How do I find the right shoes?

A comfortable, well-fitted shoe offers you the best chance of preventing or relieving toe joint pain. For some people, the only acceptable option is a sandal or athletic shoe that doesn't rub on an existing bunion or hammer toe. Before you begin searching for the right shoes for your foot problem, ask your foot health professional for recommendations specific to your needs. Consider the following when shopping for footwear: Try on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest due to normal swelling. If you have shoe inserts or orthotics, bring them with you to test them out in various shoes. Have both feet measured to identify which foot is larger than the other. Fit your shoes according to how the larger foot feels in the shoe. Stand during the fitting process to get an accurate sense of fit. Walk around the store to make sure that a shoe fit feels right. If a shoe feels right but isn't your normal size, pay attention to how it feels; ignore shoe size. You should not have to "break in" shoes if they fit properly.

When shopping for the right fit, look for: A low heel. A roomy toe box. About 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. A rigid yet cushioned heel counter that keeps your foot from slipping out of the shoe. A flexible sole that allows your toes to bend as you walk. A shoe that allows the ball of your foot to fit snugly into the widest part of the shoe. Preferably, a laced shoe rather than a slip-on shoe.

Why is good footwear important? Shoes that fit properly and have ample room in the toe box are key to both preventing and treating foot problems. You can develop a bunion or hammer toe problem for a number of reasons, such as joint disease, genetic predisposition, or stroke, but your footwear can play a large part in how severe your foot condition becomes. If you have surgery for a toe joint problem, wearing shoes that fit properly will maximize your chances of preventing a bunion or hammer toe from coming back (recurring).

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The opinions expressed on this site are not endorsed by New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.