Shoes can either help with foot problems, or potentially cause the foot problems and make them worse. Luckily, there are several ways to help get your feet into a properly fitting pair of shoes. It is important to have your feet measured one or two times a year at a shoe store, in order to rely on the best measurements when picking out shoes. You should also be standing when being measured. This allows your feet to spread out more and in turn provides the most reliable measurement. The arch length should be measured as well. It is measured from your heel to the ball of your foot. When you try both shoes on, rise up onto your toes to feel whether the shoe bends before or after the big toe joint. If it bends before or after the joint, it is not a good fit for your arches. Another tip is to try out shoes that leave some space in either the front or back. This will provide more room for the foot and prevent tightness. It is important to get shoes that feel comfortable as soon as you put them on. That is the sign that you have probably found the right shoe. It is recommended to try out shoes with laces as they are easy to adjust for certain needs and are easier to keep on the feet. If you have foot problems or are unsure about proper shoe fit, consult with a podiatrist to see what kind of shoe would be the best match. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When babies are born, the foot bones have not fully developed, and the feet are generally flexible. It is beneficial for toddlers to walk barefoot while indoors, because this helps the feet to become strong as the toes grasp the floor. When shoes are worn outside, they should fit correctly, and be constructed of a breathable material. It is beneficial to measure your child’s feet every three months up to age three. This is helpful in choosing the correct size shoes, which should have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Flat feet is a common condition that babies are born with, and will typically outgrow by the age of seven. If you notice your child is walking with their toes pointed inward or outward, it is suggested to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose any foot condition.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.