If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes, it’s easy to be tempted to go for the most fashionable option. While fashion is important, finding a pair of shoes that fit properly and provide the optimum amount of cushioning and support is also critical.

 

We’ll go through how to choose the correct shoe for your foot and how to figure out how much support you need in this post.

 

How to Go Shoe Shopping

It’s critical to locate shoes that fit your foot properly while you’re shoe shopping. There are a plethora of options available, ranging from orthopedic-supporting athletic shoes to lightweight boots with all-weather protection and comfort technology. Knowing what you want in a shoe and which styles are ideal for your foot can assist.

 

Sizing

Many people wear uncomfortable shoes because they don’t know their true shoe size, or because their shoe size has changed over time or due to hormonal changes such as pregnancy or aging.

 

Outline your feet on a piece of paper and bring this tracing with you to the shoe store to determine your exact shoe size. To determine the size of any shoes you’re considering, place them on the sheet of paper. Do not try them on if they are thinner or shorter than your paper.

 

If possible, have the salesperson measure your feet each time you enter a store, making sure they measure both feet. A lot of people have feet that are two sizes apart. It also matters what time of day you go shoe shopping. Because your feet expand throughout the day, if you go shoe shopping in the morning, you may end up with a pair that pinches your feet by the afternoon.

 

When choosing a size, consider both the width and length of your feet. The shoe should be snug but not too tight on your foot. If it’s too tight, inquire if the size is available in a wide shoe. Remember that the shoe should conform to your foot, not the other way around.

 

Make sure to try on both shoes and stroll around the store in them. You want to make sure they’re at ease right away. Between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, there should be at least 12 inches of space. If there’s not enough, go up a size. Also, if you have any, bring the socks or orthotic insoles you’ll be wearing with them to ensure a comfortable fit.

 

Online shopping

Measuring your foot can be difficult when trying to locate the correct pair of shoes from the comfort of your own home.

 

The good news is that we can take either foam or digital measurements of your foot at Orthotics Direct, allowing us to construct custom orthotics that are appropriate for you and provide the comfort and support you require.

 

Why take a chance on a shoe that doesn’t have a large toe box or doesn’t support your unique foot ailments, like hammer toe or Morton’s toe, by ordering it online? We remove the guesswork from buying by making it easier than ever to receive high-quality orthotics delivered to your door.

 

How to Determine Your Foot Support Level

Each of us has what is known as pronation as we walk. When you walk, your foot naturally rolls and transmits weight from your heel through your arch and onto your toes.

 

When you walk, your foot rolls inwards slightly, resulting in neutral pronation. This action helps your joints absorb impact and maintains proper alignment in your knees, ankles, and hips.

Overpronation occurs when your foot rolls inwards while walking. It shifts your weight to your big toes, putting you at risk of injury and increasing the likelihood of back, knee, and hip problems. Overpronation can be helped by the stability of motion control shoes and corrected orthotic insoles.

Supination occurs when your foot rolls outwards while walking. It puts too much weight and stress on your little toes, which can lead to a twisted ankle and other ailments.

A foot scan by a podiatrist or physiotherapist is the best approach to determine if you have overpronation or supination. To find out where you need more foot support, check at the bottom of an old pair of sneakers, dress shoes, or your favorite walking shoes. You may have overpronation if you have increased wear on the inside of your soles. Supination occurs when the outer edges of your soles and back heel show increased wear.

 

Some foot support shoes include adjustable support levels to assist you correct overpronation or supination. Running shoes are divided into three categories: neutral, stability, and motion control.

 

Shoes in a neutral color scheme

People who have neutral pronation or modest supination should use neutral shoes.

 

Shoes for Stability

Stability shoes, as the name implies, feature mechanisms that help control overpronation and side-to-side movement of the foot. They could also provide good arch support and stress absorption.

 

Shoes with Motion Control

Specialized shoes are typically found in specialty shoe retailers. Firm pillars in the midsole help support the arch, while the heels and general design are stiffer to correct extreme overpronation.

 

Type of arch

Your arch type is another important factor to consider when looking for a shoe that fits well and provides adequate support. The bones, muscles, and ligaments that connect your foot form your arches. As you walk, your arches assist you in maintaining balance by supporting and distributing your body weight across your foot and toes.

 

There are three types of archways:

 

Neutral Arches do not have a high or low point. To help support the foot, they should wear shoes with a strong midsole and a semi-curved sole.

Low arches (flat feet) can result in joint pain and soreness. Low arches can benefit from shoes with a straight sole and motion control.

High Arches can put extra pressure on joints and muscles, and they may not absorb the impact of bouncing and landing as efficiently as low arches. Find arch support shoes with extra cushioning or a curved sole to help with shock absorption.

Explore the selection of orthotic shoes from IDEASTEP Orthotics if you’re looking for beautiful yet comfortable shoes that give cushioning and support. Our trendy and highly recommended shoe collection pairs nicely with our manufactured custom orthotic solution, ensuring a flawless fit and precise placement. Let us assist you in finding the best shoe for you today.