A shoe is composed of different parts. The front of the shoe, or toe box, provides space for the toes. The shape will determine the amount of space provided for your toes.

The vamp is the upper middle part of the shoe where the laces are commonly placed.

The sole is made of two parts, the insole and an outsole. The material of the sole determines the ability of the shoe to absorb shock.

The heel is the bottom part of the rear of the shoe that provides elevation. The higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the front of the foot. The material it is made from can help absorb shock when you land on your foot and shoe.

The material from which the shoe is made can affect fit and comfort. Softer materials decrease the amount of pressure the shoe places on the foot. Stiff materials can cause blisters.

“While style is usually the key consideration in choosing shoes, the most important quality to look for is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable.”

Recommendations:

• Because your feet may vary in size,
measure the length and width of
each of your feet.

• Your feet expand when bearing
weight, so stand while your feet are
being measured.

• Because swelling during the course
of the day can enlarge your feet,
have your feet measured at the end
of the day.

The shoes you buy should be fitted to your longer and wider foot. Although the toe box should be spacious, too much space can cause your foot to slide around in the shoe. This can lead to blisters or abrasions. Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes. Walk around and make sure your heel does not slip out of the back of the shoe and that it feels comfortable.

If you wear an orthotic, make sure it is in your shoes when you are trying them on. Don't select a shoe by size alone. A size 9 in one brand or even a different style may be smaller or larger than the same size in another brand or style. Buy the shoe that fits well.

Look at the shape of your foot and try and choose a shoe that conforms to it. Have your feet measured regularly. Their size may change as you grow older.

If shoes feel too tight, don't buy them! Your foot may push or stretch a shoe to fit, but in that time you may cause problems for your foot. Don't believe in a break in time for new shoes to stretch. If one of your feet is considerably larger than the other, an insole may be added to the shoe on the smaller foot.

The purpose of athletic shoes is to protect the feet from the specific stresses encountered in a given sport and to give the player more traction. A jogging shoe is designed differently from an aerobics, basketball or a cross trainer shoe. Determine what you want from a shoe and buy one that conforms to your needs. A jogging or running shoe supports you going forward but is not as supportive if you are turning. For general use, consider a cross trainer.

“The height of the heel makes a dramatic difference in pressures on the bottom of the foot.”

Athletic shoes are available with different arch support. An orthotic that is designed to support you in a shoe without arch support, when placed in a shoe that has some arch support, it will no longer fit properly.

Always consider shock absorption for a general shoe. As we age, we lose the natural padding on the bottom of our feet, and the amount of shock absorption provided by the shoe is important.

The height of the heel makes a dramatic difference in the pressures on the bottom of the foot. As the heel height increases, pressure under the ball of the foot may double. This transfers greater pressure to the forefoot as it is forced into a toe box that is commonly pointed in women's shoes.

Healthy feet are an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Following these simple recommendations will help ensure good foot health and comfort.

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