What You Need to Know About Diabetic Shoes

Get the Right Fit.
Diabetes can lead to problems with circulation to the extremities, which includes the feet.  When you don't wear the correct shoes, feet become irritated or infected.  If left untreated, the infection can lead to amputation.  It is crucial for diabetics to have the correct foot wear.  When you wear ill fitting shoes, it lessens your foot sensitivity and you may not notice a sore or an infection.  Shoes specifically designed for diabetics will help reduce the stress to the feet and keep them healthy and free of disease.

Visit Your Doctor First.

Men's New Balance

Before you purchase any shoes, you should always visit your doctor first.  Your doctor will let you know if you have any nerve damage in your feet due to your diabetes.  If you do have any nerve damage, you will need shoes specifically designed for diabetics.  When you have nerve damage, it means you cannot feel pressure or any irritations.  When you wear bad fitting shoes, they will eventually cause these problems.  When you don't have the proper feeling, wearing shoes that are too tight will rub blisters that can lead to infection and other serious complications.

Fit and Function.
Most people buy shoes because of the way they look, diabetics need to buy shoes because of the way they fit.  Diabetic shoes are designed for the need for good circulation to the feet.  Diabetic shoes come in a variety of styles with several companies to choose from.  You can check out the different varieties by visiting our Step Alive Shoes website.  It's best to purchase diabetic shoes for whatever activities you need them for.  You may need them for walking, the office or just for everyday use.  At the very least, purchase a pair of  diabetic shoes you can wear everyday.

Women's Natural Step

How to Choose.

The best way for you to try on diabetic shoes is by wearing the type of socks or hosiery you will be wearing with the shoes on a daily basis.  If you don't, you may purchase a paid of shoes that feel great in the store but once you get home and change socks they are too tight.  This defeats the purpose of getting the right fit.  You may also want to purchase lace-up shoes instead of slip-ons.  Slip on shoes are designed to fit more tightly because they need to stay snug on your feet.  Lace-up shoes gives you more flexibility for tightening and loosening when needed.

The Right Time.
The best time to try on shoes for purchasing it after noon.  Feet tend to be more their regular size after you have been walking, sitting and standing for several hours.  Feet are slightly larger towards the afternoon, so this will give a truer fit that will be comfortable all the time.  If you purchase shoes in the morning, they may end up being too tight, which is dangerous for diabetics.  Diabetics need to have the correct fit at all times, so purchase them towards the end of your day to ensure comfort and the proper fit throughout the day.

If you have any questions regarding the fit of your shoes, or want to have Dr. Vail give you a diabetic foot check up before you purchase any shoes, give us a call at 419-423-1888 or visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/. 

The new Berries-an everyday vacation for your feet

If you are like me and have a hard time finding cute and comfortable shoes, then you must check out this new line of shoes from Aetrex. Their Berries line has three trendsetting styles for you:  Clogs, Mary Janes, and Slip-ons.  With these shoes, your feet will be so comfortable that you won't even notice you are wearing shoes.  More to the point, you need to treat your feet everyday like they are on vacation since they take care of you.  Let's look at some of the benefits the Berries by Aetrex has to offer.


Clog in Appleberry



First of all, these shoes are designed from memory foam.  This is the same type of memory foam used for mattresses and pillows that gives you a good nights sleep.  Now, just imagine how much comfort these shoes are going to give your feet.  It's just like walking on a cloud- no pressure or discomfort. 

Slip-on in Cranberry

Because of this use of memory foam, the shoes are stretchable and versatile.  That means when you are in a hurry to head out that door, all you need to do is slip them on.  There is no need to make any adjustments to these shoes.  The overall flexibility and comfort tends to make the shoes innovative casual footwear.

 

Secondly, Aetrex uses Mozaic Customization Technology to get customized comfort and support to minimize discomfort.  With this technology, stretch materials are built directly into the foot bed of the shoe and has the adjustability and flexibility of side straps.  Because Berries shoes has this Mozaic technology, you can wear your shoes from day one.  There is no breaking in period.



Mary Jane in Blueberry



  And finally, these shoes have built in Aegis foot bed linings for anti-microbial reasons. This technology stops the feet from getting algae, bacteria, and fungal infections.  This helps with keeping your feet and toenails looking healthy.

Berries by Aetrex can be found in a variety of sizes and widths to fit every woman.  These shoes also have full grain leather accents and stitching to go along with all the other technology advancements that make these shoes a must have.  They are also available in a rainbow of colors which include:  cranberry, blueberry, gooseberry, mulberry, raspberry, cocoberry, appleberry, blackberry, and boysenberry (now can you see why they are calle Berries?).

       
  If you are interested in learning more about the Berries from Aetrex line, please visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/ and click on Step-Alive-Shoes.  You can also schedule a shoe fitting by calling 419-423-1888.





Diabetic Shoes-Looking Good!

Diabetic shoes have come along way since your grandmother first started wearing them.  Not only in fulfilling the medical needs of diabetics but also in exceeding fashion expectations. 
You may ask yourself, is it really necessary for me to wear diabetic shoes?  The answer is yes!  With the most common side effect of diabetes being peripheral neuropathy, which causes the loss of sensation in the extremities, you want the best fitting shoe possible.  An ill-fitting shoe can lead to rubbing or pinching of the feet which can lead to an ulceration or foot injury because the diabetic cannot feel the injury until it is too late.

Dr. Comfort "Mary Jane"

Wearing diabetic shoes is very important in  preventing such injuries.  There are several companies we work with who specialize and manufacture special shoes and insoles for diabetics.  These companies include:  Dr. Comfort, Natural Step, PW Minor, Pedors and Aetrex just to name a few.
Diabetic shoes are made wider and deeper than regular shoes.  This allows room for the special diabetic insoles that are custom made for each patients feet.  This ensures a proper fit, minimizes rubbing and uneven weight distribution, and prevents injury.  It is also important for a diabetic to have shoes with good air circulation.
It is very important for a diabetic to have their shoes custom fitted by a trained professional.  You want someone trained in diabetic shoe fitting so you don't get an improper fit since you may not be able to feel the shoe due to peripheral neuropathy.  By ensuring a proper fit and good air circulation, properly designed diabetic shoes and insoles will help prevent pressure ulcers, encourage good blood circulation and allow the skin to breathe.
Here are some traits to look for in a good shoe design for diabetics.





Dr. Comfort "Cozy"


• Diabetic shoes need to have a breathable construction.  Shoes made from fabric or sandals are a good choice.
• Deep and wide designs that allow room for custom diabetic insoles.
• Designs with no interior seams or have covered seams to prevent rubbing injuries.
• Diabetic shoes need a roomy toe box to prevent pinching or squeezing of the toes.
• Elastic or easily adjustable fit.  This is to prevent the shoe from sliding around on the foot. 

To schedule your diabetic shoe fitting or learn more about diabetic footcare, call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/.

What is all the fuss about Crocs?

Everywhere you go, you run into someone wearing a pair of Crocs.  You will find Crocs in schools, in the mall, and even in hospitals and doctors offices being worn by young and old alike.  So what is all the fuss about Crocs?  Personally, I find them to be some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever tried on.  Even if you don't like the clog style, they seem to be coming up with new versions everyday.  They even have dress shoes for men and women, along with high heels for women as well.  But if you have Diabetes or problems with your feet, they have styles for you as well.

Through the Crocs Rx link on our Step Alive shoes website, you will be able to view five different types of Crocs from the Rx line.  This line was designed specifically with healthy feet in mind.  These shoes were designed specifically to eliminate plantar pain and achy feet.  They also help people who have injured feet as well as bunions and diabetes.  Crocs Rx provide inner support, heel cups, massaging heel nubs as well as arch support.  Also, RxCrocs are lined with an antibacterial material that will help prevent fungal and bacterial infections.  Plus, Crocs offer more protection to your feet in the warmer months than flip-flops.  And Crocs are also certified by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association. 

The "Relief"

If you like the look of the traditional Croc, you will like the Relief.  This shoe is ideal for people who have arthritis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, arch pain, forefoot pain, bunions, neuroma, metatarsalgia, hammer toes claw toes or swollen/achy feet. 
The Cloud, Silver Cloud, and Custom Cloud are all designed with diabetics in mind.  All these shoes offer protection of the toes and accommodations for orthotics.  The Custom Cloud also offers extra depth for moldable inserts, a soft shock-absorbing footbed and protective toe cap.

The "Silver Fox"

Here is a shoe that is for all the women out there.  The Silver Fox is labeled as the feminine comfort shoe for the stylish woman.  The Silver Fox has an anatomically designed sole that provides comfortable relief for plantar fasciitis, heel bruises and other plantar injuries.  It has a super-soft footbed that provides a gentle environment for sensitive feet, while the feminine style of the shoe allows it to be worn barefoot or with a thin sock for comfort.

You also want to keep paying attention to your feet.  Don't get a false sense of support while wearing these shoes.  If you are continuing to have problems or pain with your feet, you may need custom molded orthotics or other treatments depending on your diagnosis. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your feet, please visit our website at www.vailfoot.com or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vail at 419-423-1888.

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.

Fungus of the toenails, also called onychomycosis, is fairly common. Affected toenails become yellow or brownish and brittle. They also can thicken and become painful over time. Fungus toenails may also lead to bacterial infections and ingrown toenails. Fungus is an organism damp, dark and warm places. Wear socks that wick away moisture from the skin and shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Nail polish can also encourage fungal growth. There is a nail polish called Dr. Remedys Enriched Nail Polish that contains an antibacterial and antifungal preservative to help prevent fungal toenail infections.



Click below to purchase the Dr. Remedys Enriched Nail Polish from Our Online Store:



http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=694&DEPARTMENT_ID=174

Foot infection is a huge economic and social burden for patients with diabetes. Infection usually is a consequence rather than the cause of foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Infection is a clinically diagnosis and can be categorized as mild cellulitis, moderate to severe cellulitis and osteomyelitis. Infected foot ulcers require appropriate tissue and bone cultures to guide antibiotic therapy whereas uninfected ulcers do not require antibiotics. Duration of treatment varies from 2 to 6 weeks based on the severity of infection, along with surgical debridement. Prevention of foot ulcer and infection requires patient education, detection of neuropathy, glycemic control, and proper foot care with foot hygiene and appropriate footwear. The patient is an important member of the team and should be taught the importance of self examination and early reporting of foot problems.
To get Dr. Vail's new book: Diabetes and your Feet: Steps to an Easier Life, Click the link below:

http://www.advancedfootcareclinic.com/book-and-dvd.html

A great product for Neuropathy is 'Neuremedy'. Many neuropathy sufferers experience dramatic relief from their symptoms within a month after trying Neuremedy. It is not unusual to notice improvement within a few days. Click link below to purchase:Many neuropathy sufferers experience dramatic relief from their symptoms within a month after trying Neuremedy. It is not unusual to notice improvement within a few days.

http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=712&DEPARTMENT_ID=53

The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. With such a complex structure, a lot can go wrong. While some foot problems are inherited, many occur because of years of wear and tear. Signs of foot trouble include pain, excessively dry skin, thickened or discolored nails, swelling redness and unusual sensations. People with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.

Are you looking to purchase Diabetic Shoes? Here are a few tips to follow:

• Look for shoes with no interior seam it helps to prevent rubbing injuries
• Shoes should have deep and wide designs for feet to breath
• Plenty of toe box room to prevent pinching or squeezing of the toes
• Wear proper fitting shoes, the right size and wide help prevent slipping

Finding The Proper Shoe Fit

Find shoes that allow a natural position for the whole foot, providing adequate room for the toes to spread out. Shoes with flexible soles are a good way to strengthen the tendon of the foot and toes. Toe spring, heel height and narrow toe boxes are the three important components of a shoes that will influence the structure of the foot. Most importantly, give your feet some breathing room. Strip them down and give them some much needed TLC!

CARING FOR YOUR FEET

*Wear the right shoe for the right activity

*Buy comfortable, well made shoes that support your feet and ankles


*Avoid walking barefoot outside

*Pamper you feet after a hard days work

*Make an appointment with a doctor if you have an injury or pain that won't go away

*Sometimes an injection, orthopedic shoes (or insert), or series of stretches can relieve your symptoms without having surgery

Foot pain can take the pleasure out of living. By taking care of your feet you can prolong the enjoyment and delay the pain.

"Tyless" Tie-less Laces

Some of our patients have problems tying their shoes. This can be a complication for elderly patients, and a large concern for them. Other patients prefer to slip on their shoes, but do not benefit from the adjustment in the fit or support they would get if they were to fully tie their laces. If you would benefit from a product that makes tying your laces quick and easy, then come into our office for a pair of "Tyless" laces. These elastic laces have a special button which is placed on the lace at the very top eyelet of the shoe. Simply tighten the elastic and then lock it off in the button. The laces come in both black and white, and are available in four lengths: 25", 32", 37", and 42". These laces make tying your shoes a snap.

Findlay's Day of Dance

The Advanced Footcare Clinic will be at the Day of Dance for Health event sponsored by Blanchard Valley Health Systems! The event is to raise awareness for women's health issues, as well as enjoy a day to enjoy different dance styles, watch dance performance groups, take in music, eat good food, sign up for give-a-ways, receive health screenings and even win door prizes. Our office will have a booth at this event to share valuable health information about your feet. When you are exercising or dancing regularly you can really improve your over-all health. But nothing will hinder your ability to do so quicker than sore feet. So we want to give you tips on how to avoid this type of pain, as well as making you aware that we are available when you do experience foot problems. We will also have special offers and products from our office. Our display will include examples of our new therapeutic shoes. We want our patients to see that our shoes are not what they traditionally think of as therapeutic shoes, but they have been updated to offer great style as well as great footcare. And these shoes are available to all our patients, not just diabetics. We will also have an offer on a free pair of Dr. Comfort brand slippers for anyone who makes an appointment to see the podiatrist. And lastly, we will be offering free giveaways on some of our most recommended moisturizers, creams, scrubs, soaks, and other products.

The event will be held on Saturday, February 27th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. It will be in the University of Findlay's Koehler Center and the admission fee is a toothbrush and/or tube of tooth paste for charity. There is no preregistration required. Any questions can be directed to 419-423-5551. We look forward to seeing you that Saturday to enjoy yourself and learn all about women's health needs.

Diabetes is a disease which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar and starches into energy needed for daily life. The loss of blood flow and nerve damage are two common symptoms of diabetes. Decreased blood flow can make feet less able to fight infection and nerve damage make the feet less able to fight infection. Foot related problems include blisters, calluses, ulcers, infection, deformity and in some cases amputation. People with diabetes are at greater risk for foot problems, studies show that comprehensive foot care can reduce and even prevent foot complications. Proper footwear is essential to good foot health.

Diabetic Shoes

Why buy diabetic shoes? Diabetics shoes are the first step for better foot care. Studies show that a well fitted diabetic shoe help with ulcers and sores. Starting a preventative measure early helps to avoid foot problems later. We carry a wide range of diabetic shoes at our office. Stop in or call for an appointment to find the right shoe fit and style for you.

Top Shoe List

How Do Your Feet Feel At the End of the Day?

Unless you can answer that question with a smile on your face, your feet need help! One in Six people suffer from a foot problem. That could be a foot problem caused by chronic disease like diabetes or arthritis, leg length discrepancy, a sports injury, or a common condition like heel pain, flat feet or Achilles tendonitis. Whatever the cause, you don't have to live with the pain

Several times per year our staff and doctor visit shoe retailers and evaluate the shoes currently available on the market. The shoes we evaluate include walking, running, training, dress, casual, sandals and slippers. We then compile a list of the best shoes for your feet for children and adults. To get the most recent list of what shoes made our 'top list', subscribe today and receive the most updated list by e-mail within 24 hours. Once you register you will subsequently receive by e-mail our updated list throughout the year and our e-newsletter.

The 'Top Shoes' List has many of the best shoes that we have found on the market. Proper footwear is an integral part of any comprehensive foot care plan. In fact, the success of any treatment plan your doctor may prescribe can be enhanced or undermined by your choice of shoes. The Step Alive Shoes staff, trained in foot pathology and properly fitting shoes, created this list to help you make choices that will support your foot care plan. We know that your time is valuable so our hope is that this list will guide you as you shop for shoes and make the experience enjoyable. Our 'Top Shoes' List is only a tool and individual needs may vary. For expert fitting, make an appointment at our Step Alive Shoes store within the Advanced Footcare Clinic and we will make sure you get the best shoe for your particular foot needs.

The Importance of Properly Fitted Shoes
A properly fitted, supportive shoe offers increased stability and can put your feet in balance which in turn improves the alignment of the rest of your body. A stable shoe should allow the foot to function in a more normal manner and help the foot perform its natural job of absorbing shock. 90% of all people are wearing improperly fitted shoes! Most foot problems are caused or aggravated by improperly fitted shoes. Shoes are an integral part of treating nearly all foot complaints and we believe everyone should be evaluated to determine the proper shoe for their foot. The Step Alive Shoes staff is trained and certified to determine the proper shoes for each patient by evaluating the patient's foot shape, size, biomechanics, symptoms, activities, weight and other factors. We recommend the best shoes for the individual and guarantee our fit!

Our 'Top Shoes' List can help:
-People interested in preventative health.
-Baby boomers and up as their feet tend to expand and broaden with age.
-Athletes who put extra demands on their feet.
-Pregnant women whose feet are affected by weight gain.
-People with both high and low arches.
-Anyone experiencing foot pain.
-People who stand or are active on their feet for a significant portion of the day

Stable Shoe features:
To meet our high standards at the Advanced Footcare Clinic and our Step Alive Shoes staff, a shoe must meet the following criteria:
-Torsional Stability (Forefoot does not twist easily on the rearfoot)
-Firm Heel Counter
-Firm Medial (inside) Midsole
-Removable Insole

As a subscriber to our 'Top Shoes' List, you will be notified by e-mail when the list is updated. We update the list 4 times throughout the year.

Visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/ to learn more about all your footcare needs. If you would like more information about our Top Shoes List or to register for this free service, visit: http://www.vailfoot.com/top-shoes-list.html

Step Alive Shoes

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Stop by our office or our website for all your winter shoes needs.

Shoe Care

Shoes can be fun. They reflect your style and help you vary your outfits. And shoes have so many purposes. Some are for dancing, some for running, and some are attractive. No matter what the use your shoe may have, you want them to last so you can wear them over and over. Although you should replace shoes when they are worn out, you can get a little extra mileage out of them. Keep in mind that shoes which do not offer the appropriate support may be harmful to your foot health. But here are some tips for keeping your shoes in good shape just a little bit longer.

1. Always unlace your shoes. When you leave your shoes tied and slip them on and off, you most likely are bending the support around the ankle. The rigidity in this part of the shoe is important to support your ankle and heel. Bending it outwards when taking the shoe off, or smashing it down when sliding into shoes makes the shoes lose this support faster. This is especially important in athletic shoes which are supporting your feet during activity.

2. Add new insoles. Insoles sometimes wear out before the outside of a shoe does. When this happens, you can extend the life of your shoe by adding new ones. For some people, this is a matter of comfort as they want more padding in an already supportive shoe which has lost its original padding. For others, adding an insole is a matter of support, as they need orthotics to correct misalignments in their feet.

3. Clean your shoes. There are many products for cleaning all kinds of shoes, from leather dress shoes, to mesh athletic shoes, or even hiking or snow boots. If your shoes still have good support but are looking a little dingy, cleaning them restores that new look to your shoes. You can unlace the shoes and wash dirty shoelaces, or just replace them with new ones. If a shoestring breaks, replace it promptly. Don't just clean the outside of your shoes, but the inside as well. Spraying your shoes weekly with a disinfectant spray (like Lysol) helps kill bacteria, viruses and fungi in your shoes which cause infections (like toenail fungus and athlete's foot). You can dry your shoes with a hair dryer after spraying them.

4. Polish your shoes. Dress shoes make an impression. When your shoes are getting scuffed and worn, you can restore them to their original look with a little shoe polish. Match the polish and your shoe color and take your time to follow the instructions for the polish. Your shoes will not only have the support you require, but will start looking good again. You can even get your shoes polished by someone else as a way to relax in the middle of your day, you just need to know where to look. Machine shoe polishers are also available in certain locations.

5. Treat your shoes. There are many products available to seal shoes against weather. This will not only benefit outdoor shoes like hiking boots, but athletic, casual, and dress shoes as well. You will inevitably get caught in the rain in Italian leather dress oxfords or your favorite pair of designer pumps. Being prepared for this with a pretreatment can save your shoes from damage (and you some money if they are expensive shoes).

6. Rotate shoes. Wearing one pair of shoes every day has a lot of disadvantages. First of all, your shoes need time to air out and dry between wears. alternate shoes at least every other day. This alternation will also spread wear amongst many pairs of shoes, making them all last longer. You should also match your shoes to their activity. Your dress shoes aren't built to withstand muddy hikes or shoveling snow. Keep in mind that picking the appropriate shoe is not only good for you, but your shoes as well.

7. Store your shoes correctly. Keep them on a rack or other storage system. If your shoes get covered in heavy objects, they can lose their structure and become weakened. You should store off-season shoes in a plastic bin with a lid to avoid moisture getting to your shoes while they are in store and ruining them.