FAQ#1 What Shoes Should I wear?

What are the right shoes to wear?

Finding in the right shoe can be hard, but here are some helpful tips:

-Make sure you are wearing the right size. Shoe brand varry in sizes, but it is importatnt to have a baseline to know where to start. The shoe should be measured to where you big toe flexes. This can be a half or even full size larger than you currently wear in athletic shoes. The shoe should also be long enough to accomodate the longest toe, which is often the second toe.

-A good supporative shoe should only flex at the big toe joint. We do not want our shoes to flex through the arch. This will cause undo stress on the arch and can lead to pain. To test this, grab a shoe at both end and flex upward, only the end of the shoe at the big toe should bend.

-Avoid the big name shoe brands. A lot of companies thrive on "gimmick" shoes. Nike shocks, Reebok pumps and Sketchers memory foam are all sales devices and do not offer support in the shoe. Shoes that promise a "barefoot" feel should also be avoided. If we were meant to walk/run barefoot, we would not have inveted shoes!

-Avoid flats, very high heels, "barefoot" shoes and thin flip flops. These shoes can result in heel and arch pain along with bunions and hammer toes. Instead focus on a low heel, oxfords, a stable boot or a well made dress shoe when athletic shoes are not practical.

-Change your shoes frequently. A well made shoe will last 200-300 miles. If you wear athletic shoes for running and outside the gym, it is easy to put that many miles on them in 6 months. Failure to change worn out shoes can result in foot pain, tendinitis and shin splints.

-Brands we recommend: Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno, Altra and Hoka all make quality shoes that are made to last and give excellent support. 

As always, if you have any questions on your feet, give us a call at (480)-632-5757 

Chris Suykerbuyk, DPM, FACFAS