An Article Written By Cecilia Brennan
Podiatrist – New Step Podiatry.
To reduce discomfort and prevent foot injuries us podiatrists recommend checking your work shoes for the following features. Stay still the end of the video to hear our number 1 tip for purchasing new work shoes.
1. The Thumb Rule: Leave Space for Your Toes
Start with the rule of thumb, literally. You should leave about one thumb’s-width (which is about 1.5cm) of space between the tip of your longest toe and the front end of the shoe. This is because as you move, your foot slides forward. If your toes are touching the front end of your shoes, then they are too small! Remember – your longest toe may not necessarily be your big toe!
2. Finding the Right Width: Size Matters
Do you have a wide foot? Look for a size D shoe for women’s shoes and look for a size E or 2E for mens shoes. Sometimes these are written as W or XW on the tongue of the shoes or inside of the shoe. To check there’s enough width try taking out the innersole and standing on top of the innersole to ensure you have enough width around the sides of your feet.
3. Stay Secure: Why Slip-Ons Aren’t Ideal
Check the shoes are secure, not emotionally but physically. Laces, Velcro, buckles, elastics are all great features to keep the shoe on your foot properly. Basically, avoid slip on shoes. Securing your feet helps to keep your toes from jamming into the front end of your shoes – and it increases support, which can help relieve pain in your feet.
4. Bend Test: Check Shoe Flexibility
Check for excessive twist. Can you twist your shoes like you are wringing out a wet towel? Just like a wet towel isn’t much use, nor is an excessively bendy shoe either long wise or short wise. You want the shoe to only bend where your foot bends in toe off i.e. across the ball of the foot. And you only want a little twist long wise as a structured shoe will be better at supporting your arches.
6. Mind the Heel Height: Go Low and Chunky
Avoid > 4cm heel. If you must wear heels, try to avoid stilettos and wear a chunky heel instead. Strappy shoes are also great at locking that shoe onto your foot to avoid foot and ankle injuries.
Depending on your workplace, you may be required to wear steel-capped boots which can now come in composite top which is just a strong and protective but lighter!
Bonus tip – Shop Smart: Why Afternoon is the Best Time to Buy
So what’s our number 1 tip?
Go shopping for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are slightly larger. Over the course of the day, feet get a little bigger (or a lot if you get swelling). It’s best to get fitted for shoes when your feet are at their biggest.
Bonus tip – don’t leave your shoes outside overnight in winter, depending on what material they are made out of they might shrink and be too small for your feet in the morning. It can only take a shrink of 1-2mm to cause a new nasty corn or blister.
Join Cecilia as she highlights the key features to look for in a great work shoe, ensuring comfort and support.
){kind=link}