Summary: Edward A Filcheck is a podiatrist who stresses the importance of proper shoe fit.

Location: Morgantown, W. VA.

The average pair of feet takes a real beating, even in the course of a single day. All as those days turn into weeks and months and years, that beating continues. This can lead not only to foot problems, but can also affect the knees, the hips, and even the lower back.

One good way to prevent foot problems is to make sure you always have a good fit with your footwear. It sounds easy enough: who hasn’t been fitted for countless pairs of shoes during the course of a lifetime? But foot specialists say that too many people choose style over comfort and end up with ill-fitting shoes. And they aren’t doing themselves any favors that way.

There are at least ten things that you can do to make sure you’ve got a properly fitted pair of shoes.

1. Remember that over time, the size and shape of your feet tend to change. So even if you think you know your shoe size, have your foot measured whenever you go shopping for a new pair of shoes. The best time to do this is toward the end of the day when you’ve been on your feet for hours, because then your feet will be at their largest.

2. It is common for one foot to be larger than the other one. Always fit your new shoes to the larger foot.

3. Don’t choose a new pair of shoes based on the size that is marked on the shoe. Try it on first and make sure it fits.

4. Choose shoes that are shaped, as closely as possible, to your foot. Not all size 11-C shoes are going to fit 11-C feet equally.

5. When trying on new shoes, make sure you’ve got between three-eighths and half an inch of space between the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.

6. Be sure that the ball of your foot rests easily in the widest part of the shoe.

7. It’s a myth that shoes will always stretch. If they feel too tight when you try them on in the store, don’t buy them.

8. The heel of the foot should fit into the heel of the shoe with little to no slipping. If the shoe rides up and down when you walk, don’t buy them. A fit like that is a guaranteed blister.
9. After buying new shoes, walk around in them inside and on carpet for a day or so. The carpet will prevent scuffs on the sole. If they don’t feel right, return them.

10. Buy shoes with soft, flexible uppers made of natural material like leather.

David A Filcheck is a foot doctor who is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

About: Edward A Filcheck recommends properly-fitted shoes. For more information about Edward A Filcheck visit :- http://edwardafilcheck.weebly.com/