Buying shoes can be confusing and overwhelming!! Before you head out to the Poughkeepsie Galleria in search of new shoes, look at the shoes on your feet for some help. Examine the tread (the soles) of your shoes to see if your shoe is wearing down on any particular side. This will help indicate whether your feet have high arches or low arches (flat feet). Knowing your foot type is key in getting a good fit!!
High Arch:
- If the outer edges of your shoe soles are worn your feet have high arches! This means most of your weight lands on the outer edges of your feet making your feet poor shock absorbers, making impact travel up your legs. People with this problem tend to sprain their ankles!
- Look for cushioning!! Look for shoes with a thick cushioned arch area. Choose a shoe that completely covers the top of the foot, this helps provide stability!
Flat Feet (low arch):
- If the inner edges of your shoe soles are worn you have low arches! Your feet lean inward giving you too much foot to ground contact which can potentially cause hip and knee pain.
- Look for heavier, less flexible shoes that won’t twist or bend easily, choose shoes with firm thick and sturdy insoles
Other tips to buying shoes include:
- Always have your feet measured each time you buy a pair of shoes, make sure to have feet measured while standing
- Wiggle room: your shoes shouldn’t press on the top of your toes
- Space: there should always be a half inch of space between the tip of your toes and the front of the shoe
- Do the “Pinch Test”: Pinch the top of the shoe between your fingers to make sure there is room for your foot to breath
- Choose soft materials: The shoes shouldn’t have any seams or ridges that rub against your feet
- Look for a snug heel: Your heel should not slip off or move from side to side when walking
If you or anyone you may know need help in making sure you’re finding the proper fitting footwear contact Hollowbrook Foot Specialist in Wappinger Falls to set up an appointment. Dr. Yavor Geshev would be happy to check out the arches in your feet and help you get the perfect shoes!!
By Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM