I get this question asked on a weekly, if not daily basis. Shoes are a big part of our life and culture. Barefoot running and walking can be fine, but with diabetes and pavement everywhere in the US, it is best for the vast majority of us to wear them.
Choosing the Best Shoes
So which ones are best for me? This is not always an easy question, but here are some general guidelines:
- TRY THEM ON ~ Use the shoe fitting device at the shoe store to find your size by putting your full weight on the device. You will frequently need to get the half size bigger.
- CROSS TRAINERS ~ For moderate activity, most of us would benefit from cross trainer shoes: these are wider on the heel and stiffer in the midsole.
- BUY THE SHOE FOR THE JOB ~ Consider the activity and there is likely a special shoe available.
- RUGGED/RUBBER OUTSOLE ~ wear the shoe with the goal to wear it out in healthy, active living.
- ORTHOTIC COMPATIBLE ~ get a shoe that has a removable insert. If it doesn’t chances are it is not a supportive or quality shoe.
With thousands of shoes to choose from, buying shoes for life is not easy. But with the help of a podiatrist, it may make the choice easier.
