Buying shoes is not just about fashion and bagging a bargain. These things are important but the main focus should be the health and welfare of your feet. Shoes play a vital role in protecting our feet, cushioning the weight of your body and feeling comfortable so we can carry on with our busy lives.
Shoes that don’t fit well can cause many problems including calluses, blisters, bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis and even stress fractures. To make sure you look good and keep your feet healthy, follow these foot care tips:
- Get your feet measured. Many people prefer to shop online for bargains but you can still go to a store and have your feet measured. Your shape and size can change as you get older but many people believe that their foot size remains the same as they age. Having your feet measured by a professional will ensure that you know the best fit for your feet.
- Your feet change size just during the course of one day so try to have your feet measured towards the end of the day when they will be at their biggest. Feet go through a process of swelling and settling slightly as we walk around. Getting your feet measured first thing could mean that your new shoes are not the best fit come the end of the day.
- It is commonly thought that new shoes will stretch over time. While this could happen, it’s not a given so don’t rely on this when buying new shoes. Make sure the shoes fit well at the time of buying and there shouldn’t be any need to think that shoes will ‘give’.
- It’s important to think about getting the right shoes for the activity. For example, running shoes are specially designed to provide additional cushioning on the heel and flexibility in the toe area. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking then a shock absorbing heel is important.
- You’ll also want to look for signs of good construction. Good quality shoes will have a cushioned heel, a sole that doesn’t twist or bend easily, breathable, durable material and strong arch support. For a Gloucester Shoe Shop, visit http://www.cottersshoes.co.uk/
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- Never buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first. Try them on, walk around and check that they don’t rub, pinch, chafe or slip on the heel. The ball of your foot should sit well into the widest part of the shoe and there should be about ½” of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Make sure you have both feet measured and not just one. Most people have one foot larger than the other and you’ll always want to measure your shoes to fit your largest foot.
- Looking after your feet is often overlooked. Much information is provided about how to take care of yourself nutritionally and physically but not so much about foot health. We often wear shoes that are not the right shape or the right material and only realise when we end up in pain.