When we go shoe shopping, we often have a particular idea of what we want. These requirements are usually based on look or price but not always based on supportive mechanics or a comfortable feel. How can you tell if you’re buying the right shoes, ones that won’t give you foot pain or lead to injury?

Our expert podiatry team put together a simple list of the qualities you should look for in shoes

DO’s:

Choose shoes based on comfortability. Brand, design, style, and color should be less important than feel. Shoes that are too tight can leave you with blisters or aggravate arthritis.
Always pay attention to the material. You’ve hit the jackpot if it’s soft, breathable, and allows your feet to move comfortably without resistance.
Try both shoes on and walk around. This will give you a more accurate depiction of how the pair will feel as you move through your day. Remember, your feet are not equally sized.
Bring any favorite go-to socks or custom orthotics.
Recheck your shoe size each shopping trip. Believe it or not, your feet change shape and size as you age. This not only helps cut down on time while trying on, but it can help prevent the aches and pains of too-tight shoes.
Consider shopping when your feet are the most swollen toward the end of the day to get a more accurate fit.

DON’Ts:

Skip out on arch support. Buying shoes with proper arch support not only helps with conditions like flat feet, diabetic foot pain, and plantar fasciitis, but it can also help prevent their onset.
Just slip them on and skip tying the laces. Sure, it might be more time-consuming to lace up fully, but not only could you easily trip over the laces, you won’t get the full effect of how they will fit and feel.
Ignore pain for beauty. Style may be important for some, but your foot health comes first. If your chosen pair hurts your feet, skip them, and try another type.
Buy shoes with the intention of “breaking them in.” Too-tight shoes can damage your feet and often won’t “break in” as much as you hope. Buy a larger size.
Choose a pair with a small toe box. If your toes feel squished, it’s a red flag that you will be uncomfortable and creating future foot problems.
Opt out of wearing socks while trying on your shoes. This can leave you vulnerable to possible fungal infections, like athlete’s foot.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing positive results. We welcome new and existing patients from our neighbors in Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch
To schedule an appointment, contact his Woodland Park, NJ office at 973-256-0002.