Why Shoe Fit Matters Even For Non-Deformed Feet

Every podiatrist understands the relationship between poorly fitting shoes and foot deformity. Many podiatrist routinely order diabetic shoes, extra-depth shoes and sometimes even casts for custom molded shoes for the deformed foot. For the non-deformed foot, we simply rely on an “approved shoe list” or a “specialty shoe store” to which we send our patients. (view our online shoe store "type in shoes in the search bar")

We do not know the difference between a shoe’s upper and lower. We are not familiar with any brand of shoes that are not approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association or the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. We do not know what a Brannock device is, much less how to differentiate heel-to-ball from heel-to-toe.

It doesn't matter if a patient was a sponsored triathlete or a young woman who has to wear high heels at work everyday. One thing became crystal clear. Without the right shoe, the best treatment plan or orthotic in the world wouldn’t help.

What you need to know about Choosing Footwear

Did You Know? Carefully choosing footwear can reduce many foot problems.

More than 43 million Americans experience foot trouble due to poorly fitted shoes. You can learn how to ruduce your foot and ankle problems by learning how to choose shoes that are protective, durable, and comfortable.

Children's shoes

As your child's foot develops, you will need to resize socks and shoes frequently to allow for comfort and growth. When shopping for shoes, be sure to examine the shoe for comfort, fit, support and quality. Do not use handed-down shoes that may impact your child's foot development.

Women's shoes

Women's Leather Strap

A vast majority of women suffer from wearing high heels --2" or higher -- to be fashionable and feel more attractive. For the healthiest feet, women should avoid standing or walking in high heels for long periods of time. Here at our online products store, we have plenty of shoes to choose from. The product to our right (you can view this shoe by clicking on the highlighted link) is our Women's leather strap. This is a Therapeutic Shoe, that looks as great as it feels. This product is made by OrthoFeet. OrthoFeet shoes offer the most comfortable fit and pain relief for those suffering from diabetes, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, corns, Morton's neuroma, and swollen feet and toes. Each pair is sold with a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy!

Men's Leather Lace Boot

Men's shoes

Men in professional work can select high quality oxford style shoes with a cushioned sole. For men who work in industrial setting, water-resistent, steel toe capped safety boots are recommended. A very durable shoe we recommend for hefty males in the office is our Orthofeet Men's Leather Lace Boot (Pictured on the left). If you click on the highlighted link under the boot, you can view all the accomdations this Therapeutic Shoe has to offer. It's a light weight, soft, and has extra width and depth to accommodate swollen feet. When ordering this boot, order this as you would any athletic shoe. If you wear a size 11 for basketball, a size 11 would work just fine for this lightweight boot.

Men's Athletic Lace-Up

Athletic Shoes

Athletes of all ages and performance levels need shoes designed for their sport or activity. Properly fitted, sport specific shoes should be worn to hold the foot in the most natural position for the expected movement. This mens athletic shoe to our right (Click on the Highlighted link to view our shoe), is a unique customized fit with innovative stretch panels and moldable insoles that offers great walking comfort. This shoe is very unique because it was designed to offer added depth and a wide toe box that ensures a relaxed fit and plenty of toe movement.

Finally, tips for choosing your footwear:

-Have your feet measured each time, because feet change size over time.

-While your feet are being measured, be sure to stand with weight on them.

-Your feet swell during the day, so shop for shoes towards the evening.

-Fit new shoes to your largest foot, if your feet are different sizes.

-Have shoes fitted to your heel as well as your toes.

-Always try on shoes, as sizes may vary by brand.

-Walkin around in the shoes to make sure they fit comfortable.

-There should be a 1/2" space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe

-Always allow for "wiggle room" for your toes.

-Avoid shoes that have a heel higher than 2".

*Please feel free to call us (419) 423-1888 for a regular foot exam or if you have any foot problems.

Fashionable Footcare

More than 43 million Americans struggle with foot trouble due to ill fitting shoes.  This struggle can be attributed to sandals, flip flops, high heels, or even ill fitting tennis shoes.

High heels tighten the Achilles tendon and calf muscles as well as adding a significant amount of pressure to the ball of the foot. The fancy footwear also causes metatarsalgia, which is pain in the ball of the foot.  Heels can also do some serious damage to your knees. 

Sandals and flip flops provide little support for your feet and arches.  Most flip flops have only a thin sole that does not protect from gravel, broken glass, or hard surfaces.  Simply stepping on gravel can cause bruising in the foot, and no one wants a bruise on the feet that support them all day! However, in the warm summer months no one wants to be stuck in a pair of bulky tennis shoes or struggling with pain caused from wearing sandals with little or no support.  The Advanced Footcare Clinic offers a solution to this sandal lover's dilemma. 

Sandalistas are stylish podiatrist approved sandals. Sandalistas are constructed with Memory Foam that adapts to your unique gait as well as providing an equal distribution of pressure while walking. They feature built-in Lynco support, giving you the benefits of a successful orthotic system.  Mozaic Technology is built into the footbed, a patented technology that allows you to customize each sandal. Best of all for flip flop fashionistas, Sandalistas are stylish.  The shoes come in several fashionable styles and colors.

For more fashionable footcare visit our product store at vailfoot.com.  The website offers healthy (and cute!)flip flops that are only available through podiatrist's office.  So ditch your old worn old sandals and upgrade to fashionable footcare.