Footwear Fitting Tips from a Pedorthist
 | Our in-house Pedorthist, Sydney, wrote up some great tips when it comes to fitting the right footwear! |
What kind of support do I need?
Choosing the correct footwear for everyday activity can become confusing when there are different categories of support. The correct support can be crucial to your everyday life and activities because too much or too little can lead to discomfort in the feet, knees, hips and back. Here is a brief overview of the different forms of support available for orthopedic footwear.
There are generally three main types of supportive footwear:
Neutral
- This is the most common form of footwear. There is equal support on both the inside and the outside portion of the shoe.
- Ideal for feet with no pain or difficulty with walking or running.
- Minimalist shoes also fall under this category but have less cushioning in them so that it is easier to feel the ground. The forefoot of the shoe is also more flexible which makes bending and kneeling movements easier to do.
Stability
- This shoe is designed for feet that overpronate or “roll-in”. There is additional support on the inside of the shoe and ankle to help stop the foot from rolling in.
- If the bottom of your shoes tends to wear out on the inside rather than the outside, this would be a great option.
Motion control
- This shoe has the maximum amount of control on both sides of the shoe. It also has a RollBar © which creates a stiffer shoe. This shoe will help roll the foot forward so the feet do not get overworked.
- Ideal for arthritic or stiff feet.
- This shoe is not typically ideal for feet with normal flexibility because it can overcorrect movements.
I need lots of cushion!
Cushioning does not mean supportive. Cushion helps reduce impact and can provide comfort for feet that no longer have enough muscle of fat pads underneath to cushion the bones. If you feel as if you are always walking on rocks, pebbles or bones, additional cushion can be quite comforting.
On the other hand, if your feet become achy or sore throughout the day, extra cushion is most likely not your answer. You may be needing more support so that your muscles do not get as tired or overworked.
Stop by one of our Foothealth Centre's and ask one of our trained Fitting Specialists to guide you on which support would be best for you or book an appointment with one of our Pedorthists to learn more about your situation!
To learn more about our Foothealth Centre, click here.
For more information on proper fitting, check out our size and fit guide.