Foot Health & Comfort Guide
Essential information for maintaining healthy feet and choosing the right footwear
Essential Foot Health Tips
Proper Fit
Ensure shoes fit correctly with adequate toe room
Arch Support
Choose shoes with proper arch support for your foot type
Rotate Shoes
Alternate between different pairs to prevent overuse
Regular Care
Keep feet clean, dry, and moisturized daily
How to Achieve Proper Shoe Fit
Measuring Your Feet
When to Measure:
- • Late afternoon or evening when feet are largest
- • After walking or standing for extended periods
- • While wearing typical socks or hosiery
- • Measure both feet as they may differ in size
What to Measure:
- • Length from heel to longest toe
- • Width at the widest part of foot
- • Arch length and height
- • Instep circumference for boots
Signs of Proper Fit
Toe Area:
- • Thumb-width space between longest toe and shoe end
- • Toes can wiggle freely without cramping
- • No pressure on toe joints or nails
- • Adequate width to prevent squeezing
Overall Comfort:
- • No slipping at heel when walking
- • Secure but not tight around midfoot
- • Even pressure distribution
- • Comfortable from first wear
Common Fit Problems
Too Small:
- • Toes pressed against shoe front
- • Blisters and calluses forming
- • Numbness or tingling in toes
- • Foot pain after short periods
Too Large:
- • Heel slipping when walking
- • Foot sliding forward in shoe
- • Instability and increased fall risk
- • Friction causing blisters
Professional Fitting Tips
Shopping Strategy:
- • Shop for shoes in the afternoon
- • Bring your own socks or orthotics
- • Walk around the store for several minutes
- • Try on both feet and choose larger size
Special Considerations:
- • Athletic shoes may need half size larger
- • Consider foot swelling throughout day
- • Account for thick socks in winter boots
- • Allow for foot changes with age
Understanding Arch Support
Low Arches (Flat Feet)
Characteristics:
- • Foot prints show complete foot contact
- • Arch appears flattened when standing
- • May experience overpronation
- • Often leads to foot fatigue
Recommended Features:
- • Motion control shoes
- • Firm midsole support
- • Custom or over-the-counter orthotics
- • Structured heel counter
Normal Arches
Characteristics:
- • Moderate arch height when standing
- • Foot print shows partial arch contact
- • Natural pronation pattern
- • Generally good shock absorption
Recommended Features:
- • Stability shoes for most activities
- • Moderate arch support
- • Cushioned midsole
- • Flexible forefoot
High Arches
Characteristics:
- • Pronounced arch curve when standing
- • Foot print shows minimal arch contact
- • May experience supination (underpronation)
- • Higher pressure on heel and forefoot
Recommended Features:
- • Neutral cushioned shoes
- • Extra cushioning in heel and forefoot
- • Flexible midsole
- • Arch support insoles if needed
Common Foot Problems & Solutions
Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms:
- • Sharp heel pain, especially in morning
- • Pain after long periods of standing
- • Stiffness in foot arch
- • Pain that worsens with activity
Shoe Solutions:
- • Strong arch support
- • Heel cushioning
- • Firm heel counter
- • Avoid flat shoes and flip-flops
Bunions
Symptoms:
- • Bony bump at base of big toe
- • Pain and swelling around joint
- • Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- • Toe may angle toward other toes
Shoe Solutions:
- • Wide toe box
- • Soft, flexible materials
- • Low heels (under 2 inches)
- • Avoid pointed toe shoes
Hammertoes
Symptoms:
- • Toes bent at middle joint
- • Corns on top of bent toes
- • Pain when wearing shoes
- • Difficulty straightening toes
Shoe Solutions:
- • Deep toe box
- • Soft upper materials
- • Adjustable straps or laces
- • Cushioned insoles
Diabetic Foot Care
Special Concerns:
- • Reduced sensation in feet
- • Poor circulation
- • Increased infection risk
- • Slower wound healing
Shoe Requirements:
- • Seamless interior construction
- • Extra depth and width
- • Breathable materials
- • Protective toe caps
Warning Signs: When to See a Professional
Immediate Attention Needed:
Severe, persistent pain
Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling)
Open wounds or ulcers
Numbness or tingling
Schedule Consultation For:
Chronic foot pain
Recurring blisters or calluses
Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Changes in foot shape or structure
Orthotics and Insole Options
Over-the-Counter
- • Cushioning insoles
- • Arch support inserts
- • Heel pads and cups
- • Metatarsal pads
Custom Orthotics
- • Prescribed by podiatrist
- • Made from foot impressions
- • Address specific conditions
- • Long-term investment
Specialty Insoles
- • Diabetic-friendly options
- • Athletic performance insoles
- • Memory foam comfort
- • Antimicrobial treatments