For comfort and foot health, your shoes must fit your feet correctly. Comfortable shoes will allow your feet to work normally and will not restrict their movement in any way. 

While the size of the shoe you buy is important, it’s also a good idea to check the following shoe fitting points to make sure that the shoe will be comfortable when you go walking:

 

Tips for Proper Shoe Fit

1. Toe Space

Make sure there’s 1/2 inch (1cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe – this can easily be checked by pressing the upper to locate the position of your toes.

Also, check there’s enough room for your toes to wiggle in the shoe.

 

 

2. Width

There should be enough width in the shoe to accommodate your whole foot – there should be no pressure on the joints on the sides of your foot.

 

3. Heel Slippage

For comfort, shoes shouldn’t slip at the back.

If the shoe slips when you walk, push your heel to the back of the shoe, then try altering the laces or straps to improve the fit against your foot.

 

 

What Size do I Need?

 

Many people believe that their feet stay the same size throughout their lives.

However, feet tend to increase in both length and width, so it’s important to use the points above to check whether the fit is correct.

Also, shoe sizing can vary tremendously between brands, so it’s important to ensure shoes fit correctly, rather than relying on the size alone.

 

 

Choosing the Best Shoes

When it comes to selecting shoes for any occasion, we’d encourage you to consider the following factors:

 1. Fit

 Shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you try them on. If they feel too tight or too   loose, they're likely not the right fit.

 

 2. Purpose

 Match the shoe to the activity. Athletic shoes are designed for sports, while dress shoes are ideal   for formal events.

 

 3. Quality

 Investing in well-made shoes ensures durability and proper foot support, reducing the risk of foot   problems.

 

 

More Tips from Essex Foot Care

Properly fitting shoes are essential to foot health. Essex Foot Care offers these additional fitting tips:

• Measure Both Feet: Feet can vary in size, so measure both and go with the larger size.
• Try Shoes Later in the Day: Feet tend to swell throughout the day, so try shoes on in the afternoon or evening for a more accurate fit.
• Wiggle Room: There should be about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe to prevent cramping.
• Walk Around: Take a few steps in the shoes to ensure they don't slip or rub uncomfortably.

 

Remember, your shoes should look good and support your feet throughout the day. Whether exploring Essex or enjoying a quiet night in, the right shoes can make all the difference.

Our experts are happy to advise what you must look out for when investing in footwear. We are here to help and encourage you to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and foot health needs.

For more in-depth information on choosing the right shoes for every occasion, we invite you to read our blog post: The Complete Guide to Footwear: Choosing the Right Shoes for Every Occasion

Feel free to discuss any of these points with us at your next appointment for further advice on keeping your feet healthy and comfortable.