STEP 4 - SHOES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STYLES AND SIZES

Crammed closets an depleted bank accounts are just a few of the consequences that may result from a woman's devotion to shoes. While it is easy to become a slave to our shoes, do not allow your feet to suffer the consequences. The majority of foot problems result from wearing poor-fitting shoes, which are made for an ideal foot that does not exist in reality. The best way to be a slave to your shoes without feeling like one is to ensure a proper fit by knowing your foot's shape and choosing well-made shoes.

DETERMINING THE RIGHT FIT

Three out of people experience foot problems in their lifetime, but only a small percentage of the population is born with these problems. It is neglect and often poor-fitting shoes that bring on problems. Only Barbie can fit into a pointy stiletto without the pain and discomfort that inevitably accompanies wearing them. For the rest of us, wearing a pointy pump forces the foot into an unnatural position, cramming the little toes into a tiny space and forcing the entire weight of the body onto the ball of the foot.

TEN POINTS OF PROPER SHOE FIT

1. Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Do not select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe. Judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot.
2. Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.
3. Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet changes as you grow older.
4. Have both feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Fit to the larger foot.
5. Fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
6. Stand during the fitting process and check that there is adequate space (3/8 to 1/2 inch) for your longest toe at the tip of each shoe.
7. Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
8. Do not purchase shoes that feel too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit.
9. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slippage.
10. Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right.

Again, for all those fashion victims out there: Do not sell yourself on a shoe by saying it will stretch out after a few wearings. If those shoes are not comfortable in the store, it is just not meant to be.

THE ANATOMY OF THE SHOE

1. INLET

2. TONGUE

3. EYELET

4. LACE STAY

5. VAMP

6. SOLE

7. TOE BOX

8. WELT

9. SHANK

10. QUARTER

11. HEEL

12. INSOLE




CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOE FOR YOUR FOOT TYPE

A good shoe fits the foot comfortably with the right amount of room in the toe box and across the vamp. The shoes should be strong and supportive. If your feet are different sizes, buy shoes to fit the larger one. In Step 1, we showed how to determine your foot type by silhouetting wet feet in sand or on a piece of cardboard (see previous post). You will need to determine whether you have a flat foot or high-arched foot in order to choose the right shoe for your type.

FLAT FOOT

People with flat feet should wear shoes with rigid heel counters. The heel counter will hold the heel in a more vertical position.

HIGH-ARCHED FOOT

A high-arched foot has to handle shock absorption and flexibility. The sole should be flexible and made of materials that are well suited to absorb shock - such as crepe rubber, foam and EVA (a lightweight rubber of various thicknesses and hardnesses).

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOES FOR THE RIGHT ACTIVITY

THE OFFICE
If you are the type who thinks Gucci stilettos look great in the office, be prepared to suffer great pain on your commute to work, not to mention plenty of foot problems after hours. In addition, as anyone hailing a cab during rush hour can attest, do not hold up to potholes and city grates. We realize that practical alternatives for the commute, such as the stockings-and-sneakers look (catalogued in recent fashion history along with leg warmers and shoulder pads), just do not cut it anymore, so we recommend a low-heel sandal, loafer or driving moccasin, which works fine without looking too Working Girl.

BACKLESS SHOES
Backless shoes - which include mules, slides, slingbacks and thongs - require the feet to sustain the friction needed to keep the shoe on. As a result, the feet are prone to chafing and dry heels. And do not forget to apply sunscreen.

FLATS
While flats may not have the sexy sleekness of a stiletto, they do have the comfort edge, which in turn can bolster confidence and promote the kind of lasting beauty that comes from within.

By placing weight more evenly over the entire foot and allowing more space in the toe are, flat shoes prevent bunions and hammertoes from becoming irritated. However, be sure to avoid those flimsy ballet-slipper shoes that not only skimp on height but also on support, which can result in conditions such as plantar faciitis and inflammation of the arch.

EVENING
When going for glam, high heels and stilettos work best for traipsing the red carpet. High heels do something for a woman's physique that leaves a flat simply flat. The heel accentuates the leg's length, which no amount of leg lifts could achieve. They pitch your weight forward, pushing the chest forward and the rear end outward to create an overall J. Lo-on-Grammy-night curvaceous effect. Unfortunately, they also put excessive and unnatural pressure on the foot.

Heels not only put the calves under strain but also put more pressure on the balls of your feet. For those prone to developing calluses and inflammation on the balls of their feet, high heels will only aggravate the condition. Walking in heels also increases your chances of ankle sprains and tripping. Luckily, not every night is worthy of an Oscar performance, so save stilettos for special occasions.

ATHLETIC SHOES

COURT SHOES
Any sport that demands quick movements, side-to-side lateral movements, and some bounce will demand a court shoe. Tennis, basketball, volleyball, squash and other racquet sports all require court shoes, which are flexible while stabilizing your feet.

Court shoes are usually designed with flatter soles, a firm heel counter and a padded toe box that helps prevent the injuries that commonly plague tennis players.

RUNNING
While the selection in running shoes may rival the choices in the dress shoe department, you are not going for style here. The demands put on your feet during a run are three times greater than walking. As the heel strikes the ground, its impact is typically two and a half times your body weight, an impact that also puts stress on your ankles, knees and lower back. Running shoes are specifically designed to redistribute and absorb shock to lessen the stress felt by these joints.

The main types of running shoes incorporate motion control, stabilizers and cushioning. It is recommended that you change running shoes every 350 to 500 miles or every six months to maintain proper shock absorption and help prevent injury.

The best materials for a sneaker are leather, suede and canvas, as they are the most durable and breathable materials. Synthetic materials do not allow the foot to breathe and contribute to skin diseases and foot odour.

SKI BOOTS
Ski boots are the most important piece of ski equipment, therefore it is wise to purchase from a reputable sporting goods store or ski boot shop with an experienced fitter. (No browsing on Ebay of deals on this one).

A ski boot should feel firm, supportive and tighter than your normal footwear. When you try on a ski boot, fasten the boot so tightly that you cannot wiggle your toes but not so tight as to cause them to become numb. Unfasten your buckles between ski runs to rest your feet. You will notice most professional skiers do this before getting on the lift.

Less is more when it comes to socks, so do not double up. Socks made with polypropylene or cotton-synthetic blends keep feet warmer, wick moisture away from the skin more effectively and further decrease the likelihood of blisters than either wool or cotton. Carry extra pairs to change into if your socks become too damp.

BAREFEET
Going barefoot allows your feet to breathe. There is also less friction, you are less likely to develop calluses and it is a great exercise to show off your pedicure. The risks are that you are more susceptible to developing plantar warts and athlete's foot, as well as cuts, scrapes and any other mishaps that can be prevented by wearing shoes. After walking barefoot, wash feet thoroughly with warm water and soap. So, as signs direct, there is a right and wrong time to go bare foot.

ORTHOTICS
Orthotics are special shoe inserts that help properly align the body. People with flat feet use them to aid in the transfer of the gait's flexible phase into the rigid phase by controlling the subtalar joint. Orthotics keep the foot in a neutral position, the most efficient position to support and transfer weight. They also reduce shock, relieve areas of excessive pressure and cushion and stabilize the foot.

Those who need orthotics include people with chronic diseases, notably arthritis and diabetes, and those with bunions, tendonitis, heel pain and high and fallen arches. An orthotic also acts as a temporary stabilizer after surgery or a sports injury and is used as a preventive measure when performing athletic activities. Your podiatrist will be able to determine whether or not you are a candidate for an orthotic.

Orthotics can be purchased over the counter in various molds; otherwise your podiatrist will prescribe a custom-made orthotic.

SOCKS
Socks decrease the friction between your feet and your shoes, protecting them from calluses, blisters and sores. The skin of your feet has to be dry to breathe and socks can help absorb that moisture or wick it away.
Change socks frequently if you perspire heavily. Cotton blends, which keep feet dry and protected, are best.

TIME TO TOSS
A shoe's expiration date is not signaled only by its questionable scent. A typical gait lands on the outside of the heels, which wears out this side of the shoe. When the heel is obviously worn down along the outside, it is time to either replace the heel or get a new pair. If the heel counter collapses or is no longer stiff, the shoe should be replaced, since this is usually not reparable.