Our feet are a marvel of biological engineering!
By Alison Wishart writing for Hotter.com.
Podiatrist, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists
Foot pain is not normal, but our feet do more work than most other parts of the body so its not surprising things sometimes go wrong.
Some problems with feet are inherited; some develop through illness, some through the pressure of ill-fitting shoes or poorly aligned bones. Our feet mirror our general health and pain or persistent soreness are warning signs which should not be ignored. Problems in the foot can be the cause of back, hip or knee pain and vice versa. Certain ailments such as diabetes, neurological and vascular disorders, kidney and heart disease and rheumatoid and osteoarthritis can show early warning signs as symptoms in the feet.
To keep our feet healthy and functioning well, it is important to wear the right footwear. High heels can be very damaging, causing blisters, corns, calluses and also potentially serious foot, knee and back pain. Wearing them should be limited to short periods of time when not much walking is being done. Shoes must be well fitting. When buying shoes try on several different styles and sizes.
Feet can expand by as much as half a size during the day, so shop for shoes in the afternoon or early evening to make sure they fit when feet are at their largest. Shoes are best if they have a lace or strap over the instep rather than slip on. This holds the foot firm in the shoe, (a bit like a seat belt in a car) and stops it sliding forward with every step.
As we get older we lose some of the natural padding on the bottom of our feet, some diseases can also cause this to happen, so everyday shoes should have a cushioning sole, which acts as a shock absorber.
Buying shoes - for a shoe to be comfortable, it's essential that it fits correctly to your foot.
By Hotter.com
Whilst the size of the shoe you buy is important, it's also a good idea to check the following shoe fitting points to make sure that the shoe will be comfortable when you go walking.
- Make sure there's 1/2 inch (1cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe - this can easily be checked by pressing the upper to locate the position of your toes.
- Check there's enough room for your toes to wriggle in the shoe. Hotter shoes have extra hidden depth to prevent rubbing of tender joints.
- For comfort, shoes shouldn't slip at the back. If the shoe slips when you walk, push your heel to the back of the shoe, then try altering the laces or straps to improve the fit against your foot.
What size do I need?
It's best to choose the size of shoe you normally wear. As Hotter shoes feature generous width fittings, you shouldn't need to buy a bigger size. When you receive your shoes, use our fitting tips to check the shoes fit well and feel comfortable. Don't forget that if you purchase your Hotter shoes through Mail Order, you can wear them around the house to check they fit correctly.
If you require a different size, post them back to us free of charge for a replacement or refund.
What width do I need?
To check which width of Hotter shoes you require, simply measure the whole way around the widest part of your foot with a soft tape measure. It's best to do this when you are seated and wearing your normal socks or stockings. Remember to measure both feet, and check the tables below to see which width fitting you require.
For further hints, tips and advice visit www.hotter.com.
- DO inspect your feet regularly. Look for changes in colour and temperature of your feet and nails
- DO buy shoes with a lace, bar or strap across which is adjustable
- DO look for shoes with a cushioning sole
- DO sit with your feet up for 20 minutes after a long day, it helps circulation
- DO moisturise your feet daily, avoiding in between the toes
- DON'T wear same shoes every day
