Shoe Shopping 101

Many conditions that we treat here at Goldsmith Podiatry can be affected by the shoes you wear. Diabetic patients, those with bunions, hammertoes or other toe deformities, heel pain and recurring ingrown toenails can all make shoe modifications part of a conservative treatment plan to relieve pain and slow the progression of a disorder. If you have a chronic foot problem, ask our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia, for suggestions about the best shoe styles to accommodate your condition.

Properly fitting shoes can help all patients avoid sore and aching feet on a daily basis. Below is a basic lesson on how to shop for shoes:

1. Start late—although it’s the early bird that gets the worm, when it comes to shoes, the person who shops late in the day is more likely to end up with footwear that fits. The reason? Your feet swell as you go through the day and therefore are at their largest at the end of the day. Shoes that fit fine in the morning may feel tight and painful later in the day.
2. Find your correct size—foot size can increase as you age. Get your foot professionally measured. It’s not unusual for one foot to be bigger than the other. Always choose the size that will accommodate the larger foot. 
3. Try them on—even if you have had your foot measured, don’t assume that you’ll always be the same size in all shoes. Different styles and manufacturers may not all fit the same way. If you find out when you get home that a pair of shoes isn’t comfortable, you’re more likely just to wear them that way rather than go through the hassle of returning them.
4. Come prepared—bring or wear the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes you are buying. If your foot doctor has prescribed an orthotic device for you, bring that as well to try on with the shoes you are considering.
5. Take your time—walk around the store for a while in the shoes you’re considering. Remember, there is no such thing as a “breaking in” period. Shoes should be comfortable from the moment of purchase. Check the inside of the shoe for loose stitching or rough spots that might cause blisters.

If you are having trouble finding shoes that don’t hurt your feet, maybe you have an undiagnosed foot problem. Contact our New York City office for an appointment today by calling: 212-877-1002.