Ten Points to Proper Shoe Fit

Wear shoes that fit properly.

Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet. So can disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders.Shoes that do not fit properly may cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammer toes and other foot problems. With a little education, preventitave measures can be taken to avoid these situations by selecting proper footwear.

Use these 10 points as a guide line for your next shoe purchase.

• The size of your feet changes as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
  
  
• Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot.
  
  
• Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot.
  
  
• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
  
  
• During the fitting process, make sure there is enough space (3/8" to 1/2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up.
  
  
• Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
  
  
• Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.
  
  
• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk.
  
  
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure the fit is a good one.
  
  
• The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.