Our feet change in size and shape much the same as the rest of our body as we age. As time passes the muscles and tendons lose some of their strength causing an increase in our foot length and width. Shoes that no longer fit well can cause pain and problems such as bunions, corns, and blisters to name afew. Sore feet affect the way you walk and in turn can affect ankles, knees and hips.
That is why it is so important to make sure your footwear fits well and is comfortable.
Below are a few tips for purchasing footwear to keep your feet and toes feeling great!
- To make sure your shoes are the right fit, have your feet measured (length and width) each time you are purchasing footwear.
- Be sure to try on shoes before purchasing, sizing can vary even in the same brand, depending on where it is manufactured.
- If the footwear feels tight when you put it on, do not expect it to ‘stretch to fit’ Most materials do not stretch enough to make the shoe fit comfortably. Try the next size up.
- To make sure your shoes are the right fit, have your feet measured (length and width) each time you are purchasing footwear.Check that you have approximately one half inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the footwear.
- If you have foot problems such as corns, bunions, or an arthritic foot it is best to buy footwear that has an extra deep and wide toe box to avoid pressure on the skin of your toes. A bit of extra space here can make a world of difference in comfort.
- Footwear needs to be lightweight, supportive and comfortable. If the shoes do not feel fantastic when you first put them on, put them back on the shelf and try something else.
- It is best to select footwear at the end of the day as our feet tend to swell due to gravity and activities. If the footwear fits comfortably at this time of the day they should never feel too tight.
Why don’t my shoes fit anymore?