Footwear. Getting the right fit!

Whether it is school shoes! Running shoes! Or casual shoes! The basic principles apply to all so you can get the right shoe for your feet.

This is Podiatry and Moore’s footwear fitting guide.

Measure BOTH feet – fit the larger foot. Our feet can grow and change with time and ageing so we shouldn’t assume they are same as the last time you bought shoes. Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest. Try and measure width as well as length of your foot.

The shoe should be similar shape to your foot and don’t buy a shoe expecting is to stretch over time. It doesn’t always happen and cause problems before the shoe may stretch.

Get the right shoe for the activity you intend on using it for. If

Try then shoes on with the socks you are going to wear with the footwear. This is also the case if you wear orthotics in your shoes.

When trying on shoes, put them both on, stand up in them and feel where your toes are. Make sure you have enough DEPTH for your toes to not be rubbing on the upper of the shoe. Make sure they are LONG enough to get a thumbnail length of space from your longest toe to the front of the shoe. Then feel the WIDTH of the shoe so it gives the widest part of your foot (usually the ball of your foot) enough room. Also look at the seams of stitching so they are not rubbing on any part of your toes.

Once you have established the shoe fits your foot, walk around in them. You may even do this a little longer once you are at home to make sure the shoe is comfortable without creating wear on the shoe. Make sure whilst walking there is no movement or slipping at the heels.

Laces, Velcro or a straps are better than slip on shoes.

You want the shoe to bend at the toes where your toes bend. They are designed this way for a reason. This is one reason why you shouldn’t buy shoes too big for you.

Support comes from a firm rear heel counter and midsole. It shouldn’t be too flexible at the rear 2/3 of the shoe. Minimalistic and barefoot shoes are very popular. These are designed to be light and flexible but are not suited for everyone and can lead to injuries if not appropriate.