Podiatrist Recommended Tips for Buying Women's Shoes

Why is it that so little TLC is given to our feet when they carry all the strain of our daily movements? According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 50% of Americans between the ages of 18-60 suffer from some kind of foot pain.

Prioritizing foot health is as easy as spending a few extra minutes to choose shoes that are good for your fit, aka those that fit well and provide great support. Below, discover podiatrist recommended tips for buying women’s shoes.

Remember Sizes Vary by Brand

Shoes may say that they are your size, but you should still try them on before purchasing. Often sizing is slightly different from brand to brand, so you may need to size up or down from your norm. If you are ordering podiatrist recommended shoes online, check the return policy in case you need to exchange. Refer to our guide on proper shoe fit to make sure you have the right size.

Be Sure to Measure Both Feet Before Buying Podiatrist Recommended Shoe

Most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other, so measuring both is a must. One of the most important shoe tips is to buy the size that accommodates the larger foot so that both of your feet are happy.

Buy Shoes at the End of the Day

Wait until your feet have expanded to full size after a day of walking before trying on a new pair of podiatrist shoes. You want your new shoes to fit even when your feet are swollen.

Look at the Shape of the Best Orthopedic Shoes

Narrow or pointed shoes are likely to squeeze and cause problems like blisters and bunions. Round or square toe shoes have more space. The best orthopedic shoes like Court with wide, round fronts are the most spacious and comfortable option.

Wear Socks or Hose

Be sure to try on your podiatrist recommended shoes with the exact socks or hose you will be wearing. This is essential for getting the right fit as the sock will take up more space than a bare foot.

Twist the Shoe to Determine if They are Good for Your Feet

When you twist the shoe, does it provide some flexibility and resistance? Shoes that are good for your feet should offer a bit of movement, but not too much as this will affect the support.

Look for Proper Arch Support from a Podiatrist Shoe

Whether you have high arches or low arches, the curve inside the shoe should be touching the entirety of your arch to provide support. This is a shoe tip you shouldn’t forget. If you have any gaps inside the shoe, it is not going to properly support you.

Try doctor recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis like our Plim Soul canvas sneakers, which have built-in expertly designed metatarsal arch support to provide supreme comfort.

Pinch the Front of the Shoe When Standing

You should have a quarter to a half-inch of space in the front of the shoe when standing. You should never force your feet into shoes; you’re not Cinderella! If podiatrist recommended walking shoes don’t fit easily enough for you to wiggle your toes, get rid of them.

Check the Material and Construction of Podiatrist Recommended Walking Shoes

Are the shoes made of high-quality natural material or synthetics? Doctor recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis or other foot problems are normally made with leather, like our Winner pair. Alternatively, the best orthopedic shoes come in canvas, like our Star sneakers.

They should be breathable and long-lasting. If there are any seams or edges that have been glued, don’t buy the shoes: this is a sign of flimsy construction that will fall apart.

Bend the Shoes at the Toes

Podiatrist recommended walking shoes will always bend at the ball of the foot. You want shoes that are good for your feet to be hard in the back where the heel is, but flexible in the front, like Union. They should bend at the toes, but not at the arch.

Remember, the best orthopedic shoes are supportive and built to last. Keep the above shoe tips in mind and ditch any pairs that have you wishing you were running around barefoot all night; your shoes should be comfortable as well as stylish.

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