Comfortable, supportive shoes can help prevent back and foot pain. While flat shoes and athletic shoes are best, high heels are acceptable for some people who do not have back or foot problems, as long as they are comfortable and fit properly. Finding the right shoe can help you make a good investment in footwear.
Choosing a Type and Features
Step 1
Determine the types of shoes available for your needs. Dress shoes for work come in many styles, including comfortable, yet fashionable, flats for women. Athletic shoes come in different types depending on their use, such as running, walking, hiking and court sports. High heels with thicker heels help keep you stable and relieve pressure by distributing your weight more evenly, explains Morris Morin, DPM, director of podiatric medicine at the Hackensack University Medical Center.
Step 2
Examine each type of shoe for features that meet your needs. Athletic shoes feature different types of soles depending on their intended use. For example, shoes for court sports and hiking have much thicker soles than running shoes. High heels that slope down gently instead of sharply help relieve pressure on the arch of your foot, making these types a good choice if you must wear heels occasionally.
Step 3
Select a shoe that supports your arch. If you have low arches or flat feet, walking shoes that feature a flat last, the shape of the sole, can help stabilize your feet and prevent knee and foot pain, explains the Mayo Clinic. Look for shoes with a curved last if you have high arches. Shock absorption can also help if your arches are high, as it provides extra cushioning.
Sizing and Trying On
Step 1
Shop for shoes after a workout or after you have been walking around, as this is when your feet are largest, recommends the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Step 2
Wear the same type of socks or stockings when you go to shop for shoes as you will regularly wear with them.
Step 3
Choose a shoe store that employs professional salespeople who will measure your feet and recommend a size and style.
Step 4
Try on both shoes at the same time and walk around to make sure the shoes are comfortable. Your heel should not slip and the sides of the shoe should feel snug, but not tight or restrictive.
Step 5
Measure the gap between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when you are standing up. You should have at least 1/2 inch between your toe and the end of the shoe. Use the width of your finger as a guide, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Small silicone gel pads can help take pressure off the balls of your feet if you wear high heels, explains Dr. Morin.
- Do not buy shoes that are uncomfortable or tight, thinking you can “break them in,” warns Northwestern Health Sciences University. The right shoe will be comfortable as soon as you try it on. Discuss your shoe choices with your doctor if you have persistent foot or back problems, or if you have a medical condition that affects your feet, such as diabetes or a circulatory disorder.
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