Shoe business

Why and How Should a Shoe Fit?

Shoes that don't fit correctly can cause plenty of problems. Shoes that are too narrow squeeze the toes together, leading to corns and even inflamed nerves (called neuromas). Shoes that are too short compress the toes and the bones in your feet. Those that don't provide enough support can cause heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Wearing ill fitting or poorly designed shoes can lead to knee pain, hip pain, back and neck pain, and the worsening of disease related conditions. The most common problem? -- Plain old tired feet. Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. If you don't give them the support they need you will feel discomfort throughout your entire body.

What's Important Inside the Shoe?

The environment inside your shoe also plays a large part in how your shoes feel and how good they are for your feet.

Stick your hand into a pair of shoes and feel around. You shouldn't feel anything that will stick into your feet, such as thick seams, wrinkles, or ridges. The lining should be smooth and soft. A padded tongue will allow you to tighten your laces without putting unnecessary pressure on your instep. Padding along the top edge of the shoe adds to the comfort in your ankle area, too.

Did you know that your feet can sweat as much as a half-pint each per day? A shoe must be able to handle moisture in order to keep you comfortable and protected against blisters and athletes foot. There are two considerations here, the material used inside the shoe, and the way the shoe is constructed. Inside the shoe, leather is best because it wicks moisture away from your feet and allows it to evaporate outside the shoe. Leather "breathes" too, which helps to regulate the inside temperature. This makes the shoes more comfortable while you're wearing them, and minimizes the breeding environment for bacteria.

Some shoes, such as athletic shoes, cannot have full leather uppers. In those cases it is especially important to make sure you are wearing socks that will help wick moisture away from your feet.