In Search of…the Perfect Shoe

Those tiny black heels looked so cute in the store’s display window. You just had to have them. But now your toes are pinched and your feet are aching.

Next time you’re shopping for shoes, don’t be a slave to fashion. Along with color and style, consider comfort and support. And most importantly, buy the right size.

“Make sure the shoe fits the shape of your foot,” says William J. Lipkin, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist at Somerset Medical Center. “Don’t try to make your foot fit the shape of the shoe.”

To ensure you get the best fit, go shoe shopping in the afternoon, he suggests. Your feet tend to swell in the afternoon, so shoes bought in the morning will end up being too tight. Shoes should feel comfortable immediately and do not require a break-in period.

Measure the width of your foot and the width of the shoe. If the shoe’s width is narrower than your foot, don’t buy it. In addition, the shoe should be deep enough so it does not rub the tops of your toes, causing corns or skin irritations.

When selecting a shoe style, keep in mind when you will be wearing the shoe. For work, be sensible. Dr. Lipkin recommends looking for a flat shoe with a supportive sole that will be comfortable to wear eight to 10 hours at a time.

Heels should be limited to special occasions and should be no more than 1 1/2 to 2 inches. The higher the heel, the more stress on your foot and the greater the chance of developing bunions or pinched nerves, Dr. Lipkin explains.

For sports and fitness, choose a comfortable shoe designed for your favorite activity. A cross-trainer is a good pick if you participate in a variety of sports. If you wear custom orthotics (arch supports), place them in the shoes prior to purchasing them to ensure the proper fit.

To learn more about foot health, visit the Healthy Living section of Somerset Medical Center’s Web site at somersetmedicalcenter.com. For a physician referral, call 1-800-443-4605.

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