Choosing Footwear- Quick Tips

We caught up with Dr. Moore, the podiatrist here at WCH Surgical Clinic to get some quick tips on choosing footwear this holiday season.

Q. In general, what are the basics to keep in mind when choosing a properly fitting athletic shoe?
 A. There are a couple of different things to look for when choosing footwear. One of the first things we look for is support. A running or walking shoe should have adequate support. Before trying a shoe on, put it through its paces with these quick tips:

1. 1. Hold the shoe at both ends. You should only be able to twist it slightly. If you can twist the shoe like a pretzel, this will not be a good option. Choose a shoe that has a slight amount of torque.
   2. Grasp the heel in one hand and the shoe above the heel in the other hand. You should not be able to move the shoe side-to-side around the heel. Choose a shoe that has a stiff back.
   3. Squeeze the sides of the shoe. You should not be able to collapse the sides significantly.

Q. What should we be looking for when we try shoes on?

A. One of the most important things to remember is that a shoe should feel comfortable right away. You shouldn’t experience any pinching, slipping, or sliding. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:

1. It might seem obvious but pay close attention to the toe box. It should be wide enough and long enough so that toes are not cramped or curled.
2. A shoe also needs to provide arch support. If the shoe does not have adequate arch support, this may be remedied by adding a good insole, but you will want to ensure the insole doesn’t cause improper shoe fit.

Q. What are your thoughts on wearing sandals?
A. If you are going to wear sandals, I recommend finding a sandal that has arch support. For the long-term health of your feet, it is also important not to wear sandals during physical activity such as hiking or long walks. Keep sandal-wearing to short distances only. Q. Do you have any other recommendations?
A. The above recommendations are a great place to start. Still, it’s always important to remember that the correct shoe for you is based on the type of activity you are doing and your specific biomechanics.

1. I would also say that if you have pain in one or both feet, this is a red flag that needs to be addressed. Identifying the cause of foot pain is where I come in. For instance, foot pain may be a sign that you need different shoes or that something more serious is going on. Foot pain is something I’d like to spend a bit more time on in a future article, but generally speaking, it’s often related to a tendon, ligament, or arthritis.
2. Come in and see me- we can schedule an evaluation to get you back on your feet and doing what you love! Most foot pain can be resolved without surgery and if surgery is required, it’s done right here in Wickenburg. Have a safe and healthy holiday season everyone!

 

About the Author:

Dr. Moore uses the latest research and techniques to deliver exceptional podiatric care to residents and snow-birds alike in Wickenburg, AZ, and surrounding communities. Dr. Moore is available to treat patients full-time Monday through Friday at Wickenburg Community Hospital Surgical Clinic, with on-call night and weekend emergency care in Wickenburg, AZ. In addition to treating all standard foot and ankle conditions, such as ingrown toenails, sprains, and heel pain, Dr. Moore’s expertise also includes:

• Extensive preventive and surgical foot care for diabetic patients.
• On-campus diagnostic imaging
• On-campus vascular diagnostics to test circulation
• Pre-operative, operative, and post-operative management of podiatric surgery patients for a broad spectrum of conditions, including those which may require elective in-patient or emergency surgical treatment.
• Regenerative medicine therapy

Tanner Moore, DPM,
Wickenburg Community Hospital Surgical Clinic
928-668-5506
wickhosp.com/podiatry