It’s officially boot season! At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want to help our patients avoid podiatric pain and problems by giving some tips on how to find boots that are not only fashionable but good for your feet.

Below is a checklist of features to look for:

• Roomy toe box—boots that are pointy and narrow squish toes together and increase the risk and severity of conditions like bunions and hammertoes. If your toes are squeezed up against each other for long hours, you are also more likely to develop ingrown toenails.
• Good arch support—oftentimes, we see patients in our Cromwell office complaining of heel pain during the winter months. The cause turns out to be fashion boots that have little or no arch support. Proper arch support keeps your plantar fascia—the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—happy, which in turn reduces pressure and pain in both your arch and your heel.
• Cushioned insoles and heel cups—think of how many steps you take each day. The constant pounding of your feet against the ground can result in foot pain and tendon inflammation. Thick cushioning in the inside of your boots will act as a shock absorber, protecting your feet and increasing comfort.
• Ankle protection—when conditions get slippery, ankle sprain risk skyrockets. Be sure your boots fit your ankles securely and avoid thin, high heels that are unstable by design. Look for a gripping tread on the boot as well to further reduce your risk of trips and falls.

Once you’ve found a boot that meets the above qualifications, get a proper fit. Have your foot professionally measured. If our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas has prescribed a custom orthotic device for you to wear, be sure to bring it with you and try it on with the boots you are considering. Shop at the end of the day—it’s when your feet are at their largest and most swollen.

If you have additional questions about shoe styles that are best for your feet, contact us by calling: (860) 632-5499.