How and When to Buy New Shoes
With January sales dropping prices, you might be thinking of scoring a new pair of shoes for the new year. Well, we’re all for great deals, but we don’t want them to come at the expense of your foot health. So, with that idea in mind, we’re giving you our Westfield, IN podiatrist’s top tips for shoe shopping success!
5 Smarter Ways to Shop for Shoes
When you’re hitting up January shoe sales, here’s some things to keep in mind:
1. Timing is everything.
Did you know your feet swell during the day? Yes, it’s true! And even slight swelling can affect your shoe size. Want to make sure your new shoes always fit comfortably? Shop at the end of the day when your feet will be at their largest. That way, your new shoes won’t pinch or rub, even after a long day on your feet.
2. Seek support.
Of course, you want athletic shoes that look good. But the way they feel is even more important and arch support is a crucial feature to look for in a good pair of athletic shoes. The best athletic shoes have a firm sole in the arch support section. A firm sole is good for stability and, if there is significant pain in general in the foot at any time, a firm sole reduces the usage of the area that that is trying to heal. Try supportive and stylish brands like New Balance or Asics for trendy styles that keep your arches from collapsing.
3. Seek safer alternatives.
Looking ahead to spring and summer styles? Steer clear of flip-flops and head straight for the Birkenstocks. These supportive slides are a major mom-trend these days, and for good reason! Their cushioned foot-beds support your feet, keeping foot pain far away. Plus, their leather- lined footbeds help to keep the feet dry which means you’ll lower your risk for foot odor and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot!
4. It’s hip to be square (toed).
If party shoes are on your shopping list, try to steer clear of pointy-toed pairs. Your feet widen at your toes, so choosing shoes that narrow at the tip puts pressure on your bones. Over time, wearing narrow, pointy shoes can permanently change your foot shape, leaving you with bunions or hammer toes. When you choose a square-toed shoe instead, you take the pressure off and leave yourself some wiggle room.
5. Go low.
Our final tip for shoe shopping involves heel height. Keep all heels 1 ½ inches or below and you’re in the safe zone. Go higher, and you’ll shift your weight forward to the ball of your foot. This could leave you with lasting foot pain from conditions like metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of your foot.) But if you stick with lower heels or a flatter-rise, like a platform, you’ll spread weight evenly across your foot, preventing one sore spot from popping up.
Need more help picking out your perfect shoe pair? Or are you worried that your old shoes have caused problems? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment right away, and we’ll get you walking comfortably in your favorite new shoe purchases!