Many dress shoes are now made with a sneaker-like sole that provides better cushioning and tread and better arch support. Basketball shoes are meant for basketball and may not be the best choice if you do a lot of walking.Ĭycling shoes are stiffer to help you pedal more efficiently but don't work well for most other activities.ĭress shoes can be comfortable as well as look good. Walking shoes have a shock absorbing heel and flex at the ball of the foot.Ĭross-trainers are often good all-purpose shoes for general exercise. Running shoes are specially designed to provide the proper cushioning at the heel and flexibility at the toes that athletes need. Your ideal shoes will change based on the activity you want to do while wearing them. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking. Stand up and make sure there is 3/8' or 1/2' (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe.Īlways stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable, fit well, and don’t chafe or rub anywhere. If the shoe's toe box is too small, your toes will rub against the top of the shoe and you willĬheck the space at the end of the shoe. The shoe should be deep enough to fit your toes, especially if you have hammertoes or other conditions. The ball of your foot (the widest part just before your toes begin) should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.Ĭheck the depth of the shoe. Make sure the shoe shape resembles the shape of your foot and fits your foot comfortably.ĭon't plan on shoes stretching over time. They should fit well when you buy them.Ĭheck the width of the shoe. So your shoe size is a just a starting point in selecting the correct shoe.Īt the shape of the shoe. Just like clothes, the size marked inside the shoe may be different depending on the brand. You want to make sure you are comfortable throughout the day and not just when you head outĭon’t rely on shoe size alone. When you are up during the day, your feet will swell and settle some. Get measured at the end of the day when your feet are the largest.

Most people have one foot that is larger than the other, so make sure you have BOTH feet measured. Don't rely on the fact that you have always worn a certain size.įit your shoes to the larger foot. Your foot size and shape can change over time. Poorly fitting shoes can be painful and cause foot problems like bunions,Ĭorns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis,įollow these tips from Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons to find the right shoes for you: They can make our feet feel comfortable or fashionable - hopefully both! Finding the proper shoes and making sure they fit are important for keeping your feet and yourīody happy.

A day in your shoes