5 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do Concerning Shoes
Shoes can be the last thing on your mind, or they can be the fashion statement that puts the final polish on your outfit every day. And let’s face it – women are more likely to be in the latter category. Men’s shoes haven’t changed much over the last 80 years. It turns out that’s a good thing. Let’s take a look at why and then examine some other shoe should/shouldn’t facts:
- You SHOULD take a lesson from men’s shoes. They’re generally substantial and stable. They have plenty of room for your toes and do an excellent job accommodating the shape of the human foot. Finally, they’ve got heels that only put you ½” off the ground, meaning your weight isn’t forced onto the ball of your foot – it’s evenly distributed.
- The natural progression from point #1 is that you SHOULDN’T spend a lot of time wearing high heels. High heels, defined as no higher than 2 inches, change how you walk, putting undue strain on your knees, hips, and lower back. Additionally, high heels put you at risk for dangerous falls and ankle sprains. If you choose to wear heels, don’t wear them for longer than three hours, don’t wear them every day, and keep their height as low as possible.
- When you shop for shoes, you SHOULD do it at the end of the day when your feet swell from the day’s activities.
- You SHOULDN’T buy uncomfortable shoes because you think they’ll be fine after you “break them in.” Well-fitting shoes don’t need a break-in period.
- You SHOULD put some thought into the materials used for shoes. For example, “memory foam” sounds very cushy and does feel quite comfortable, but it doesn’t provide much structure or support in the long term. Instead, choose comfortable, durable shoes made from high-quality materials such as leather uppers and rubber soles.
Click here for more tips on buying shoes for your feet. If you have trouble buying comfortable shoes, make an appointment with our expert, board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, for a foot exam. Call Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, Virginia (Fairfax County) at (703) 996-3000 or contact us online.
