Footwear

Our feet bear an enormous burden of daily living. As well as carrying the weight of our body, they must also twist and flex with increased impact and strain when we move around.

Even through simple day-to-day activities such as standing and walking, our feet can be injured if not properly supported. Shoes play a vital role in this, as well as protecting our feet from external dangers.

The ideal shoe:

There is no such thing as the one perfect shoe. Feet come in all shapes and sizes. Men, women, children, athletes and older people all have different shoe requirements, and these vary considerably from activity to activity.

When you buy new shoes, it's important to make sure:

They fit properly
They are supportive for the kind of activity you engage in
They do not cause damage to your feet or hurt in anyway

The importance of a good fit

Choosing shoes that fit well is an important part of caring for your feet. Finding the right fit may mean you have to look at a few different styles to accommodate your particular foot shape. Because feet are raely the same size, it is important that you fit your shoes to your largest foot. An experienced footwear sales person can help you with this. However, since most shoe manufactures have their own size range, you should make decisions on what feels right.

People who have misshappen feet from an injury or medical condition such as arthritis or diabetes, may require shoes with extra depth or width. Some people may require orthoses (inserts). Occasionally a custom-made shoe will be most suitable. These should be presribed by a podiatrist.

Some tips:

Your toes should not touch the end of your shoes or you may damage your nails and toes - you need a gap of about 1 cm at the end of your longest toe.
Shoes should also be braod enough and deep enough. If you can see the outline of your feet pressing against you shoes, they are probably the wrong fit.
Don't buy shoes that need breaking in. Shoes should be comfortable immediatly.
Shop for shoes later in the day - most feet tend to swell during the day and it is best to fit shoes when your feet are largest.

Shoe buying tips:

When buying new shoes, keep in mind the following:

Materials - leather is prefferd for shoe uppers. Synthetic or rubber soles are best for the sole as they are generally more durable, shock absorbent and probide better grip than leather.
Security - shoes should be secured on the feet with laces, straps or buckles, especially walking shoes. If your feet have to work to hold your shoes in place, your foot muscles may be strained.
Shape - Pointy shoes can make your toes 'claw'. This can affect overall body posture and cause back pain. Clenched oes can cause rubbing, leading to corns and calluses. Broad-toed shoes prevent the feet from cramping, but must be secure so the foot doesn't roll.

Also check the following:

The heel of your shoe is less than 2.5 cm (1 inch). High heels increase pressure on the ball of the foot.
Your shoes have a well-padded sole. A cushioned sole absorbs shock and reduces pressure in the feet.
Your shoes are made from a material that breaths. Fungal infections such as tinea love a warm moist environment. Absorptive socks can help with drawing moisture away.
Your shoes protect you from injury. Your feet must be protected from your immediate environment. People with diabetes and circulatory problems need to be especially careful that they do not injure their feet.

Footwear at work:

If you work in a field that increases the chance of injuring your feet, safety shoes are vital. Safety shoes and boots protect your feet, help prevent injuries that occur in the workplace.