BE SWEET TO THE FEET
Choose the right pair of shoes, those feet are the only two you’ve got.
Choosing the right pair of shoes is an important task. Spend money on anything that separates you from the ground they say, mattress, tires and of course…shoes. There are many different brands and just as many different stores within which to purchase them. Let’s take a minute today and learn how to identify proper fit, choose a good shoe for the occasion and find out when it’s time to replace your shoes.
Start with your shoe size. Do you remember that last time you had your foot measured? If not, it’s time to get a proper measurement. Your foot can change shape year upon year, gaining both width and length and in some cases depth with hammertoe formation and foot swelling. Recall, if you will, that metal device they once used to measure your foot some years ago. They still exist and a good shoe store will have one. Check both the length and width, while you are standing of course, and add a half centimeter or so to that length and you have your ideal size. A quick comment on width, shoe widths run from 4A to 4E with B, C, and D between. A is the narrowest and E is the widest. The A through E widths have largely been supplanted by SS to XXW. Not all shoes will display width. But that device mentioned before will.
Now let’s select the correct shoe for the occasion. Plan on walking a long way? Bring your gym shoes or call a cab. Do not get stuck in a poorly fitting sandal with little or no support when you’ll have to walk 7 miles from dinner to your gala at the Art Institute. Playing tennis? Purchase a court shoe designed for tennis, not last year’s running shoe. Heading to the gym? Don’t work out in your work boots. Leave the Red Wings at home and put on the cross trainers. And as for heels…well…they certainly look great on you, but really you may want to make an appointment with your foot doctor very soon for the aches and pains you will be getting.
It’s time to choose your shoe. Here are my favorite brands: Clark, Ecco, Finn, Abeo, Vionic, Brooks, New Balance, Asics, Merrell, Birkenstock, Naot and, for the Diabetic crowd and those with a difficult to fit foot, SAS. A good shoe is supportive and made of good materials. A good shoe will not fold in the middle like a taco, and will have a solid heel counter (the very back of the shoe above the sole). Give the heel counter a squeeze and it should be firm. Hold the toe of the shoe with one hand and the heel with the other. Does it fold in the middle? Put it back on the shelf. Now select the proper size and width and try on the shoe. Does it fit well and feel comfortable right away? If yes, good; if no, put it back in the box.
Lastly, when should you replace your shoes? Simply replace them when they are worn out. For a running shoe that is 300 miles or 6-8 months. For a dress casual shoe that is when the sole is noticeably worn to one side or the other at the heel or mid-foot and the material on the interior is wearing away. Good luck and happy walking!