At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas know that your shoes play a significant role in the health of your feet. Many common podiatric disorders can be caused or made significantly worse by wearing improper footwear. That’s why our podiatrists may ask you to bring the shoes you wear most often to our Long Beach office when you come for your appointment. If you have a chronic foot problem, talk to the foot doctor (contact us at 562-420-9800) about the best styles and brands of shoes for your particular condition. Below are some recommendations for choosing good shoes.

• Start by getting your foot measured by a professional. Some studies estimate that as many as 9 out of 10 people are wearing shoes that are too small for them. Foot size can change as you age.
• You should not be surprised if one of your feet measures larger than the other. This is true for most people. Always buy shoes that fit the bigger foot.
• Shop for shoes at the end of the day—that’s when your foot is at its largest and most swollen.
• Choose shoes with good arch support. This will help prevent heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes that are completely flat like flip-flops or ballet slippers greatly increases your risk of this condition.
• Cushioned and molded footbeds not only feel more comfortable, they act as shock absorbers, reducing the impact of your foot hitting the ground with each step you take.
• Wear the type of sock you will most likely use with the shoes you are buying. If the podiatrist has prescribed a custom orthotic, you also try it on with the shoes.
• Always try on both shoes and spend some time walking around the store to check for comfort and fit.
• Don’t buy shoes that pinch your feet or feel tight anywhere. There is no such thing as a “breaking in” period. Shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you leave the store.