Buying the right shoes
The main purpose of shoes is to protect your feet and prevent any injury. But in order to do so, they must fit well. However, there's no universal 'best shoe' - there are different shoes for different people, each with their own needs. Poorly fitted shoes can cause discomfort, injury and even permanent deformity. Understanding the components of proper fit can help you make sensible shoe purchases for yourself and your family
When choosing shoes, it's important to determine whether their usage will be practical (look for cushioning, stability and motion control), or whether the shoe will primarily be a fashion item.
The first step to discover which type of shoe would be right for you is to perform a 'Wet Test'. Wet test means examining your footprint after getting out of the bath or shower. Shaping your wet footprint on a dry bathroom floor shows the areas of support you might look for in a shoe. Wet Test will offer you an insight into what features, sizing and design your ideal pair of shoes will have.
Normal Foot Shape
Normal feet suit most types of shoes and have a normal-sized arch - your wet footprint will have a flare on the instep of the foot, with the forefoot and heel being connected by a broad band. A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel, rolling inwards ever so slightly to absorb shock. This 'normal' motion will have been incorporated in the design of most shoes with the majority of high quality footwear having being heavily tested with this movement in mind. Experiment and you?ll find great looking shoes that are comfortable.
Best shoes: Most shoe types will fit, but be sure of sizing. You'll find shoes that are unique, different, and more tailored by exploring the best of the alternative brands.
The Flat Foot
The flat foot has an extremely low arch - in a Wet Test, it will leave a print that looks like the entire sole of the foot. Flat feet usually indicate over pronation - feet that strike the outside of the heel and excessively roll inwards (pronate). Without proper support, flat feet can cause an assortment of overuse injuries.
Best shoes: Motion control shoes. High stability shoes. A firm midsole will help, as will control features designed to reduce the degree of pronation. Avoid excessively cushioned, overly curved shoes. These lack stability and will contribute to excessive rolling.
The High-Arched Foot
In the Wet Test, high arched feet leave a print with a very narrow band (perhaps no band at all) between the forefoot and the heel. A heavily arched foot is generally supinated or under pronated. Because it doesn't pronate or roll enough, it?s usually an ineffective shock absorber and you will need to find footwear to compensate for this.
Best shoes: Cushioned shoes. Look for shoes that offer plenty of flexibility - this will encourage a natural foot motion. Avoid motion control shoes or stability shoes, as these will hinder foot mobility. Cited: Buzzle.com, 2010.
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Page Updated: 13 May 2011
