Footwear advice / prescription
Footwear advice / prescription
Helpful Hints When Purchasing Shoes
There are certain features which you should always search for when purchasing a new pair of shoes. Features such as a firm heel counter, good support, sufficient cushioning are just a few of the features which need to be considered when purchasing shoes. Other considerations such as the purpose of the shoes are very important. Imagine trying to run a marathon in a pair of high heeled shoes… possible but extremely uncomfortable. So here are a few tips to help you get the fit you need with your next footwear purchase.
- Always have your feet measured as sizing varies with different brands and styles of shoes.
- Feet change in size and shape with time so the size marked on footwear should be used as a guide only when determining the correct fit.
- Always fit the shoe to the larger foot. Most people have one foot slightly longer than the other, so remember to buy shoes which accommodate the larger of your two feet.
- Try shopping for shoes later in the afternoon as feet may be slightly swollen. This ensures you obtain the best fit for your feet.
- Try shoes on with the thickness of socks or stockings you would normally wear.
- Ensure you fit shoes with your orthoses or innersoles if your Podiatrist has prescribed these for you.
- If you are still unsure about the stability and suitability of your footwear ask your podiatrist to check them for you before wearing your new shoes.
How To Choose Basketball Shoes That Really Fit
Basketball Shoes
Basketball footwear is usually designed using a higher cut towards the ankle. The primary reason for this high cut design is to assist with ankle stability while jumping.
With jump shots, lay-ups, slam dunks, pivoting and rapid changes in direction the forces on the ankle can be extreme.
The demand for sudden directional changes also requires a unique sole design.
The features essential in any good basketball footwear include:
LACE-UP
Laces are essential because they help to keep the foot back in the heel counter of the basketball shoes. This allows the forefoot to function properly and efficiently and also reduces forward pressure onto the toes.
BROAD TOE BOX
This is essential to prevent lateral compression (i.e. squeezing of the toes). If the basketball shoes are too shallow, this can cause pressure on the toes which may lead to blisters, the formation of corns, callus, ingrown toenails and/or bruised toenails. For further information on foot and ankle injuries visit our foot pain page.
THUMB-SPACE CLEARANCE
Always try the shoes on when standing as feet elongate and spread with stance. Insufficient toe room can result in nail problems and affect stability. Ensure the shoe fits the length of your two feet and approximately 1/4″ to 1/2″ (8-12mm) of the room beyond the longest toe is available.
WARNING: If purchasing your shoes over the internet, be sure to check your size. Measure your longest foot with your socks on while standing using the size charts provided by stores such as Shoebuy.com and others.
FOREFOOT BEND
Basketball shoes should bend only at the ball of the foot where the toes bend and not through the arch.
HEEL COUNTER
The heel counter should be firm and feel snug as this helps to keep the heel and the foot stable.
THE UPPER
Leather uppers are preferred for their durability and ability to breathe. Avoid synthetic man-made materials unless the upper is an open weave fabric similar to that which exists in many sneakers.
SHOCK ATTENUATION AND THE OUTER SOLE
Basketball shoes exhibit flat soles which help to accommodate sudden stopping and rapid directional changes. Outer soles are designed for superior traction in various different directions.
TORSION
This should be minimal. Only a small amount of twisting motion should be available in a stable basketball shoe.
HEEL HEIGHT
A shoe with a low heel elevation of approximately 4 to 5mm is typical in basketball footwear.
HEEL BASE
This is generally broad. The smaller and narrower the heel base is, the less contact you have with the ground thereby increasing your instability.
Remember: Get your shoe fit right by measuring your right length and width otherwise your game will suffer.
Choosing Gold Shoes That Really Fit
If your golf shoes are uncomfortable then one thing is certain…you won’t be on top of your game. Years ago golf footwear consisted simply of oxford style shoes with wing tips and spikes. These days they are designed with the same technological advancements as athletic footwear. As such, shoes are lighter, more flexible and more comfortable than they use to be. If you do have a foot problem the first thing you should review is the type and quality of golfing footwear you use.
Choosing Hiking Boots That Really Fit
Hiking boots and shoes are generally manufactured with very few seams. The reason for this is to provide water resistance. Heels are firmly reinforced and padded high cut structural designs are often used to support ankles. Toes are allowed plenty of room for movement while specific emphasis is placed on traction and durability with regards to sole design. This is why hiking boot soles appear quite chunky and in many cases are heavily lugged.
When chosing a hiking boot follow this check list…
LACE-UP
Laces help to keep the foot back in the heel of the hiking boot. This allows the forefoot to function properly and efficiently and also reduces forward pressure onto the toes.
BROAD TOE BOX
This is needed to prevent lateral compression (i.e. squeezing) of the toes. If the hiking boot is too shallow, this causes pressure on the toes which can lead to blisters and the formation of corns.
THUMB-SPACE CLEARANCE
Always measure your foot while standing as feet elongate and spread with stance. Insufficient toe room can result in nail problems and effect stability. Ensure hiking boots fit the longer of your two feet and approximately 10mm of room beyond the longest toe is available. When purchasing shoes off the net, always measure your foot with the size chart provided by the retailer.
FOREFOOT BEND
All hiking shoes or boots should bend only at the ball of the foot where the toes bend and not through the arch.
HEEL COUNTER
This needs to be firm and feel snug as this helps to keep the heel and the foot stable.
THE UPPER
Leather uppers are preferred for their durability and ability to breathe. The heels should be reinforced and have very few seams for improved water resistance.
SHOCK ABSORBING SOLE
A non-slip shock-absorbing sole is essential to minimise jarring through the foot, leg, and spine. Avoid hard sole materials (e.g. leather or topei soles). These will reduce traction.
TORSION
Only a small amount of twisting motion should be available in a stable shoe.
HEEL HEIGHT
A shoe with a low heel is preferable (i.e. 10mm to 20mm.) Increased heel height ultimately affects the entire body as there is an increase in load and force placed on the forefoot, this causes the body's centre of gravity to shift forward, calf muscles shorten, muscles and ligaments fatigue as they are forced to work overtime to keep you balanced. This leads to an increase of stress placed on the lower back and thus body posture is affected.
More Helpful Hints
Always measure your feet as sizing varies with different brands and styles of hiking boots. The size marked on the boots should be used as a guide only as feet may change in size and shape with time. If one foot is larger than the other, always fit the shoe to the larger foot. To obtain the best fit, try purchasing your hiking shoes or boots later in the afternoon as feet may be slightly swollen. Try your boots on with the thickness of socks you would usually wear when hiking.