Orthopedic Shoes: What To Look for When Buying.
If there’s a recurring theme in the report, it’s that buying the right orthopedic shoe is an investment in foot health. But how do you find an orthopedic shoe that fits properly and provides adequate support, without falling prey to commercial claims by shoe stores and manufacturers that may have no scientific basis?Start with your own feet, and look at what’s already in your closet. Stand barefoot on a piece of paper or cardboard, and trace the shape of each foot. Now take your shoes, one by one, and place them on top of the drawing. If you’re like most people, your “comfortable” shoes will closely match the outline of your own feet. The shoes that cause pain – and most of these will be high heels, if you’re a woman – are likely to be narrower than the width of your feet, and maybe even shorter.
FOOT FACTS Did you know?
Ideally, you would never wear shoes that are too small, too high, or too tight. But if you must have such shoes, wear them as infrequently as possible or you’ll increase your risk for foot pain and problems (or exacerbate those you already suffer). The less often you wear tight, ill-fitting shoes, the better. You might want to keep several pairs of shoes on hand; for instance, wearing comfortable, low-heeled pumps around the office or at casual gatherings, and saving fancy, high-heeled shoes for occasional dressy events.




