Adelaide Podiatrists Talk Footwear

What To Look For In Footwear

It is important to wear shoes that are not only appropriate and comfortable, but look good as well.

The podiatrists at Posture Podiatry have each spent time either working closely with or volunteering at local shoe stores in order to stay up to date with latest shoe trends.

A Few Tips When Purchasing Footwear…

Shoe Tip Number 1 – Shop for shoes after walking for a few hours or later in your day.

It’s usually best to buy shoes when your feet are tired and swollen towards the end of the day. If they’re comfortable when your feet are at their worst, they should feel pretty good at all other times. They may even become your new favourites!

Shoe Tip Number 2 – Test the shoes in store.

When choosing shoes make sure you wear them in the store for at least 5 minutes… Sounds like a long time, but hey, you’ll be wearing the shoes for a long time if you buy them! Might as well be sure they’re comfortable!

Shoe Tip Number 3 – Choose the right shoe for the job.

Safety boots for dancing? Sandals for mountain climbing? Running shoes for football? There’s a shoe appropriate for each activity… make sure you choose the right shoes specifically for the activity of choice. If you need help or footwear advice, we’re always available.

Shoe Tip Number 4 – Avoid shoes that need to be “stretched”

When you “wear in” a pair of shoes it’s actually the stitching that stretches, as the material softens. You should never have to wait for shoes to be comfortable – they should be comfortable the moment you put them on.

BEWARE… Running shoes have a lot of technology around the “first feel”, which means you may be tricked into thinking they’re comfortable, while actually they may not be suited to your feet – that’s why it’s important to wear them for at least 5 minutes in store!

Shoe Tip Number 5 – Take care with flip flops or thongs.

Your feet and your leg muscles work twice as hard trying to keep them on, which is why you feel more tired at the end of the day! Choose flip flops (thongs/sandals) that are snug on your feet and ideally with some arch support so your feet don’t have to work so hard while you’re wearing them. Ask our staff about Archies thongs as a summer alternative.

BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Low Gap or Gap Free* Assessment

or

Call 8362 5900 to schedule an “Initial Low Gap or Gap Free* examination” to see if we can help.

Shoe Tip Number 6 – Examine shoes regularly for signs of wear.

Shoes need replacing regularly to ensure adequate protection, function and support is maintained. Common areas of wear include the soles of shoes and loss of support in the heel counter.

Golfers Beware… If your cleats have worn down, it’s time to replace them! A stable base for feet is required in order to generate power in your golf swing. Worn spikes and instability can severely disrupted your golf game.

Shoe Tip Number 7 – Avoid sharing shoes.

Don’t share your shoes! The skin on your feet is quite different to everywhere else on your body. It has more sweat glands, more bacteria and because they’re often hiding in our shoes – more chance for spreading disease. Viral infections (warts), fungal infections, Athletes Foot, and other skin conditions can be easily passed on – so keep your shoes to yourself!

Shoe Tip Number 8 – Save your feet when wearing high heels.

If you’re going out later and plan to wear high heels for most of the evening, wear comfortable footwear during the day. Limit your time in heels to somewhere between 3 to 8 hours. Consider taking a pair of flatter shoes with you to change into if possible. It’s all about moderation.

Shoe Tip Number 9 – Vary the height of heels if you’re wearing stilettos.

Vary the heel height between low, medium and high. Up to 15 times your body weight can be concentrated through the point of a stiletto heel (that’s why we’re careful on wooden floors!). It’s much better for your posture if you change it up by varying the heel height when possible.

Shoe Tip Number 10 – Only wear your smart shoes while at work.

If you need to wear smart high heels at work to project a certain image, it’s not such a bad idea to wear comfortable shoes to and from work, and your nice shoes while at work. You’ll feel more comfortable and your feet will thank you for it!

The podiatrists at Posture Podiatry have regular contact with shoe manufacturers, and some of their ideas have been implemented in the development of new shoe technologies. We also have a close working relationship with Adelaide’s best shoe stores which can help you find the right shoes, ensure your footwear will fit well and make sure your shoes last a long time.

BOOK ONLINE for an Initial Low Gap or Gap Free* Assessment

or

Call 8362 5900 to schedule an “Initial Low Gap or Gap Free* examination” to see if we can help.