Footwear advice

In our lifetime, we will walk the equivalent of four times around the equator of the earth. Therefore, to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle, taking good care of our feet is vitally important. 

The correct footwear can relieve many minor foot ailments. It will also help with podiatry treatment for musculoskeletal problems. These are injuries or pains in the ligaments, muscles, joints or tendons of the lower leg.

Suitable footwear will also help reduce the risk of damage to your skin such as blisters and ulcerations.

Are your shoes a good fit?

What is a suitable shoe?

The shoe should be the correct length, width and depth for your foot. 

Sole – should  provide cushioning and protection, and grip to prevent slipping. In addition, a more rigid sole can help with toe pain. 

Heel counter – this reinforces the heel cup and stabilises the foot. 

Upper – Made from natural materials (leather) or breathable materials. 

Linings – Seam free to prevent irritation to the skin.

Fastenings – laces, buckles, straps or Velcro.  This holds the foot securely.

Toe box – Deep enough so toes can wiggle and prevent rubbing of toes. 

Heel – This should have a broad base and should be no greater than 4cm.

Choosing your footwear

Feet tend to swell slightly during the day, so have your feet measured and buy shoes towards the end of the day.  A simple way to measure the width and length of your foot is to draw round the foot standing up, cut it out and try in a shoe. If the edges curl up sides, it is too narrow.

Try on both shoes as it is common to have a larger foot and walk around the shop to check that they are comfortable. 

There should be 1cm space between the toe and the end of the shoe. It is not always the big toe.

Shoe sizes can vary between brands and styles. Go by the feel and fit. 

Expensive shoes are not a guarantee of a good fit.

Slippers

A significant problem with many styles of indoor footwear is that the soles provide little grip compared to those found on outdoor shoes. Wearing slippers with slippery soles increases your risk of losing your balance and injuring yourself, especially when walking across tiled, wooden or vinyl floors.

Poor quality slippers can lead to damage to your skin which may cause an infection, pain and/or ulceration. If wearing slippers, they should be seam free at the front with a wide enough toe box to accommodate the foot shape.

A Velcro fastening is recommended as this can be adjusted during the day which allows for swelling of the feet.

You may benefit from keeping shoes/trainers on in the house when actively doing household chores. 

Socks 

Help absorb sweat from our feet and may prevent odours in footwear.   
Wearing socks can prevent some friction of the skin from footwear and can reduce blisters. 

Avoid tight socks which can squeeze toes.