With autumn around the corner and the return to closed in footwear just around the corner, I thought it was a good time to talk about footwear. In April this year the College of Podiatry release data from a survey looking into the public’s footwear buying habits. The full article can be found by following this link. . Some of the statistics from this survey came as quite a shock to me. For example, 66% of adults who do not always try shoes on in store before buying them have experienced foot health problems, compared to just 53% of those that always do. This in its self means you are twice as likely to suffer from a corn or an ingrown toenail if you don’t try on shoes compared to if you.
When you try on shoes follow these simple rules:
- Always try shoes on in the shop, preferably in the afternoon (or late Morning) as our feet swell during the day.
- Ensure there is about 1.5 cm gap from the longest toe (not always the big toe) to the end of shoe. Use your finger as a guide.
- Ensure the shoe has sufficient width. If in doubt take the insoles out of the and stand out. If your foot over-hangs it’s too narrow.
- Run your finger across the upper of the shoe. A correctly fitted shoe should have slight ripple of material. Too tight and the material wont ripple and if too loose it will “fold” over on itself.
- Wear them around the house so if there not right you can take them back.
Also 68% of adults stated that the never get their feet measured. Once again meaning they are twice as likely to experience foot pain compared to those who do. Remember our bodies don’t stay the same throughout our whole lives. Therefore, it is important to get your feet measured regularly, this doesn’t have to be every time you buy new shoes but should be at least once a year or more if you have problematic feet.
When you attend Cambridge House Dorset, we will often examine your shoes for tell-tale signs that they could be the course your foot pain. If you are experience any problems please contact us via our contact page.