The Shoe Fits at Our Foot Care Center

Your feet are one of the most important part of your body, yet most people do not care for them the proper way. Years of wear and tear, as well as disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly can be hard on your feet. Also, problems with your feet can be the initial indication of serious health issues like arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders.

The average person walks thousands of miles in their life; however, most of these miles are done in uncomfortable shoes that do not fit correctly. Fortunately, wearing comfortable shoes that fit your feet properly can prevent many foot problems. It is hard to find the right shoe for you; however, American Foot and Leg Specialists are here to help you. You’ll feel so good you’ll want to dance!

Tips for What to Look for When Buying Shoes

Here is the issue—you might see the style you like but the comfort factor is totally missing. Perhaps the heel height is great, but they are just a bit too narrow. Shopping for shoes is not easy when you need to find the right style, size, shape, and color. American Foot and Leg Specialists recommends these tips for getting the proper shoe fit:

  • Because the size of your feet changes as you age, always measure your foot before buying shoes. It is best to measure them at the end of the day, when your feet are the largest.
  • Almost everyone has a foot that is larger than the other, so buy shoes that fit the larger foot.
  • Always try on the shoes before you buy them, do not select them by the size marked on the box.
  • Chose a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
  • Make sure there is enough space, around ½’’ for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing.
  • Shoes do not stretch, so do not buy them too tight expecting them to fit eventually.
  • Walk around in the shoes on different surfaces to make sure they are comfortable before buying them. Take them home and walk on the carpet just to be sure, also.
  • Your heel should fit in the shoe with only a minimal amount of slipping, meaning that the shoe should not ride up and down on your heel as you walk.
  • The upper part of the shoes should be a soft, flexible material that matches the shape of your foot.
  • Shoes made of leather can reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
  • A square or round toe box will provide more room and comfort than other types of shoes. A pointed shoe shape crowds the toes, which causes discomfort.
  • Shop at stores with varieties of shoe styles and prices. You need the shoe that fits your foot best, not the most expensive one! A good shoe is a great investment. You can replace the soles of well-made shoes many times, which lets you enjoy your favorite shoes for many years!

Women’s Shoes Comfort Tips

From causal everyday shoes to more formal shoes with 4-inch heels, there are many options for women’s shoes. The best choice is a shoe that has a square or wide toe box, with a heel that is less than 2-inches high.  Higher heeled, pointed-toe shoes can cause bunions, knee pain, or lower back pain. Also, high-heeled shoes put a lot of stress on the forefoot, which is the pad under the ball of your foot. The higher the heel, the greater the burden and probability of injury. If a high-heeled shoe has a pointed toe, it produces even more weight in the forefoot. If you prefer wearing higher heels, purchase shoes with a platform under the toe box, which will reduce overall stress on the foot. If you prefer a lower-heeled shoe, make sure the heel is secure and that there in enough area in the toe box. Ballerina flats should have elastic along the edges of the shoe so that they will hold onto your foot well.

Men's Shoes Comfort Tips

Typically, men’s shoes are made to adapt to the shape of your foot, plus heel height does not generally cause discomfort problems. Leather soled shoes are more firm and sturdy, and don’t usually provide interior padding, so there isn’t much cushioning to soften the impact of the foot on hard surfaces, which can cause aching soles of the feet. If you frequently walk extended distances, a softer soled shoe would be more comfy.

Shortfalls of Sandals

Many styles of sandals do not typically offer my support or stability; however, they are a very popular choice for spring and summer. “Flop flops” place stress on the toes because they must cling to the shoe to keep it on the foot while walking. When buying sandals, choose one that has one or more straps around the ankle for security. Also, try to choose a sandal with a harder sole material instead of a rubber one because they are more supportive. Many of the sandals designed for rafting and hiking have more supportive arches in the shoe and are good if you are going to walk long distances. As well, several retail brands now offer comfort lines designed with padding for the soles and heel. The OrthoFeet, Dr. Comfort and Hush Puppy brands of sandals we carry in our Foot Care Center are specifically designed for comfort and support. If you enjoy wearing sandals, a good preventative action is to alternate them daily with a more supportive shoe.

Our Foot Care Center Shoe Collection

We treat all sorts of feet with all sorts of medical conditions such as: diabetic feet; toe, heel, and arch conditions; arthritis; corns, calluses, and joint problems; plantar fasciitis/heel spur; injuries and  more. If you suffer from diabetes or other foot ailments, off-the rack shoes may not meet all of your needs. For special requirements, the shopping ends at the American Foot and Leg Specialists Foot Care Center  carrying men’s and women’s styles located in all 4 of our conveniently located offices in Stockbridge, Fayetteville, Locust Grove, or Atlanta serving the South Atlanta Metro area including Fulton County, Cobb County, Douglas County, Fayette County, Henry County, and Clayton County. We carry a number of top brands including: OrthoFeet, Dr. Comfort, New Balance, Hush Puppies, and DiaFit Custom Shoes designed to provide comfort, style and support for diabetic feet and other medical conditions. Our collection also caters to odd shapes and sizes:

  • Very large or wide feet
  • Very small or slender feet
  • Length discrepancy
  • Differently sized feet
  • Feet that are wide at the front & narrow at the heel

Our aim is to provide you with a footwear solution that is not only functional for your medical needs but also stylish and attractive. Well designed and made diabetic and orthopedic footwear can make a positive change to the quality of your life. If you need additional information, contact us and we can help you to solve your footwear needs together.