Shoe fitting can be one of the most difficult tasks especially for the uncommon foot shape, such as the thin long foot or the narrow heel with wide forefoot or the extra small or extra large foot.
Choosing the right shoe is an essential part of caring for your feet.
Today there are dozens of shoes and boot styles to suite every occasion for dance, sport or work code. Wearing the correct style and soling is very important for foot health and safety.
As a general rule go to the shop that specialises with the shoe type you are after, if you are unsure or have a difficult foot type see a Podiatrist for further advice.
Try this checklist for most footwear
- Keep heel height 2cm or less
- Check that the heel counter is firm and has a good snug fit around the back of the heel. They should not slip on the heel.
- Length of shoe – your feet can lengthen (longitudinal arch lowers) and become wider (ligaments in the forefoot stretch) with age. Where possible have your feet measured every time you buy new shoes and use this only as a guide. The length of your shoe is often best assessed by testing for the space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. This should be your thumb nail in length (approximately 10mm). The same can apply for children – an adult thumb nail is OK but do not be tempted to get shoes two or three sizes larger for growth.
- Straight inner border on the front of the shoe
- Toe box should be deep and rounded for plenty of toe room
- Leather uppers are good but check the finish; patent leather is leather with a plastic coating and is not good if you want a cool shoe for the summer. Suede is leather upside down or flesh side up and is one of the best for wicking perspiration but not good in wet weather.
- Soft synthetic soles are best for extended walking and standing. Leather soles for casual shoes and where coolness is preferred.
- Shoes should flex across the forefoot at the metatarsals. To test flexion, hold shoe at the toe box and heel then flex toe box upwards towards the eyelets.
- A strong shank in the sole of the shoe is best. You should not be able to wring out the shoe like a wet rag. To test shank, hold shoe at the toe box and heel then twist.
- The shoe should have at least three eyelets, a strap or T bar, avoid slip ons.
- Avoid non stretch linings such as cotton or canvas, synthetics and leathers are good linings, shoes without linings are OK too.
- Listen to the sales persons advise but remember they can't feel what you can, never buy shoes you "think" will be comfortable if you have to "wear them in". Don't be tempted, Take time to walk around in the shop, try not to make a hurried decision. Stride out to your normal walking speed and make sure your toes have plenty of room and you cannot feel pressure or rubbing on any part of the foot. Look down and check for any gapping of the shoe, around the heel or in the arch. Check they don't press on your ankle bones. Even light pressure may build up to be intolerable when wearing footwear for long periods.
- Always fit shoes with the socks or stockings you plan to wear with them.
- Lastly check quality control.