6 Shoe Tips Helpful to Your Foot & Ankle Health

1. Did you know there’s no such thing as the one perfect shoe? Each person may have a shoe that is best for them and their activity. For example, running and walking shoes are made for forward motion while basketball and tennis shoes are made for side to side motion. There is even a huge difference in some running and walking shoes of the same brand.

2. When do you think you’ve last measured your feet? If you haven’t measured your feet since high school (like most people) you are probably wearing the wrong size. Different studies state anywhere from 32-80% of participants were wearing the wrong size shoe.

3. When you are shoe shopping (because you realized you are wearing the wrong size) it is best to try on shoes later in the day to accommodate for any swelling that may happen throughout the day.

4. Choose styles that fit you correctly, not just because they are on sale or catch your eye. But… any style in moderation is okay unless you have medically been instructed otherwise.

5. Be cautious about wearing “hand me down” shoes at any age. These have wear-patterns from the previous inhabitant and can accidentally cause serious injury.

6. Bacteria and fungus are more prevalent in higher traffic areas. Germs also like warm moist environments. Always wear shoes/flip-flops in public showers, hotels, gyms, spas, and around pool areas to avoid getting any foot infections.

Stay tuned for further information for your foot and ankle happiness.

Yours in Health,

Dr. R