Dr. Doug - Chiropractor in Brampton - Voted Best Chiropractor 2024

Shoe Shopping Tips

It's Spring and many people will be shopping for comfortable shoes. There are many reasons people seek new shoes at this time of year; sore feet, a return to walking and hiking, a return to sports activities, or just a desire for new styles. Shoe companies are keen to offer these shoppers a wide variety of shoes, some with hefty price tags, but not every shoe is well made and not every shoe works for every foot.

5 Things You Need In A Shoe

1. Comfort. When you try on shoes, make sure you try both the right and the left. Most people have slightly different sized feet, so make sure the shoe size works for both feet. There is a lot of variety in shape and proportion of shoes, so take note of your initial impression of the shoes. Test drive them at the store, walk back and forth at different speeds. Sit down for a while and test them again. Are they still comfortable?

2. Not Flat. Inside the shoe, the heel height from the ground should be slightly higher than the front of the shoe. This helps to take pressure off the Achilles tendon and the calf. Plantar fasciitis can be prevented or at least relieved if you are careful about selecting this feature.

3. A Firm Heel/Ankle Counter. This is one of the most important features of a shoe. The back should cup your heels and hold your foot properly in place. Test the heel counter by squeezing it to discover its strength. A firm heel counter will provide stability for the foot and ensure longevity for the shoe.

4. Toe Bend. Bend the toe of the shoe up. It should bend, but only near the toe, not the middle part of the sole. Bend only at the toe indicates a firm sole which provide stability to the shoe, and therefore your foot.

5. Twist It. You want the shoe to help you to walk with a proper gait. Twist the shoe like you are wringing a wet cloth. It should not twist much. If it does, the shoe can’t do a good job at supporting your foot.

2 Things To Avoid In A Shoe

1. Soft Shoes. Avoid shoes that are soft all over. They may feel comfortable when you put them on, but when you walk or run in them, they won’t give you any support. You need a supportive shoe to avoid or lessen most types of foot pain.

2. Extended Soles. Avoid shoes that have a sole that extends back behind the heel. This feature will cause your foot to slap down faster, jarring your body as your lifted, stable ankle moves to a weight bearing, shock absorbing ankle. This is especially important if you plan to run in the shoes. A more rounded heel eases you from one stage of gait to the next.

So when shopping for new shoes consider these tips, but also think of the savings from not having to buy new shoes all the time and your ecological footprint. A well chosen shoe can help save you from foot pain, save you money and save the planet.

Need help with sore feet? Book an appointment with Dr. Doug, he will check your shoes to see if they are helping or hurting your feet and advise you on any treatments that may help your sore feel better too!

Visit Dr. Doug's website and book online!

Chiropractic Care, Laser Therapy, Spinal Decompression & Custom Orthotics