Make Sure The Shoe Fits Before You Wear It: 10 Ways To Avoid

By Author: Cathi Stevenson
Total Articles: 3
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A 10-point article focusing on the purchase of proper fitting footwear
Carla walked 45 minutes a day, every day, as part of her exercise regime. After two years of walking she began to notice her right foot hurt and she was always adjusting her laces. A visit to the family doctor resulted in her going to the last place she thought he'd send her: a shoe store. It turned out that after three children and as a natural part of aging, my shoes were now almost a half-size too small. Her solution was simple: new sneakers, fitted by a professional. Many people suffer for years without realizing their pain is caused by improperly fitted shoes and that's why it's important consumers be aware of how to choose footwear. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, One in six persons or 43.1 million people in the U.S. have foot problems. Thirty-six percent regard their foot problems as serious enough to warrant medical attention. Here are some tips to keep your tootsies happy and pain free. 1. Have your feet measured before you make a shoe purchase. Feet get larger as we grow older, have children ...
... and gain weight. If you wore a size 8 in your 20s, chances are you'll be an 8- and-a-half in your 40s. Make sure you measure both feet, since most of us have one foot larger than the other. Always purchase shoes to fit the largest foot. 2. Try both shoes on and walk in them before you buy. Sizes vary, as do styles and shoe shapes. A size 8 in one brand might fit perfectly, while a 7- and—half in another is too loose in the heel. 3. Your feet swell during the day, so make sure you only shop for shoes in the evening. 4. There should be a three-eighths to .5 inch space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. 5. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably into the widest part of the shoe. 6. Before buying shoes of any kind ensure that the heel fits well and there is no slippage. 7. Look for shoes that are similar in shape to your feet. Some brands and styles are narrower than others, or have a narrow heel. 8. High heels can cause not only foot pain, but posture problems and back pain, as well. For these reasons women should avoid high heels. If you must wear them, never go over 2- and-a-half inches in heel height. 9. Always buy shoes that fit now. Shoes do not stretch and there is no such thing as breaking them in. 10. Wear the same type of socks or nylons you will be wearing with the shoe. If you're purchasing sneakers, wear athletic socks; For high heels, wear nylons during the fitting session.. For more information on foot care and common foot problems, visit: http://www.aofas.org/ http://www.aaos.org/ About the Author Cathi Stevenson is a former editor and journalist who has sold more than 2000 articles world-wide. Her eBook "How To Publish & Market Your eBook For Just $5" made the publisher's best sellers' list within months of its release. Learn how she did it with tips from the Author's Cafe Newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.authorscafe.com. Cathi also owns the highly successful book cover design company: Book Cover Express. http://www.bookcoverexpress.com