The Right Fit

Health Guides
The Right Fit
Foot Care

An interesting fact about our feet is that they are of slightly different size and shape. And so, when we go out to buy shoes, we have to get the fit for the bigger foot.

But no matter how much ever we try, the so-called perfect fit never happens. Often, we buy footwear only because it was hard to resist, and worse if it turns out to be better looking than better fitting. It is not only a torture to our poor feet, but it could also be the onset of a whole gamut of problems for the rest of our body.

Arch of your feet

Your arch defines how you walk. They provide base for support and mobility. Hence choose shoes that support your arch properly. Most shoes that are commonly available support neutral arches. However, be careful if you have pronation or an unusually high arch. If you wear shoes designed for regular comfort, you could be making your feet prone to painful disorders like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and even other muscle disorders including pain in the knee. Search for the shoes that cater to your specific problem or choose arch-support orthotics. These are available over-the-counter or could be custom-made for you.

You are the best judge of your feet

• Consider the shape of your feet while choosing footwear. Too narrow or too wide shoes can lead to painful blisters, calluses, corns etc.

• Laced-up shoes provide a better fit than slip-ons and can also accommodate orthotics or insoles better.

• For regular wear shoes, soft leather is the best material to choose, because it breathes like skin and moulds to the shape of the foot. On the cheaper side, canvas is also very comfortable.

• The insoles of your shoes should also be thick and comfortable to absorb the shock from hard surfaces, saving your feet from any potential injury.

• Avoid shoes with heavy, hard soles. Instead look for shock absorbing and skid-free, preferably rubber soles.

• The size of the feet changes with age. Hence, every time you buy shoes, there is nothing wrong in measuring your feet.

• Your feet contract during night, when you sleep and stretches with use. It is always advisable to buy shoes later in the day, as your feet are at its biggest size that time.

• The best way to find the right fit is carry a cut-out of your foot sole and compare it to the shoe. If it does not fit, do not buy.

• High heels look great, but flats are the best. If you must wear heels, try keeping them under two inches and do not wear them for prolonged periods of time, as it could lead to a number of serious leg and back problems in the long run.

• Walk around in your shoes to make sure they are kind to your feet. Also, you should be able to wiggle your toes freely in them.

• Avoid narrow and low-toed shoes. If the toe of your foot does not find enough space inside it could lead to disorders like bunions and hammertoes.

• Avoid wearing hand-me-down shoes as they are usually moulded to the original owner’s feet.

Sad, but true, we often buy shoes for looks and style than comfort. The foot is a biological work of art designed for immense strength, flexibility, versatility and a high functional value. The least we can do to protect them is to take good care of our feet, just like other parts of the body.