Aches and pains may come along as we take more steps over time. From temporary injury pain to persistent discomfort, these feelings require a response: a trip to the podiatrist and a visit to the shoe store. Do you know which shoes make the best choice when you have common ailments? We want you to enjoy the shoes you choose, so follow these tips to get the most out of your purchase.

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Don’t skip the soles

We often forget about our soles until we need to check the bottom of our shoes. Paying attention to the quality of the soles is one of the foundational best practices for finding a great shoe to meet your needs.
Do you need flexibility? Yes, but only at the toe box. We call this area the flex point, and our feet naturally bend at this spot. Except for the toe box area, flexibility is not desirable. The majority of the sole should be rigid.

  • Check the sole before you say ‘yes’ to the shoe.

Keep high standards but not height for heels

While shoe shopping, keep in mind the impact of heel height. The higher the heel — the more pressure we unnaturally place on our toes. On the other hand, wearing shoes with no heels, such as flip-flops, causes problems, too.
Wearing shoes with the wrong heel height can bring along problems for your feet, especially if you have existing conditions like bunions, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis.

  • Find the right heel height; too high or too low is not the way to go.

Ask about adjustability

We all love options, and this applies to our shoes, too. When we talk about adjustability, think of laces, straps, and Velcro. Everyone needs choices when it’s time to find the most comfortable way to wear their shoes.
Shoelaces are the go-to for finding the best fit. Do you have a preference? Depending on your age, one choice may be better for you. Kids love Velcro, for example.

  • Choose shoes that give options for your comfort.

The PediFix team is here for you if you have any questions.

We’re in the business of helping people find relief from common foot and ankle conditions. If you have questions about any of our products, please call 1-800-PEDIFIX (733-4349) to learn more. Our product specialists are ready to support your needs.