Orthopedic shoes are designed to give you biomechanical advantage when you walk. They tend to be wider, deeper and more accommodative for conditions such as bunions, hammer toes and flat feet.
A supportive, proper fitting shoe should:
- Be firm at the back of the heel and only bend at the ball of the foot
- Have something under your arch to support it
- Have laced or velcro straps to allow for a proper fit
- Be the same shape as your foot
- Not be easily twisted to ensure stability
- Be comfortable immediately and not need a break in period
- Never be tight enough to cause foot cramping or cause your foot to fall asleep
When shopping for shoes, always:
- Allow room for 1 finger width at the end of your longest toe
- Make sure they are wide enough so it does not cramp you big or small toe
- Deep enough so that it does not rub on the top of your toes
To ensure shoes fit properly:
- Take out the liner of the shoe and step on it, if your feet overlap the liner, the shoes are too small
- Trace your foot, then put the shoe on the tracing, if you see the lines of your foot underneath, the shoe is too small
- Laces should be evenly gapped when tied
Orthopedic footwear should be fit by your Chiropodist, contact McQuistan Chiropody in Hamilton for your fitting today.