Tips on good footwear
The following tips on good footwear may prevent toe, foot, or ankle problems or injuries.
- Roomy footwear has a wide toe box with more room for your toes and the ball of your foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes.
- High-heeled, narrow, and pointed-toe shoes should be avoided. High-heeled shoes increase pressure on the front of the foot. If you cannot avoid wearing pumps or high-heeled shoes, look for a pair that gives your toes more room.
- Choose shoes with heels that are no more than 2 in. (5.1 cm) high.
- Alternate these shoes with flat, roomy shoes to give your toes a chance to move freely.
- Shoes made of materials that "give" or stretch will be the most comfortable for your toes and feet.
- Shoes that do not have seams will prevent rubbing or irritation of the skin.
- Laced shoes that have a wide, roomy toe box will give your toes plenty of room to spread out. Athletic shoes are a good choice. High-top laced shoes may give foot and ankle support.
- Sandals, soft leather flat shoes, slippers, or inexpensive cloth shoes are good choices for at-home wear. If you have an enlarged toe joint, cut a hole in the cloth shoes.
- Foot size may vary half a size from the morning to the evening or after a day at work, so purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 8, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery | |
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