Picking Out Shoes and Socks

There are so many options these days when it comes to purchasing shoes in styles, colors, brands, and fits. Most often when you go to pick out shoes there are no shoe attendants to help you size your foot or to help you find the correct size. Here are some tips we recommend to our patients when they are looking to purchase new shoes and socks:
Shoes:

• Buy shoes in the evening when your feet are most likely to be swollen. This will give you the best fit throughout the day. 
• If you have diabetes, tell the store clerk. If the store clerk doesn't know what this means, find a store that does.
• Look for shoes with roomy toe boxes. Shoes with roomy toe boxes will help prevent bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and blisters.
• Try on shoes wearing the socks you would normally wear. That is, if you're looking for boots, bring winter socks along with you.
• Good shoes that will last are made of materials that are flexible and breathable. Athletic shoes should be made of comfortable materials.
• Leather is always the best option when looking at shoe materials. 
• If you wear insoles in your shoes, bring them along with you. 
• Avoid shoes with plastic tops or uppers or sandals that have straps between the toes. Plastic shoes should be avoided in general. They cause your feet to sweat and slide within the shoe, causing blisters. 
• Wear sandals on a limited basis. They provide little protection and support for your feet. 
• Don't purchase shoes with thin soles as they can be easily punctured and don't protect your feet from cold weather or hot pavement. 
• Try not to go barefoot, even at home. Wear slippers instead. 

Socks

• Socks should be cushioned. 
• Socks without seams are the best because the seams irritate toes or bony prominences on your feet. If you only have or can find socks with seams, position the seam before putting on your shoes. 
• Stockings or nylons should fit loosely around your toes to leave room for movement when walking. Pull them on, and then pull at the toes to create wiggle room. 

If you are unsure about shoe and sock selections, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Best New Walking Shoes

The latest research shows that athletic shoes that overrestrict foot motion may contribute to injuries, and so can flimsy flats. We asked 33 walkers to test more than 100 pairs for the right balance of support and flexibility for any occasion. The result is this list—our picks for the best walking shoes of 2011! To keep your feet feeling good mile after mile, try a bunch on and go with the shoe that feels best on your feet.

We walked hundreds of miles in the newest walking shoes to rate them for fit, stability, and--yes--style. Here are Prevention magazine's top picks.

Best For: Fast Walking. New Balance 860 ($90). Also available in blue.

This shoe has a superflexible toe that makes it easy to push off and quicken your pace. But no matter how fast you go, the ankle padding will keep your heel snugly in place. "My foot didn't budge, even in thin socks," reports tester Jessica Branch, 45, of New York City. A mesh upper is lined to buffer cold and wind.

Best For: Running Intervals. Brooks Trance 10 ($140). 

Walkers who want to add jogging bursts should opt for a running shoe. This one is designed for high impact but is still flexible enough for the rolling motion of walking. "These shoes were comfortable at any speed; I felt like they really sprang me forward," reports tester Molly Raisch, 23, of Allentown, PA.

Best For: Hiking. Ahnu Rockridge II ($100). Also available in green and brown. 

These lightweight hikers perform as well as bulkier high-top versions. "They're much more flexible," reports tester Jess Lee, 30, of Brooklyn, NY. The rugged sole grips as you go up and down hills but is bendable enough that you can keep up a smooth, rolling stride on level terrain. And the reinforced toe area protects your feet from bumps against rocks and roots.

Best For: Running Errands. Saucony Bullet ($60). Available in nine colors. 

These stylish sneakers are lightweight and have just enough arch support to keep your feet comfy when you're on the go. "I wore these for shopping and doing errands--they were just right for everyday," reports tester Eileen Kohn, 48, of Aurora, OH. The full coverage makes them a good choice for spring and fall.

Best For: Overweight Walkers. Reebok DMX Max ReeDirect ($70). Also available in white. 

Air pockets in the rubber bottom of the shoe reduce impact for more comfort and less chance of injury. Even slim walkers enjoy the extra cushioning, especially for long walks: "No matter how far I went, my feet never got sore," reports tester Jennifer DeLuca, 41, of Brooklyn, NY. The mesh upper lets air circulate so feet stay dry and cool.

Best For: Bunions. Asics Gel-Tech Walker Neo 2 ($100). 

An ultraroomy toe box and an expandable "bunion window" on the inside take the squeeze off swollen joints and toes. "I could walk longer than usual, because the shoe has a lot of give in the right place," says bunion sufferer Connie Esmond, 63, of Broken Arrow, OK.

Best For: Feeling Like You're Barefoot. Ecco BIOM Walk ($175). Also availabe in gray. 

Barefoot walking is a growing trend, but these minimally padded shoes protect your feet from the perils of the pavement while giving you much of the flexibility and foot-strengthening benefits of going au naturel. "I liked the narrow sole—it didn't feel at all clunky, like some sports shoes do," says tester Carina Ready, 35, of Casper, WY.

To avoid overworking your foot muscles, start with short 15-to 20-minute walks, and increase your workouts by about 5 minutes a week. You'll walk more lightly (minimizing the shock caused by your steps), and the strength you may gain can help prevent conditions such as fallen arches.

Best For: Dressing Up. Hush Puppies Veracity. ($80). Also available in taupe and black. 

These shoes have a hip look, thanks to the asymmetrical strap, yet they provide the comfort of sneakers with cushioned insoles and arch support. "I could walk for longer than I can in flats," says Jodi Standish, 32, of Bellevue, NE. "My heels and arches felt great." The leather upper molds to your foot after a few wears for a snug—but not tight—fit.

Best For: Walking Away Foot Aches. Merrell Mezamine Ballet Flats. ($95). Also available in gray and black. 

Mini rubber nubs on the insoles massage your feet as you walk. If you tire of the effect, flip the insoles over—they're reversible and have a smooth bottom side. "This shoe felt as light as a flip-flop and was dressy enough to wear out to dinner," says tester Rachelle Powell, 45, of Mesquite, TX. The tapered heels stay put—no slipping!

Best For: All Day Wear. Scarpa Caipirinha ($130). Also available in pink and tan. 

These casual sneakers are sturdier than they look, making them a comfy choice for activities such as sightseeing, when you're on your feet for hours. The sole—made of slip-resistant Vibram rubber—is firm in the back and flexible in the front. "I usually take off my shoes as soon as I get home, but I wore these late into the night without even noticing," says Kristina Donatelli, 39, of Bethlehem, PA.

Is It Time for New Shoes?

Athletic walking shoes should be replaced after they've logged 350 to 600 miles. If you walk 3 miles 5 days a week, that means every 6 to 10 months. To keep track, write the date you started using a pair in marker on the inside of the shoe's tongue.

Connecticut Foot Care Centers

Podiatrists in CT

Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.