You might think shopping for a pair of shoes is a no-brainer. What’s there to know? You want a pair of black shoes, you find one you like, and you buy them. Not so fast. The expert podiatrists at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists, Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts, have some pretty specific guidelines for buying shoes and getting a good fit.
DO try them on before you buy. That pretty much eliminates online shoe-shopping, unless you’re quite willing to mail back any shoes that don’t fit comfortably as soon as they arrive. Shoes shouldn’t need a “break-in period.”
DON’T shop first thing in the morning. Feet normally swell as the day goes on, so try on shoes when your feet are likely to be at their largest – toward the end of the day.
DON’T buy shoes only because they’re beautiful. Give in to the latest fashion only if the shoes are made of quality materials and they fit well.
DO measure your foot regularly. Did you know that it’s common for one foot to be larger than the other? Buy shoes that can accommodate the larger foot. Also, you might not be aware that age, weight, and pregnancy can all affect your shoe size. Check with a qualified shoe salesperson once in a while or ask to use a foot-measuring device yourself at the store.
DO leave a little wiggle room for your toes – about ½ inch. Otherwise, you’re cramping your toes and increasing your risk for bunions and other toe deformities.
DON’T be influenced by size alone. If you normally wear a size 9, it’s okay for you to need an 8.5, 9.5, or even a 10 in certain shoes. Sizing can differ from one brand of shoes to another.
DO check the inside of the shoe for raised seams that can rub you the wrong way and cause blisters or irritate an existing condition such as a corn.
DO shop for special shoes if you’re diabetic. You can do that through our diabetic shoe program right here in our Montgomery County podiatry office.
If walking in shoes or wearing certain styles is difficult for you, there may be a medical reason that we can help you with. Let us examine your foot and make a plan to eliminate pain or pressure. Make buying shoes a pleasure again by calling us in Montgomery, Alabama, at (334) 396-3668. Or contact us online for an appointment.