Each January, we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists recognize a special event: National Measure Your Feet Day. Why devote an entire day to this task? Well, for starters, it's estimated that as many as 80-90% of people are wearing the wrong size shoes. Improperly fitting shoes can lead to many foot problems such as bunionshammertoesplantar fasciitis, and even ingrown toenails. It's also not uncommon for foot size to change as you age. Ligaments and tendons naturally stretch and relax over time, leading to an increase in shoe size. Weight gain and pregnancy are two other potential causes of feet getting larger. So, this month we encourage all our Middlesex County patients to get their feet professionally measured at a reputable shoe store.

Below are 5 helpful tips for shoe shopping to help you get the right footwear fit:

  1. Check-in with the podiatrist. It is especially important if you have a chronic disorder such as diabetesbunions, flat feet, or Haglund's deformity. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your feet and recommend footwear to accommodate your condition. The podiatrist may prescribe a custom orthotic device for specific biomechanical foot problems. It's important to take the orthotic to the shoe store with you and try on with the footwear you are considering.
  2. Shop for shoes late afternoon or evening. Shopping at the end of the day means you'll be trying on shoes when your feet are at their largest, so they'll be comfortable all through your day. The longer you are on your feet, the more they swell.
  3. Get both your feet measured. You may be surprised to find that one of your feet is bigger than the other, but this is common. The shoes you buy should feel comfortable on the largest foot.
  4. Wiggle your toes. The toe box should be spacious and made of a material that allows your feet free movement inside. There should be about ½ inch (a thumb’s width) of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  5. Don’t rush. Try on both shoes and take your time walking around the store for several minutes to make sure the shoes don’t rub or hurt anywhere on your feet. There should be no “breaking in” period with a new pair of shoes. They should feel comfortable from the moment you buy them.

We hope 2022 is a great year for all our patients. If you have any concerns about the health of your feet or ankles, don’t hesitate to contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416