How your shoes fit is not only a matter of comfort. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can negatively affect the health of your feet and create problems that will cause disability down the road. At Foot and Ankle Specialists, PC, our podiatrists, Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, Dr. Christine I. Tumele, and Dr. Matthew W.E. Lewin frequently see patients whose toe, foot and ankle conditions are made worse by wearing improperly designed or fitted footwear. Here are some factors that you may not expect would affect how your shoes fit:

Pregnancy—When you are pregnant, your body produces a hormone called elastin. As the name implies, this hormone allows the ligaments in your pelvis to stretch to accommodate child birth. However, elastin affects most other ligaments in your body as well. When the ligaments in your feet relax, your foot seems bigger and wider and may require a change in the size of your footwear which may or may not be permanent.

Time of Day—The more time you spend on your feet, the more your feet swell. By the end of the day, your feet are at their largest and some shoes may be feeling tight and uncomfortable. To avoid this, shop for shoes late in the day when your feet are their biggest.

Age—Just as our eyes, ears and other body parts change as we age, so too do our feet. The tendency is for feet to get a little longer and wider the older we get. It’s a good idea to have feet measured professionally by a salesperson. Most people have one foot that’s larger than the other. Always buy shoes to accommodate the largest of the two feet.

Diabetes—For patients with diabetes, the fit of your shoe can be critical to your health. Lack of good circulation and neuropathy necessitate certain modifications. Shoes need to have a roomy toe box and soft uppers with very few or no seams to avoid any friction that could result in blisters or sores. Sometimes the foot doctor will recommend extra-depth shoes. Sturdy soles that cushion the foot and provide stability are also important.

If you have concerns about how your shoes fit and your podiatric health, contact our Monroe or Lambertville office for an appointment.