Something as apparently simple as buying a pair of shoes can turn out to be a frustrating exercise. That is because we are all different and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another. Thankfully, there is a variety of footwear to suit every person and occasion. With so much choice, it is important to take some considerations into account when choosing a new pair of shoes.

Looking at the history of shoes, there is evidence of shoes being worn more than 15,000 years ago when furs were wrapped around feet for warmth and protection. The influence of this early footwear can still be seen today in the form of sandals and moccasins. The evolution of footwear continues today, with manufacturers improving their techniques to offer lasting support and comfort for every activity.

We invest time and thought into our appearance and naturally this is extended to our footwear. Unfortunately, we frequently compromise on support and comfort in favour of fashion. The seasons also dictate what is more suitable, with open shoes for the warmer months and closed shoes for the cooler seasons. No wonder then that our shoe cupboards are bursting at the seams. It is also important to try and change your shoes every day so that bacteria do not build up in the shoes. The more you wear a shoe, the more you lose support as the shoe softens and wears out.

So how do we choose shoes that are aesthetically pleasing without compromising on comfort?

Certain manufacturers are finally catering to their customers’ needs. People are becoming more aware that foot health is very important and has an effect on the rest of the body. We have all had a poorly fitting pair of shoes that left us with aching feet and a grumpy attitude.

Start by taking a look at the shoes you currently own. Do this with a fresh pair of eyes and categorise them into limited use shoes, service shoes and activity specific shoes.

Limited use shoes are those you wear occasionally and in general they do not offer support or comfort. These shoes should be worn infrequently and for a short period of time. Service shoes are ones you need for work like safety boots as well as shoes that you wear for everyday uses, such as shopping or meeting with friends. These tend to be more on the fashionable side but with a good element of comfort. Activity specific shoes include running and walking shoes.

Be ruthless in your approach. Get rid of any shoes that hurt your feet or that have seen their best days. Your feet will thank you for it.

Quality shoes will always be more expensive. However they will also last longer than cheaper options and your feet will benefit in the long term. Sticking to natural fibres such as leather is far better than synthetic fibres which don’t allow your feet to breathe properly.

For most people, a little heel height is more suitable than a flat shoe. Try to look for a gradient of one inch between the fore foot and rear foot of the shoe. Activity specific shoes make a great improvement to your foot health. So much research goes into the demands of the feet in certain activities. For instance, racket sports require quick changes of direction in side-to-side movements: sports shoes made for racket sports have taken this into account and provide better stability.

Knowing your foot type can also make a difference when choosing shoes. Do you have bunions, high arches, flat feet, wide feet, flexible or stiff feet? Are your feet bony or do they have a good covering of fatty padding? These characteristics will also dictate what shoes suit you best. Certain brands produce shoes for specific foot types. Locating these will help narrow down your footwear search. Your podiatrist is experienced in choosing correct footwear and recognising foot types. Guidance is offered on brands that best suit your requirements.

Finally, it is very important to wear the correct shoe size. The guidelines are to ensure one index finger space from the top of your toes to the top of the shoe. This allows enough space for the foot to splay when weight bearing.

Ultimately, you know your body better than anyone else. Make sure you try on shoes and wear them for as long as possible in the store before committing to your purchase. Ultimately, you must feel comfortable.

Best feet forward

• A good quality sole provides shock absorption.
• A firm heel counter keeps the foot in the shoe.
• Arch support built into the shoe adds comfort.
• A deeper toe box allows freedom of movement for the toes.
• A firm shank provides more support than a flexible shoe that twists easily in your hands.

• Yvonne Grattan has a Bachelor of Science degree in podiatry from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

www.maltafootdoctor.com