Tips for finding shoes that fit
Consider the following suggestions when looking for shoes that fit well:
- Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Don't select shoes based on the size marked inside. Pick shoes by noting how they fit your feet.
- Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your forefoot (the front, widest part of your foot).
- Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet may change as you grow older.
- Have both feet measured. Often one foot is larger than the other. The shoes should be fitted to the larger foot.
- Have your shoes fitted at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest.
- Stand during the fitting process because the foot gets longer when you stand. There should be one finger's width [about 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)] between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. For the most comfort, the shoe should not be more than 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) narrower than the width of your foot when you are standing.
- The ball of your foot should fit snugly into the widest part of the shoe, but the shoe should not be too tight.
- Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping (pistoning).
- While you are still in the shoe store, walk around to make sure that the fit feels correct.
- If shoes don't fit, don't buy them. Don't expect them to stretch to fit.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: September 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science/Weight Management | |
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