Do’s and Don’ts for Buying New Shoes

At Texas Foot Specialists we want our patients to take every step possible to protect the health of their feet and ankles. What’s one of the best ways to do this? Wearing shoes that are well-made and fit your feet correctly. So many common podiatric conditions and sources of chronic foot pain can be traced back to poorly fitting shoes.

Do’s and don’ts to ensure you get the best fit possible

Do: shop for shoes late in the day. Feet are their largest after you’ve been on them for many hours. Buying shoes at the end of the day will help guarantee that they’ll be comfortable all day long.

Do: get your feet measured professionally periodically. It’s not at all uncommon for shoe size to change as you age or if you are pregnant. It’s also not unusual to have one foot that’s bigger than the other. Always choose shoes that will accommodate the larger foot.

Don’t: buy shoes without trying them on with your custom orthotic if you have one.

Do: consult our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum before shopping if you have a toe deformity or biomechanical problem with your feet. The foot doctor can alert you to designs and key features that will be less harmful and more comfortable for your condition. Contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600), or Houston (713-664-6677) offices if you need assistance.

Don’t: neglect to bring the same type of socks you plan to use with the shoes you are purchasing.

Don’t: choose styles with narrow toe boxes or heels over two inches high. These types of shoes force the toes forward and together and can exacerbate a bunion or hammertoe.

Do: try on any shoes you are considering and take your time walking in them to ensure that they are a good fit. The same size may fit differently depending on the manufacturer. Remember that shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you buy them. If you are a diabetic patient, check the inside of the shoe for any rough spots that may rub and cause irritation or a blister.