The holiday season has you on your feet more than usual: shopping at the mall, extra trips to the grocery store, parties after work, etc. At Superior Foot & Ankle Center we see an increase in many types of foot problems at this time of year just because people are on their feet so much more than usual. Do yourself a favor and make the first gift on your list be a well-made, properly fitting pair of shoes to do all your holiday errands in. Here are some shoe shopping tips:

• Choose flat shoes or ones with heels no higher than one inch
• Be sure soles have a good tread that will help you avoid falls on slippery sidewalks and parking lots
• Avoid shoes with narrow toe boxes that squeeze toes together; this can encourage ingrown toenails
• Look for breathable, natural materials that allow air to circulate to reduce the change of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections
• Run your hand all around the inside of the shoe to check for loose stitching or seams that can rub against the skin and cause irritation
• Shoe shop at the end of the day—that’s when feet are at their largest
• Make sure there is at least a half inch between the tip of your big toe and the end of the shoe
• If one of our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas have prescribed special orthotic devices be sure to bring them to try on with your shoes
• Wear socks that are similar in thickness to the ones you will wear with your new shoes
• Try on both shoes and walk around for several minutes in the store. Shoes should be comfortable from the moment of purchase—don’t count on them feeling better after they are “broken in.”
• If you have any special foot needs—diabetic, hammertoes, bunions or other foot deformities or conditions, ask the foot doctor’s advice on the best shoes for you. You can always contact our Long Beach office with questions by calling (562) 420-9800.