Shoe Advice
What is the correct shoe?
Many people ask me what is a good shoe and there are certain guidelines which will help you to stay within the boundaries of a good shoe.
Length
Please make sure your shoe fits the length of your foot, get your feet measured, this is always recommended. Some of you may have a very long 2nd toe and this is normal by the way! This is usually the longest part of your foot and you must accommodate this when buying footwear.
Width
Take a piece of paper, and draw round your foot whilst standing; you need somebody to help you.
Place your current shoe over the drawing of your foot, 9 times out of 10 the foot drawing will be larger than the shoe!
Always get your foot measured length to prevent blisters, rubbing, mortons neuroma’s corns and callus and more!
The Toe box
If you have lesser toe deformities ( hammered, clawed or retracted or just down right wonky!) you will need a deeper toe box. For some of you that may mean a specialist shoe shop such as Gadean Footwear or Perth surgical shoemakers). For the most, athletes foot, paul carroll or homepeds from the chemist should be ok.
The Heel Counter
The heel counter of the shoe should be firm to provide control and stability, especially important for all you pronators out there it will help to act like a rudder to reduce unwanted movement.
Heel Height
No more than 2.5cm is recommended for safety and stability it will also help to prevent overloading of the ball of the foot and aggravating the Achilles tendon.
The sole of the shoe
Firm support is recommended along with a rubber sole which is of sufficient thickness for the activity your undertaking. Flexion should be under the ball of the foot and not further back near the arch area. In certain cases your podiatrist may advise on a stiff soled shoe or rocker bottom shoe depending on your foot condition. It is always best to see your podiatrist first if you have a foot complaint as it is quite possible your shoes are the culprit.
Materials
For the upper; leather, leather and sorry did I say Leather? Is definitely best!
The only two exceptions to this rule is sport shoes and specialist shoes designed for deformities (they have lycra uppers for flexibility).
Fastenings
Shoes should be fastened to your feet with buckles, laces or straps. Slingbacks, thongs and slippers will overwork the toes and cause injury.