Around 40% of Australians will experience a foot problem at some stage in their life. Poorly fitting footwear or footwear which is not appropriate for the wearer or activity contributes to many of these foot problems.

Here are some tips for choosing the right shoe:

  • The shoe must fit the wearer. It must be long enough, wide enough, and deep enough. This is very important to avoid the many problems that can occur as a result of wearing poorly fitted or inappropriate footwear.
  • The length of the feet should be measured to the longest toe. Sometimes the second toe is longer than the first. There should be about 1cm between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Leather shoes are best because they allow the air to circulate around the feet and stop them from sweating too much. They also conform to the feet better with time.
  • A lace-up, buckle-up or Velcro fastening is best. This allows the shoe to hold onto the foot so it can relax. If the shoe is not properly fastened, then the toes will claw and the foot has to work to keep the shoe on.
  • Cushioning in the shoe is important to prevent pressure points and friction that can cause problems such as corns and blisters.
  • The shoe needs to bend where the foot bends, i.e. at the ball of the foot, and be rigid where the foot is rigid, i.e. in the arch area.
  • The heel counter needs to be firm and high to provide support and stability. This is tested by putting pressure from your thumb against the back of the shoe.
  • Buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet are likely to be slightly swollen.
  • Make sure shoes are comfortable when you first try them on. Don’t buy shoes that need “breaking-in”, because while you are doing this they are injuring your feet.
  • Always try on both shoes. If one foot is larger than the other fit the shoe to the larger foot. An insole can bridge the gap for the smaller foot.
  • Shoes should be fitted when standing as this is when your body weight will influence their position and fit.
  • Only wear new shoes for short periods of time to start with. Check your feet after each period of wear for any areas of irritation and redness.

Tips by Catherine James, Podiatrist.

To make an appointment to see Catherine, click the "bookings" link at the top of the page, to find out more about Podiatry click the link below.