Shoes
Footwear is truly an important part of your wardrobe. Not only do they keep your feet nice and warm during the winter months, but they are also protection against rough terrain, infection, and an accidental step on. Depending on what your interests are and size, it may be hard to find a shoe you like, and one that actually fits. However, it’s important to not only look at style, but be practical about what shoe you decide to purchase. Your feet may not always be impressed with comfort as you are with the shoe style. Buying and wearing the right footwear may reduce, and keep away foot problems.
Your feet are under a lot of pressure. Think about it – you use your feet constantly to get around, you bear weight on them as you walk about – of course they are under pressure! According to the American Medical Podiatric Association (AMPA), when you spend an average day of walking it brings a force equal to several hundred tons on your feet. Your feet are the one body part that incurs more injury than any other part of your body. So you want to make sure to take care of them, and Dr. Perlstein can help!
What You Should Know Before You Buy Shoes • Go to the store later in the day to shop for shoes. Our feet swell during the day, and you are going to want to try them on at their largest.
• Just because your last pair was in a specific size, does not mean that the new pair will be the same size. Your feet do get bigger, and think about it, different brand shoes may not fit you the same in your usual size.
• Measure your feet while you are standing, try on both shoes, and walk around the store in them. Wear, or bring a pair of socks, that you are expecting to wear with the shoes. You want to put these on when you walk around in the shoes.
• You’re going to want shoes that do not need a “break-in” period. The shoes you buy should feel comfortable right away.
• Buy shoes for the larger foot. Also, make sure shoes fit well in the front, back, and sides. You don’t want shoes that are going to pinch your toes.
• If you have an orthotic, make sure to bring it along when you are trying on shoes.
You want to make sure that this will be comfortable to wear in your new shoes. Children’s shoes should be picked out the same way; however, there are a few additional things to look out for when purchasing shoes. • Shoes should have about one-half inch of space between the tip of the toes and at the end of the shoe. Have your child wiggle his or her toes; if they can do this comfortably then you’re set.
• When you have your child walk around the store in the new shoes, make sure to feel the inside of the shoe for any irregularities or for anything that can cause irritation. Also, look for any irritation on your child’s foot after the shoe has been worn.
• Your child’s shoes should not slip off at the heels. The shoe should have a firm heel counter, cushioning of the insole, and a built-in arch.
Gender Specific Footwear
Women Women tend to wear shoes that are not necessarily good for their feet, which cause preventable foot problems. High heels are one such shoe, which have heels of more than two inches. Wearing high heels should be limited, and is recommended to change it up by switching shoes during the day. There are heels that are not so high, giving your feet a fashionable look without the pain of the heel. The best shoe for women is a walking shoe with laces, along with a polymerized composition sole, and a wider heel with a rigid and padded heel counter. The heel should be no more than three-quarters of an inch in height.
Men Men’s shoes are a bit easier to address as a good oxford style shoe would be good. Also, slip-on shoes, and dressy loafers would be a good shoe style for men. If you are a man who spends a lot of time on his feet, then having cushioned-sole shoes, which give good support are recommended. If you work in an industry, which requires you to be around heavy equipment then purchasing safety shoes or boots is important. Wearing safety shoes or boots that are water-resistant, with insulated steel toe caps and soles of non-conducting materials, can help prevent injury to your feet.
Problem Specific Shoes We carry specific shoes for arch and heel pain.
Still have questions? Dr. Perlstein can help you figure out what type of footwear will work for you. Give our office - we would be happy to assist you.
Dr. Michael Perlstein's podiatry office is located at 4414 14th Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. He serves patients throughout the greater New York City area, including those residing in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Dr. Perlstein's office is open Monday through Friday as well as on Sunday.
