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Have you ever wondered why your feet feel so sore most of the time? If you have, there is no need to make a big fuss about it again. It could just be your shoes!
Shoes have the potential to cause foot problems when they are uncomfortable and do not fit properly. Uncomfortable shoes feel so tight, too loose, and gives no cushioning effect when you walk on them. This is why your feet feel sore. On the bright side, shoes can also forestall foot injury. Finding shoes that fit you perfectly is of paramount importance both to your feet and general wellbeing.
Hence, this article has been compiled to show you how you can find a shoe that perfectly fits you. Let’s go!
Measuring Your Feet
If you are going to find your perfect fit, you need to know your feet measurement. Your foot length varies with time. As a pro tip, please do not depend on the value of your foot’s length when it was ten years. This is because of the growth and development of the feet. The ligaments and other tissues in your feet stretch as you age. Therefore, for a perfect fit, ensure you have your feet measured twice in a year to know the actual length. Endeavor to measure the length, width, and arch of your feet. Take note of these when measuring your feet
Stand when measuring
For accurate measurement, we recommend you stand tall, look straight ahead, on your feet. This will allow your feet to evenly spread out when your whole weight rests on it and make the measurement easier. It will make more sense if you have someone to help take the values of the measurement. Remember, the way you stand impacts the shape of your feet and the space they take.
Know Your Arch Length by Measuring
Another crucial aspect of the feet is the curve they make. If you are quite familiar with shoes, you would have heard about “arch support.” A shoe that fits perfectly must have good arch support. So you will want to measure your arch length. The heel’s distance to the ball of the foot is your arch length (the curve formed by your big toe joint). In the same vein, your big toe curve should also correspond with where the shoe bends.
Assuming you already have a shoe, you decide to buy, once you put the shoes on. You observe a deviation of the big toe joint from the shoe just before or after, then this is not a perfect fit for your arch length.
Forget the size number of the shoe
If you already find a fit, then discard the size number for the moment. Shoe sizes vary by company. Also, shoe sizes are based on the last used to build them, and different companies use different types of last. This is why you would see a shoe that fits you with a size number 9 while another shoe of the same size will not.
Use the Larger Foot as the Standard of Fitness
There have been some cases whereby the feet seem larger than the other. If so, use the larger foot as the determining factor. Shoes have different pads and inserts that can take up space and give more cushioning to the feet. However, a smaller shoe would not have space even to hold your leg comfortably.
Trying on Shoes for the Fit
When you are done with your measurement and determining your larger foot and all, you have to try on the shoes. In this way, you will be able to narrow down the best shoes. The recommendation below will show you how to find and pick your fit
Wear the right socks
Depending on the type of shoes you will be buying, you must wear socks, stockings, or even nylon whenever you try the shoes. For instance, if you are finding an athletic shoe, it is recommended you wear thick socks as you would normally wear with them. The socks contribute to the fitness of the shoe.
Leave ½ Inch at the Front of the Shoe
As a rule of thumb, leave at least ½ inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the front of the shoe. If you have a small hand, this should be the size of the tip of your index finger, while a pinky finger for people with large hands.
Leave 1/8 Inch at the Back of the Shoe
The same way you applied ½ inch in front of the shoe, apply 1/8 inch between the said regions. This will prevent blisters and other skin irritations.
Pick Shoes with Room in the Toe Box
Do you know that shoes with no room for the toe box can deform your feet? Shoes with narrow toe boxes will make the feet take the shape of the shoe.
Walk Around in the Shoes
When you select a shoe, try to walk around with them on different surfaces to make sure they are comfortable. You could walk on a treadmill before buying in some stores.
Shoes Should Feel Comfortable
After walking around in the shoes, you should feel comfortable in the shoes immediately. Do not buy shoes that are stretched by the salesperson, and you do not want to buy shoes that you hope you would return one day. A comfortable shoe is a good investment. Do well to invest in them!
Get help if you have to
If you have difficulties in finding your fit, do well to contact an expert. Difficulties do arise when you have foot problems, and an expert could help you out.
Conclusion
Most of the foot problems can be prevented when you have found the perfect fit for your feet. We recommend you do well to follow the tips discussed in this guide to secure your perfect fit and forget about foot soreness. Remember to measure your feet accordingly before making a purchase. Also, it is reasonable you purchase shoes toward the end of the day to ensure maximum comfort. Ciao!