What happens when you’ve worn a shirt so many times that it’s practically transparent in places, lacking any color, and doesn’t fit you quite right? You replace it! When it comes to shoes, we owe it to our feet to do the same thing. While aesthetics are important to a lot of people, what’s truly important about a pair of shoes is whether or not they’re still supportive and properly fitted to your feet. Wearing shoes that have lost their support and fit loosely can spell trouble, especially during the harsh months of winter.

When you find yourself looking for a new pair of shoes, be sure to keep these three tips in mind:

1. Research a few brands of shoes before you invest. For those of us with specific needs, like arch support or wide toe boxes, this is especially important. It might be a tough pill to swallow, but higher quality brands that may cost more are worth the money, comfort, and longevity for the health of your feet.

 

2. Shopping online is easier, in theory, but unless you know for sure that a specific brand and shoe style fits you well, it can just wind up wasting your time. For this reason, we suggest taking your search to brick and mortar shoe stores first. Try them on in person before you buy!

 

3. Think about where you’ll be using these shoes ahead of time. Are they going to be an all-terrain option, used both indoors and out? Or will they be primarily used outside? These are important things to think about with the added fall risk of black ice and uneven surfaces. If you’ll be outside mostly, what sorts of activities will you be partaking in? Activities like sports and jogging call for high impact support.

 

If you’re looking for more tips on how to find the right fit for you, call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC. We’re conveniently located in Lambertville and Monroe, Michigan!