Buying shoes isn’t something most of us think too much about. We find a pair that looks good, maybe walk up and down the aisle a couple times with them onto make sure nothing rubs or pokes and that’s that. There are a few key details that can impact your visit dramatically and, if taken into consideration, can get you a shoe that will be more comfortable and healthier for your feet in the long run. Next time you love a pair of shoes, makes sure to consider these tips so you know they’ll love you back.

Your feet are changing throughout the day depending on your daily activities and overall health. It’s natural for your feet to expand throughout the day which means that a shoe that fits perfectly first thing in the morning might get a little snug later in the afternoon.

While walking up and down the aisle won’t give you a perfect representation of what it will be like to wear that pair of shoes day to day, it’s a great was to quickly see if you have a winning pair or need to try again. Don’t tell yourself that they’ll fit better as they break in, get shoes that fit well from day one.

Did you know the same person can have two different sized feet? Getting your feet measured every time you buy shoes cuts out having to guess which size or half size you are and ensures that your buying something actually made for your feet and not cramming into what ‘should’ fit. Generally, you should leave 3/8” to ½” of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Are you cool enough to have different sized feet? Seek out shoes that are the same size as the larger of your feet.

You finally found that perfect shoe. Oh so stylish, perfect length, and great support but…it’s compressing the ball of your foot. Never fear! Ask if the shoe comes in a wider size because a longer shoe likely won’t solve the problem in the long run.

When looking at new athletic or work shoes, especially, check out the soles and the kind of tread they have. Walking on multiple kinds of surfaces like carpet, linoleum, and tile will give you a feel for how supportive they are as well as if they will be slippery on different surfaces. A good tread will give you better traction and cushioning while exerting yourself, offering better ankle, hip, and back protection.

All of us know to avoid stepping on sharp objects.  Simply looking out for what (literally) lies ahead helps to prevent serious injuries. This is harder for people who work in the construction field.

Foot injuries in this kind of industry is common, the two main categories are injuries from impact, compression, and puncture, and injuries from slips, trips, and falls. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 89,000 (43%) of private industry non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses involved injuries to the ankle or foot. As a consequence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor determined workers in this field must wear protective footwear in the following situations (source: OSHA):

• When heavy objects like barrels or tools might roll onto or fall on an employee’s foot;
• Working with sharp objects such as nails or spikes that could pierce the soles or uppers of ordinary shoes;
• Exposure to molten metal that might splash on feet or legs;
• Working on or around hot, wet or slippery surfaces
• Working when electrical hazards are present

Protective measures include the use of metatarsal, toe, foot, and shin guards; safety shoes; or simply leggings. There are several kind of safety shoes, such as electrically conductive shoes, electrical hazard shoes, and foundry shoes. Appropriate equipment is available for every trade.

For more information about protective footwear have a look at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.html#footandleg and https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2016/01/01/If-the-Shoe-Fits.aspx.

As always, don’t hesitate to ask your podiatrist for further information on how to take care of your feet, whether you are involved in physical labor or not.