Top 10 Tips for Buying Shoes

1.    As we grow older the size of our feet change.  It is important to always select shoes by how they fit and feel and not by the size marked inside the shoe. 

2.    Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to 1/2”) from your longest toe to the end of shoe when you are STANDING UP.

3.    Most people have one foot that is bigger than the other.  Always fit your shoe to your larger foot.  Be sure to try both shoes on and walk in them to make sure they fit and feel right.

4.    Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit. They should be comfortable right away.

5.    Try on shoes in the afternoon or later part of the day since feet tend to swell and become larger by the end of the day.

6.    Bend the front part of the shoe upwards, it should bend in the toe box area. Hold on to the heel and toe box and try to bend the shoe, if the midsole(arch area) bends easily the shoe is excessively flexible and will not offer enough support.  Ideally you should not be able to bend the midsole at all or very little.

7.    Your heel should fit comfortably with a minimum amount of slippage.

8.    When trying on, wear the socks you will typically be wearing with the shoes and walk around the store to get a real feel for how it fits.

9.    Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.  You may need to try different widths.

10.Always tighten the laces of the shoes that you are trying on so that your feet are secure in the shoe. There are many different types of lacing patterns that can be applied to the shoe to adapt for, or minimize foot pain or structural anomalies.

For more information contact Dr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS of Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic at 701-255-3338

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Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic

Monday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed