Happy Feet: 8 Tips for Happier Feet

When it comes to shoes, men and women are both guilty of picking kicks that are hard on their feet and their overall wellness. If you’re struggling with foot, toe, heel, or knee pain, the root cause may be right under your nose – or rather, your toes.

Here are 8 tips for footwear that flatters and protects your feet:

1. Get a kick-start with running shoes.
   The technology that goes into making running shoes comfortable and supportive means that they can meet the needs of many people, including those with flat feet or high arches. If you’ve been experiencing a lot of ankle or foot pain, you may want to invest in a supportive and comfortable pair of running shoes. They also come in a wide variety of styles.
2. Avoid soft and flat soles.
   Flat or soft-soled shoes lack support. This lack of arch support can result heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Instead, look for shoes that cover your feet and have firm soles.
3. Stick to your foot shape.
   Finding the right fit for your foot can be hard. The shoebox (the front of the shoe that surrounds your toes) should mirror the shape of your feet. If the shoebox is too narrow/square/round for your toes, it can aggravate bunions and cause corns or pinched nerve. Make sure to leave plenty of room in the shoebox for your toes to move around; there should be a fingertip of length between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
4. Skip over skyscraper heels.
   High heels redistribute your weight, placing pressure on the balls of the feet and lower back. Over time, overly high heels can also shorten the muscles and tendons in the back of the legs. Experts recommend heels less than 2 inches. If you insist on ultra high heels, avoid wearing them on consecutive days or for longer than four hours at a time.
5. Think one step ahead.
   Foot support becomes more important as you age. As feet age, they also lose some of the fat pad that provides natural cushioning, so older individuals may find relief from foot pain by wearing cushy shoes or slippers around the house. As always, prevention can be the best cure- start protecting your feet now so that your feet will be well-cared for as you age.
6. Switch it up.
   How often people should replace their shoes depends on how much they stand and walk in them. You need to replace your primary walking shoes at least once a year, but, depending on your level of activity/mileage/activity, some athletic shoes may need to be replaced every three to six months.
7. Step into something new.
   To find shoes that truly fit, it helps to try them on because shoe sizes aren’t universal across different brands. For better results, try them on at the end of the day — feet swell after daily use. For an even better fit, find a store with a specialist who can help you find shoes that fit properly. For extra support, consider a custom-fit shoe insert to help you distribute your weight evenly.
8. Take the steps towards better health.
   If your feet hurt when you get home from work, don’t brush it off. If you regularly experience foot pain, call your doctor. You may be referred to an orthopaedic specialist or physical therapist who can help you fix your shoes and get back on your feet!

Source: “Do Your Feet a Favor” Cleveland Clinic