Are you wearing the right shoes for you?

Footwear is very important and finding the right size, shape or brand can be difficult. An ill fitting shoe can cause a whole host of problems such as foot pain, biomechanical issues, corns / callus, blisters etc.
Below are some tips to ensure you chose the right footwear for the activity intended and avoid foot pain!

• Have your feet measured. Your foot size and shape will change over time so it is good to have your foot measured when you buy new shoes. One foot may be larger than the other, so make sure both feet are measured.
• You will not be the same size in every style shoe, try them on and ensure you have enough space in the length and width of the shoe.
• You should have a thumbs width on space between the top of the shoe and the tip of your longest toe. (This is not always the big toe).
• Ensure the toe box (front of the shoe) is deep enough to accommodate your foot shape, this will avoid your foot rubbing on the shoe and causing painful corns and blisters.
• Shoes with a stiffer sole will ensure better support for your feet, try bending the shoe in store, the toe box is the only region which should have slight flexion.
• Shoes with a fastening of some sort are also better at supporting the foot, slip on shoes will promote deformities in the toes, and cause corns and callus.
• Avoid shoes that are too soft or have memory foam insoles as this will put added strain on your feet and provide little to no support.
• Every activity will require a different style shoe, (if you are going for a walk stick to trainers or walking boots).
• If you require some extra support go for a shoe with added arch support or a stability type trainer.
• If you are a runner ensure you have sufficient shock absorption in your trainers.

Some healthy footwear boots:

• Brooks
• Asics
• Hoka
• Mizuno
• Vionics
• Oofos
• Dr Comfort
• Birkenstock