Deal-breakers for Spring Shoe Shopping

If you love a shoe, what could make you change your mind? Of course, price is a factor. Are there other things to consider? If you ask us, a team of podiatrists, we’ve got a list to share. Keep reading along to learn what we consider a deal-breaker while shopping for our favorite pair of shoes. 

The team at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has seen the downside of picking the wrong shoes. They were popular or cool but lacked support. From flat feet pain to irritating bunions, there are many cons to choosing shoes unwisely. Here are three reasons we will put shoes back on the display:

The heel is too high.

What’s in a heel? A lot. Heels over a half-inch can become problematic. If the heel is too high, we’re putting the shoe back. Everyone has a comfort level with heels, and it’s OK for a rare occasion. However, don’t invest in work heels or everyday heels that are too high. This puts your foot in an unnatural position. Over time, the result is discomfort like bunions.

Arch support is nowhere to be found.

We all need arch support. For this reason, we avoid flip-flops. There is not enough support for our feet. Try on the shoes and see how you feel. Everyone has different arch needs, so we recommend checking with your podiatrist. If you have flat feet, it is very important to find the support that you need.

The toe box is narrow.

Please don’t squeeze your toes into a shoe. If the toe box is narrow, it’s a “no” for us. A narrow toe box can cause corns, blisters, and calluses. That’s right — have you ever cried from toe pain? It’s not a fun experience. Watch out for certain styles of heels that have a pointed toe. Wearing these shoes for a long time can cause you to grimace. If you take off your shoes and have red toes or swollen toes, it’s the wrong pair.

Here’s a recap of our deal-breakers: the heel is too high, there is no arch support, and the toe box is too narrow. What are your deal-breakers? 

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.