Choosing the Right Shoes – Fox 8 Interview

If you find yourself cringing every time you take off your shoes, having to wiggle your toes or massage the soles of your feet, you may have improperly fitted shoes.  I spoke to Cindy Farmer about the importance of properly fitted shoes, and what to look for when shopping for your next pair.  Click here to watch the interview!

The following is the article accompanying the interview on the Fox 8 website:

Choosing the right shoes to wear on a regular basis plays a major role in avoiding injury and ensuring the long-term health of your feet, as well as your entire body.

Several components factor into picking the proper shoe such as gender, body weight, activity level, history of injury, and body and motion mechanics.

Many running and athletic focused websites provide resources for finding the right shoe for running, walking and other activities based on important components, such as the Shoe Finder on runnersworld.com.

When purchasing a running or walking shoe, pick one that bends right behind the toe area, not at the arch.  Also, a proper shoe should not be flimsy enough to easily twist side to side, or pinch the back sides of the heel inward—it should be firm.

For runners or other athletes, it is best to purchase shoes from a shoe fitting specialist, who can properly measure your body mechanics and fit.

Wearing shoes that do not fit or support the feet properly increases your risk for injuries, such as ligament strains, stress fractures and shin splints. It can also lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flattening of the arch and weakening of the bone.

If you are experiencing any of these conditions or pain in your feet, it is important to get them checked out and properly treated by a podiatrist.  Our community is fortunate, as Cone Health has an exceptional network of podiatrists and related healthcare providers dedicated to educating individuals about proper footwear, and caring for patients with foot problems or conditions.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.