the other. Fit to the largest foot. |
| Buy shoes at the end of the day. Most people have some swelling in their feet later in the day. |
| Stand and walk during the fitting process and check that there is adequate space (one-half inch) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe. |
| Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe. |
| Don't purchase shoes that feel too tight, expecting them to "break-in". The shoes should be comfortable when you buy them. |
| Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slippage. |
| Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits and feels right. Fashionable shoes can be comfortable! |
| Don’t rely on the size of your last pair of shoes. Your feet do get larger, and shoe sizes vary by manufacturer and style. |
| Be sure that shoes fit well—front, back, and sides—to distribute weight. |
| Select a shoe with a leather upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot. |
| Buy shoes that don’t pinch your toes, either at the tips, or across the toe box. You should have room to wiggle your toes. |
| If you wear orthotics (custom made arch supports), you should take them with you to fit in the new shoe before you buy them. |
| Consider four basic factors: support, comfort, durability and control of foot motion. |
| Don't forsake quality for price. An inexpensive pair of shoes may fit your budget, but often do not fit your feet. It is often the case with shoes that you get what you pay for. |
| Make sure the shoe has a removable insert that can be changed after 200 to 300 miles. |
Children’s Shoes
Generally, shoes are not necessary when a
child begins to walk. When the child walks barefooted, or with socks only,
the muscles in the feet strengthen and develop. When children grow and
become more active, they will need the protection and support of shoes. it
is necessary to change shoe sizes frequently because of the rapid growth of
the child. A child's foot should never be forced in to a shoe that is
too small.
Remember these tips when purchasing children's shoes:
| The child’s foot should be measured while he or she
is standing up with full weight-bearing. |
| Have both feet measured. If there is a small
difference in the sizes, the shoes should be chosen to fit the
larger foot. The shoes should not slip off at the heels. |
| There should be about a thumb’s width of space (1/2
inch) between the end of the shoe and the tip of the toes. There should
be enough room for the child to comfortably wiggle his or her toes. |
| If the child has recurring ankle sprains, they may do
better with high-top shoes. |
| The child should wear the shoes around the store for several minutes with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or she feels any pain or pressure when wearing the shoes. Feel the inside of the shoe for anything that could cause irritation. Look for signs of irritation on the child's foot when the shoe is removed. |
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Examine the shoe. It should have a built-in arch, a firm heel counter (stiff material at the sides of the heel) and a cushioned insole. When you bend the shoe, it should bend at the ball of the foot not at the middle of the shoe. |
Women’s Shoes
Women are especially likely to cause harm in the pursuit of fashion!!!
Women account for nearly 90 percent of all operations performed to correct common foot disorders such as bunions, hammertoes and neuromas that are often caused by improper shoes. The shoes women wear are the biggest culprits, especially dress shoes, which are typically characterized by a tight fit, narrow toe boxes, high heels and shapes that don't conform to the foot.
Often, women squeeze into dress shoes that are one or two sizes too small for their feet. If you're a woman, you can test that yourself: Take off one shoe and place it on the floor alongside your foot. Chances are your foot will be wider than the shoe.
Women who wear narrow-toed shoes must squeeze the forefoot into the shoe, placing considerable pressure on the big and little toes and all the bones in between. If the shoes also have high heels, the pressure on the forefoot soars by a factor of five. As a result, the forefoot is literally molded into an abnormal shape.
To decrease the harmful effects of these
types of shoes, women can limit the time they wear them. They should be
alternated with good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day. Another
idea is to wear dress shoes with a lower heel height and wider toe area.
There are comfortable and attractive “walking” pumps (also called “comfort”
pumps) for work and social activities.
Perhaps the best shoe for women's leisure is a lace-up
walking shoe. It should have a rubber sole and a rigid heel counter.
Men’s Shoes
The best dress shoe for men is a quality
oxford style (wing tip shoes fall into this category). Suitable alternatives
include dressy loafers, and low dress boots. Office workers should earmark
three to five pairs of shoes for business hours. Cushioned sole shoes
that give good support are essential for those who spend most of their
working days on their feet. But as with women's shoes, the foot should not
be forced into a shoe that is too narrow or small.
Men and women should buy shoes for work, leisure and special
activities. The shoes should match the activity.
Those who work in heavy industry, such as construction and
metal workers, need safety shoes and boots. Safety features may include
being steel-toed and soles made of non-conducting materials.
A change of shoes is often all it takes to alleviate foot problems. Roomy, comfortable shoes, such as running shoes or walking shoes, should be your first step.
Athletic Shoes
Different sporting activities call for specific footwear to protect feet and ankles. A running shoe is built to absorb impact, while a tennis shoe is made to give support for side-to-side motion. Sports specific athletic shoes are a wise investment for serious athletes. This may not be as important for people who are weekend athletes. “Cross trainers” are fine for a general athletic shoe, such as for physical education classes. It is still a good idea to use the correct shoe for each sport. For many athletic activities, your shoes are your most important piece of equipment.
Another very important consideration is the condition of the shoe. Do not wear any shoe past its useful life (when the shoe has worn on one side more than the other or when it has lost its shock absorption).
Dual Size Shoe Contacts
If The Shoe Fits Foundation
PO Box 1529
Riverton UT 84065-9998
Ph: 801-808-7009
E-Mail:
iftheshoefits@desertmail.com
Need A Shoe
P. O. Box 371222
Denver CO 80237
One Shoe Crew
86 Clavela Ave.
Sacramento CA 95828
Ph: 916-682-7655