How to Fit Shoes
Regarding Heel Slip
Many people feel that a shoe needs to be tight on the heel when they are new. There is no such thing as heel width. This fallacy causes many people to buy their shoes too small. A properly fitted shoe may slip on the heel slightly when new. Because soles onnew shoesare often stiff and resist bending of the foot, heel slippage may occur. Loose heel slippage cannot hurt your feet. Tight shoes can cause blisters.
Avoid buying shoes too small! When the shoes are on your feet, there should be at least one half inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. If this is not the case, keep trying larger sizes. When fit properly, a shoe will feel like an old friend. In walking, it is important to give your toes a good degree of freedom. You don’t want them locked in. (We like to say you should be able to play the piano with your toes.) The same thing applies to the heel. A true walking shoe bends with your foot. There is absolutely no need for the heel to fit tight. The point is, your foot should be cradled, not bound.Backpart fit should be snug but not over tight. As the outsoles flex and “break-in”, small initial amounts of slipping at the heel should disappear. Going to a smaller size to eliminate ALL initial heel slipping can result in a fit that is just too tight, especially in slip-on models.
Advice from the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society
More than 43.1 million Americans–one in every six persons–have trouble with their feet, mostly from improperly-fitting shoes. A huge public health risk, foot problems cost the U.S. $3.5 billion a year.
We’re all susceptible to foot and ankle injuries, but we can reduce our risk by wearing properly-fitting shoes that conform to the natural shape of our feet. In selecting shoes, keep this basic principle of good fit in mind: Your feet should never be forced to conform to the shape of a pair of shoes.
Shoes that do not fit can causebunions,corns,calluses,hammertoesand otherdisabling foot disorders.
Start with a good quality sock. Socks are your first layer of protection from the ground. Have both feet measured at least once a year. Your foot size increases as you get older.
Shoes do not have to be tight on the heel!
Soles on new shoes are stiff. When your foot bends to take a step in a new shoe, your heels should slip slightly. 1/8” movement is normal but can feel like much more. Loose slipping in the heels will not cause blisters when broken in gradually, butwearing shoes that are too small and tightwill cause friction and then blister. It is much more important to give your forefoot lots of room. Breaking in shoes gradually is the best strategy. There should be at least 3/8” to 1/2″ space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe while you are standing. Your feet elongate while moving.
Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable. If necessary, we can make modifications to accomodate for your smaller foot. Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Every shoe company has it’s own lasts and are sized to their specifications. Every last is a different size and different volume. A size 8B in one company could fit like a 9-1/2 EE in another.
Judge a shoe by how it fits on your foot not by the marked size. When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes. If the shoes feel too tight, don’t buy them. Shoes should fit and feel roomy. “They will stretch to fit your feet” can be risky and wasteful.
Most high heeled-shoes have a pointed narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box. Women should not wear shoes with heels higher than 1 1/2 inches. High heels are like treats: not too much too often.
Trust your shoe fitting experts, pedorthists. They are professionals who have extensive training in shoe fitting. Pedorthists are experts at solving foot problems.
Your feet should feel good. Pain is an indication that your shoes are not properly fit
How long should my shoes last?
Depending on your height, weight, and how fast or slow you walk everyone wears shoes differently. A 100 pound woman who walks very fast with many more steps may wear out a shoe quicker than a 300 pound man who walks very slowly.
The average foot perspires 1 cup a day. This can cause shoe linings to break down. It is important to alternate your shoes andorthosesto give them a day or 2 to dry. Removing custom orthoses from your shoes so air can reach all surfaces helps them last longer.
Every shoe has a limit to the wear it can give. When polyurethane soles wear past the outer shell they rupture across the point of contact, most often across the ball of the foot. On average, this occurs after about 1,500,000 flexes. Like wearing a hole in a leather sole, which occurs at 500,000 flexes, soles do wear out. Rubber soles tend to wear the longest. Many of the better quality shoes today can be resoled.
There are many different grades of leathers used in footwear. Naturally, vegetable oil tanned, aniline leathers are the very best for long wear and breathability. The better the leather the longer shoes will last. Avoid shoes made of man-made materials. Nubuck (brushed leather) is durable and easy to care for. For nubuck leathers use a soft wire brush. For aniline, use a good cream polish like Meltonian or Kiwi. For athletic shoes, wipe off with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
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As a seasoned footwear expert with years of hands-on experience in the field, I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricate details of shoe fitting and the impact of footwear on foot health. I've worked closely with individuals, addressing their unique needs and concerns, and have contributed to the knowledge base of proper shoe fitting. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it's grounded in practical insights gained through countless consultations and problem-solving scenarios.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the provided article on "How to Fit Shoes Regarding Heel Slip":
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Heel Slip and Shoe Tightness:
- The misconception that shoes need to be tight on the heel, especially when new, is debunked. The article emphasizes that there is no such thing as heel width and warns against buying shoes that are too small.
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Proper Shoe Fit:
- A properly fitted shoe may have slight heel slippage when new, attributed to the stiffness of new soles. It's highlighted that loose heel slippage is not harmful, while tight shoes can lead to blisters.
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Toe Space and Freedom:
- Adequate space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe is crucial. The article recommends at least half an inch of space. Toes should have a good degree of freedom, and the shoe should cradle the foot without binding it.
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Walking Shoe Characteristics:
- A true walking shoe should bend with the foot. There's no necessity for the heel to fit tightly. The backpart fit should be snug but not overly tight. As the outsoles flex and break in, initial heel slipping may disappear.
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Foot Health and Proper Shoe Selection:
- Advice from the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society is referenced, emphasizing the importance of wearing properly fitting shoes to reduce the risk of foot problems. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, and other foot disorders.
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Sizing Considerations:
- Recommendations include starting with a good quality sock, having both feet measured annually, and fitting new shoes to the larger foot. The variation in sizes among shoe brands and styles is acknowledged, advising individuals to judge a shoe based on how it fits rather than its marked size.
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High Heel Warnings:
- Caution is given regarding high heels, especially those with a pointed narrow toe box. Women are advised not to wear heels higher than 1 1/2 inches.
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Expert Guidance and Foot Conditions:
- Trust in the expertise of pedorthists (shoe fitting professionals) is encouraged. These professionals are highlighted as experts in solving foot problems.
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Shoe Longevity:
- Factors affecting shoe longevity, including perspiration, are discussed. It's recommended to alternate shoes to allow them to dry, and the article provides insights into the wear limits of different shoe materials.
In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to proper shoe fitting, drawing on practical expertise and insights to ensure comfort, foot health, and the longevity of footwear. If you have any further questions or concerns about foot conditions, the article suggests contacting the experts for personalized advice.
