Choosing the right running shoes helps protect your feet and lowers the chance of painful injuries. A properly fitted shoe gives your toes enough room to move. Meanwhile, the midfoot and heel should be snug but not tight. About a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe helps prevent bruised toenails and pressure. Shoes that are too narrow can cause tingling, numbness, and painful rubbing. Shoes that are too short can lead to bruised toes. Additionally, shoes that are too wide can allow your foot to slide, increasing the risk of blisters on the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can examine your feet, identify your foot shape, and recommend running shoes that match your needs and running style.
Finding the best fit takes more than trying on the first pair that feels comfortable. Shop later in the day because your feet naturally become slightly larger by evening. Wear the same socks you plan to use while running. Bring custom orthotics if you use them because they affect shoe fit. Always fit the larger foot first because one foot is usually a bit bigger than the other. Foot size also changes with age, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and previous surgery.
After buying running shoes, pay close attention to how they feel on your first few runs. Blisters on top of or between the toes usually mean the shoes are too small. Heel blisters can mean the heel area is too loose. Tingling or numbness points to shoes that are too narrow or lack enough space. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to ongoing discomfort and foot problems. A podiatrist can evaluate your running gait, recommend appropriate shoe features, and determine whether orthotics would improve comfort and support. If you have foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
- Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
- Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
- Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
- Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
- Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
