Give Your Feet the Shoes They Deserve

Did you know that August 17this “I Love My Feet Day?” At Texas Foot Specialists, we’d like to suggest that you do something good for your feet, and that is buying properly-fitting shoes. One of the single biggest ways you can protect your feet from many common disorders is by wearing shoes that don’t hurt your feet. Below are some suggestions for ensuring that you get the best fit:

Go Pro—have your foot measured by a professional. Feet size can change as you age, if you are pregnant or gain weight. It is often the case that one foot is larger than the other. Always buy shoes that are comfortable on the larger foot.

Be Prepared—wear the type of sock you will most likely be wearing with the shoes you are purchasing. If our podiatrists Dr. Gregory Mangum or Dr. Bruce Miller have prescribed a custom orthotic for you, be sure to bring it to try on with your shoes. 

Time it Right—it’s best to shop at the end of the day; that’s when your feet are most swollen and at their largest. 

Get Some Wiggle Room—there should be at least ½ inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely inside the shoe. Avoid cramped toe boxes. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they can also lead to bunions, hammertoes and ingrown toenails. 

Inspect the Inside—run your hand around the inside of the shoe. Check for rough patches and loose stitching which could rub against the skin of your foot and create a blister. 

Walk Around—try on both shoes and take your time walking around the store. Shoes should be comfortable and not tight from the outset—a “breaking in” period is a myth! When you take the shoes off, look your feet over for any redness that might indicate undue pressure being put on one spot of your foot. 

At Texas Foot Specialists, we want to help our patients be proactive about the health of their feet. To learn more, contact our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Houston (713) 664-6677 office.