Every year at Feet First Foot Care, we celebrate National Measure Your Feet Day. This year, in 2023, this celebration falls on Monday January 23rd. Why would we devote and then celebrate an entire day to this idea? It is said that about 80-90% of people in the United States are wearing the wrong sized shoes. Shoes that do not fit properly can lead to foot problems such as: hammertoes, bunions, or plantar fasciitis. This month, we would like to encourage all of our Middlesex County patients to get their feet professionally measured to ensure that shoes are properly all year-long. 

Below are helpful tips and tricks from our team of specialists to help you get the right fit:

Check-In With Your Podiatrist. It is always important to visit your podiatrist on a regular basis. But it is also important and highly recommended by our specialists that each patient checks in with their podiatrist before buying new shoes. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas will conduct a thorough examination on your feet and will also provide you with the correct footwear recommendations.

Shop For Shoes In The Late Afternoon or Early Evening. Your feet are shown to be at their largest state at the end of the day, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. This is because you have already been on your feet all day so they have swelled to the largest they will swell. This is super helpful when buying new shoes because you are able to try the shoes on during a period when your feet will be the most swollen they will be. This will ensure that your new footwear fits properly all day long.

Get Both of Your Feet Measured. It may be surprising for some people, but both feet are rarely the same size. Our specialists recommend that you get both of your feet professionally measured. The shoes you buy should be comfortable and fit properly on both of your feet.

Wiggle Your Toes When Trying on Potential Shoes. When purchasing new shoes, it is important to wiggle your toes when you are trying them on. Why you may ask? There should be about ¼ inch of room (about a thumbs width) of space between your big toe and the front of the shoes. This will ensure that your feet have plenty of space to move freely inside the shoes.

Take Your Time. Our specialists recommend taking your time while picking out new shoes. Put on both shoes, walk around the store, and fully assess the shoes before purchasing. Do they feel comfortable? Supportive? Are they a good price for what you are getting? Are they the right footwear for the activities you will be doing? These are all important questions to consider during the time you are searching for new shoes.

We hope that 2023 is a great year for all our patients. If you have any questions concerning your feet and ankles, contact our Middlesex County office at (860)-632-5499 to schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas.