From ancient times and through the centuries, footwear has evolved from protective sandals to a protective comforting and aesthetic part of clothing.  The development of hard surfaces on which we now stand and walk has mandated the need for well-designed and comfortable shoe gear.

Today, there are many varieties of styles and materials used in the shoe industry.  The type of shoe gear must fit the activities of the wearer.  Men and women must wear shoes appropriate for the chosen activity.  The many varieties of athletic shoes, office professional shoes, construction and outdoor work shoes all have different designs, but the most important requirement is that they be made well and that they fit well.  Only then will they provide adequate protection and help in the prevention of foot problems.

Children's Shoes

When a child begins to walk it is better to allow him or her to walk barefoot or with socks, especially on a carpeted area.  This provision allows the feet to grow without restriction, and the child develops the muscular strength as well as grasping ability of the toes.  When the child begins walking more, especially on hard floors, he or she needs well-fitting shoes.  A high-top shoe is preferred to provide good stability and support for the foot and ankle.

Shoes should be checked periodically for size and fit as children grow quickly.  Poor-fitting shoes may cause problems that may not be immediately obvious.  In early years of development sandals are not recommended, as they do not provide support for the developing feet.

Though fit is the most important consideration, when a child is involved with sports he or she needs to use the appropriate shoes.

Women's Shoes

Women may cause many problems to their feet by wearing improper footwear that they feel obligated to wear, either because of their work environment or a desire to be fashionable.

Some of those problems result from wearing high-heeled shoes.  Although they may be fashionable, high-heeled shoes can cause foot problems.  A very high-heeled shoe may cause instability of the foot and ankle, leading to ankle sprains and other injuries.  It is okay to wear high-heeled shoes, but it is better to wear them for a short period of time as when going to special events. 

There are comfortable and attractive pump shoes with a 2” heel height that one can use for work and social activities.  Some pump shoes are made with athletic shoe-derived construction, reinforced heels, and wider toe room.  For some, pumps may be the answer when looking for a balance between fashion and comfort.

Pointed-toe shoes pinch the toes together, causing improper alignment of the foot bones.  Using such a shoe may cause corns, calluses, and nerve pain.  They can also aggravate bunions and ingrown nails.  It is best to use a shoe with an adequately roomy toe box.

Men's Shoes

The best dress shoes for men are good quality oxford-style shoes with good arch support and reinforced heel.  In addition, slip-ons, dressy loafers, and low dress boots maybe suitable.

For those who work outdoors or in industrial settings there is the need for good safety shoes and boots.  It is now a policy of the almost all companies to wear protective shoes.  Some shoes are waterproof or water-resistant, with insulated steel toecaps and soles of non-conducting materials.  Such shoes may cause increased sweating of the feet and may necessitate special foot care.  They do help in preventing injuries to the feet, and reduce the severity of injuries that do occur.

Athletics Shoes

There are specific shoes for the different sporting activities.  Each sporting activity produces different stresses on the foot and ankle and therefore requires a specific type of shoe.  It is important to use the correct shoe for each sport.  It is also very important to change shoes whenever they become worn out and to not use them beyond their lifetime.

Today, there area shoes for every category of sport, and within the category there are different grades of shoes.   One should fit the shoe to the type and demands of the sport. 

Buying Tips

• Have both feet measured while you're standing.
• Always try on both shoes, and walk around the store on carpet and tiled areas.
• Feet are seldom precisely the same size symmetrically. Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
• There should be about one thumbnail’s width of room between the front of the inside of the shoe and the tip of your longest toe.
• Don't buy shoes that need a "break-in" period -- shoes should be comfortable immediately.  If you feel any pressure points or high friction areas, then move on to a different shoe.
• Don't rely on the size of your last pair of shoes. Your feet do get larger, and lasts (shoemakers' sizing molds) also vary.
• Shop for shoes later in the day; feet tend to swell during the day, and it's best to be fitted when they are at their largest.
• Be sure that shoes fit well -- front, back, and sides -- to distribute weight. It sounds elementary, but be sure the widest part of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe.
• Select a shoe with a supportive upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.
• Try on shoes while you're wearing the same type of socks or stockings you expect to wear with those shoes.
• Sandals should have good midsoles that provide shock absorption and strappings for support.

Revised July 1, 2001.