Footwear advice
Consider having your feet measured. They could have become wider over the years or changed shape. You will get the best measurements standing up because your feet splay out. If you can, have this done during the week when the shops are less busy so you get the shop assistant’s full attention. There should be at least 1cm (1 ½ inch) of room in the shoe beyond the longest toe. Try shoes on with the type of socks, stockings, insoles you normally wear because some insoles may need shoes with more depth. The right shoes for you will be comfortable when you first try them on. Buying shoes to ‘break in’ later is not a good idea. Shop for shoes later in the afternoon, if your feet tend to swell, this will be when they are at their largest. When buying slippers, look for ones that have a cushioned sole, and ideally a fastening to hold them securely on the foot. Avoid mules - they don’t give the foot the support it needs and can lead to falls. You could wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes indoors instead of slippers.
Footwear fitting
- Footwear which have laces, straps, buckles or velcro are more supportive and stay on your feet better.
- Footwear which is not held firmly onto your feet can be hazardous and cause falls.
- Consider having your feet measured, they may have become wider over the years, or changed shape. It is recommended to have your feet measured whilst standing as they tend to splay out when we stand.
- There should be at least 1cm (½ inch) of room in the shoe beyond the longest toe. Always select the size to fit your larger foot, if there is a difference.
- Try shoes on with the type of socks, stockings, insoles you normally wear. Some insoles may need shoes with more depth.
- The right shoes for you will be comfortable when you first try them on. Buying shoes to ‘break in’ later is not a
good idea.
- Shop for shoes later in the afternoon if your feet tend to swell - this will be when they are at their
largest.
- Avoid having your shoes fitted at the weekend when retailers are often most busy and therefore are unable to
provide full attention.
- Avoid wearing your new shoes outdoors until you are certain they are comfortable. If they are uncomfortable, the retailer will be more likely to exchange them for you if they have only been worn indoors on carpeted floors.
Socks and hosiery
Good socks will not only help keep your feet comfortable inside shoes, but will also keep them dry by drawing moisture away from the feet. If you have problems with circulation or swelling, try to avoid socks with tight elastic tops. You can easily find wider, soft-top socks in shops. Regularly check your socks and throw worn out or misshapen ones away Always check toe seams for an uncomfortable, knobbly ‘casting off’ knot – particularly in children’s socks. There are now socks manufactured from one piece of material without a toe seam. Avoid hosiery which is too tight across your toe area.
What to look for in a good shoe
Heel: Flatter shoes are best, particularly if you are on your feet a lot. Heels should no higher than 1 ½” and have a wide base.
Depth: There should be enough width and depth in your shoes to allow room for your toes and prevent pressure areas.
Length: Make sure your shoes fit to your the largest foot (most of us have one foot that is bigger than the other!)
Sole: Look for a thick flexible outer sole as this provides a cushion between you and the ground and acts as a shock absorber.
Insole: Some shoes have an insole that can be removed. This will allow for a specially made corrective or cushioning insole if you need one.
Material: A shoe with a soft leather upper will allow your feet to 'breathe'. Try to avoid shoes with stitching over prominent bones. Check that the leather has been stiffened around the heel for support.
Fastenings: Shoes and sandals with adjustable straps, laces or Velcro fastenings will help hold your foot in a good position. Loose shoes can cause slip and falls.
New shoes: If you have a tendency to have problems with new shoes, you may find it helpful to wear them for short periods at first.
Trainers: Trainers are a good choice if the upper is made of leather
Protect your feet at work
It is not unusual for problems to arise within the foot, lower leg and back as a result of working on hard unyielding surfaces for long periods, especially if you are wearing hard soled footwear with no shock absorption.
In a normal working day, the working foot can easily travel several miles and just standing still can also put a lot of strain on your feet and legs. If you are on your feet a lot, you should wear well-fitting, comfortable footwear with cushioning and flexible soles.
Tips for working feet
- Wear footwear that is appropriate for your job and suitable for the conditions.
- Wear safety footwear if your job requires or recommends it. Always have two pairs of footwear on the go alternating on a daily basis so that any perspiration can dry out properly.
- Wearing different footwear can also prevent pressure areas.
- If you work on slippery surfaces it is important to wear footwear with slip resistant soles.
- If there is a danger of nails or sharp objects – wear puncture resistant soles.
The wearing of high heels can:
- Increase the weight taken by the ball of the foot, which may lead to calluses, painful bunions, corns and deformity.
- Push the entire mass of the body forwards, causing the spine to bend backwards to compensate. This can lead to back and lower limb problems.
- Create a higher ankle position, particularly with a narrow heel width which can cause instability and ankle sprains.
- Wearing high-heels for long periods – more than 6 months – may cause long term shortening / tightening of the calf muscles. The person compensates for this tightness of the calf muscle by lowering the arch of the foot, this can affect the knee, hip or back.
Slippers
Many people wear slippers at home because they are easy to put on, and are soft and comfortable. However, well-worn slippers may not give much support to the foot so may contribute to trips and falls. The soles may also have little cushioning leading to pain in your feet.
- When buying slippers, look for ones that have a cushioned sole, and ideally a fastening to hold them securely on the foot.
- Alternatively, try wearing a comfortable, well-fitting shoe reserved for indoor use instead.
- Avoid mules - they give the foot little support and can lead to falls.
Useful sources of further information
British Footwear Association
01933 229 005 / www.britfoot.com
Hotter Shoes
01695 213 213 / www.hottershoes.com
Ecco
0808 101 7442 / www.ecco.com/uk
Cosyfeet
01458 447 275 / www.cosyfeet.com
Simply Feet
0845 370 0380 / www.simplyfeet.co.uk
Walktall
www.walktall.co.uk
Crispins Orthopaedic /Bespoke shoes
0113 252 8866
Taycare Bespoke footwear
0113 231 1800
Falls
If you have a history of falling within the last six months or any problems with your balance, you should ensure that your footwear is suitable and any that isn’t should be discarded. You should also discuss this with your GP or healthcare professional.
Further information: www.scpod.org