Your feet are weight-bearing joints and it’s important to look after them.
Wearing good, supportive, properly fitting footwear is an essential part of caring for your feet. It can improve your balance and posture, as well as reducing the strain on other key joints.
Your doctor or foot specialist should be able to advise you on the best type and shape of footwear for your needs.
Buying footwear
Your feet can change shape at any time throughout your life. It’s worth getting them measured each time you shop for new footwear.
It can help to have your feet measured while you are standing, as some people’s feet change shape when they are bearing weight.
Your foot shape can change throughout the day. You may be better trying on new shoes after you have been on your feet for some time.
Don’t forget to try new footwear on with any orthotics you use.
Finding the right footwear can take time and effort and you may need to visit different shops and look at a variety of brands, before you find the right fit and shape for your feet.
If you’re not sure which type of footwear would best suit your needs ask a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or a podiatrist, for advice.
Choosing the right footwear
Support, comfort, and protection should be your priorities when choosing new footwear.
Support
Your footwear needs to support the whole of your foot.
Good footwear should:
- not press or dig into any part of your foot
- gently hold your foot in a secure position
- be firm but comfortable around the heel
- have a 1 cm gap between the end of your longest toe and front of the shoe
- have a round front, deep enough for your toes to move
- have a broad heel, no higher than 3 cm on average
- have a thick, lightweight rubber or non-slip sole.
These specifications may differ slightly depending on your condition. If you are unsure speak to a foot specialist before you buy new footwear.
Fastenings
The shape of your feet can alter throughout the day because of changes in temperature, pressure, and arthritis. Footwear with an adjustable fastening can allow for these changes without reducing the support it offers.
If you have trouble tying and adjusting traditional shoelaces you could replace them with elasticated ones which should adjust with your feet and won’t need untying. Velcro and zip fastenings can be done up with one hand and should be less fiddly than buckles.
Comfort
Do not buy footwear thinking it will become comfortable over time. You should choose footwear that fits comfortably from the start. It should be deep and wide enough for your foot and any insoles or supports you use.
Shoes and boots that are too loose, pinch, rub, or put pressure on one part of the foot can increase the risk of structural changes, for instance bunions or hammer toes.
A cushioned sole, such as the type used in running shoes should reduce pressure on the bottom of your foot. Some shoes have soles designed for specific foot shapes, such as low arches.
Seams or ridges in the lining of a shoe can rub and make problems such as hammer toes, corns, or swollen joints more painful. Try to find footwear with a smooth lining.
Protection
Your footwear needs to protect your feet from getting damp, cold, or hot and sweaty, so a breathable material on the top of the shoe is important.
Shoes with a leather upper and lining are traditionally considered a good choice but there are various man-made materials designed to be breathable and water-resistant.
Your footwear needs to be:
- flexible so you can move your foot
- sturdy enough to support your foot structure and protect it from any knocks
- breathable so it allows air to circulate around the foot.
If you are having trouble finding the right footwear, look for recommendations or talk to your doctor or podiatrist.
Some high street footwear can be adapted by an orthotist to meet your needs.
Safety footwear
All safety shoes or boots should have a British Kitemark or CE mark to prove they are fit for purpose.
If your current safety footwear does not fit properly or makes your pain worse, you should ask about changing them for ones with greater depth and cushioning.
Indoor and outdoor shoes
If you have prescribed orthotics, make sure you transfer them to any shoes you change into.
Slippers with soft uppers can be more comfortable than shoes on painful feet. However, if you have been prescribed insoles or inserts you should limit the amount of time you wear slippers.
