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Children, women, men, and athletes all have different shoe requirements, and such requirements will vary considerably across a wide range of activities.
Questions concerning the proper type of shoes can be directed to a doctor of podiatric
medicine, a professional fully qualified to recommend selection of the right pair of shoes, or address other aspects of foot health, for all members of the family.
Children's Shoes
When a child begins to walk, shoes generally are not needed. Allowing a child to go barefoot indoors, or to wear only a pair of socks, helps the foot grow normally and helps to develop strong muscles.
As children grow more active and their feet develop, the need for wearing shoes for protection becomes obvious. In order to allow room for foot growth it is necessary to change shoe sizes frequently as a child grows.
Though fit is the most important consideration, function is also important. For youngsters who have reached the stage of walking stability, footwear with crepe or rubber soles helps cushion impact on growing feet better than the soles of dressier shoes with thinner soles.
Women's Shoes
Many of the shoes women wear in today's society promote foot problems. Some of those problems result from high-heeled shoes (generally defined as pumps with heels of more than two inches). Doctors of podiatric medicine believe such heels are orthopedically unsound, and attribute medical, postural, and safety problems to their use.
To relieve the abusive effects of high heels, women can limit the time they wear them, alternating wearing high heels with wearing good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day.
Another option to relieve the abusive effects of high heels is to vary
the heel height. Comfortable and attractive "walking" pumps (also called "comfort" or "performance" pumps) are available on the market for work and social activities. These "walking" pumps are fashionable and comfortable and usually offer athletic shoe-derived construction, reinforced heels, and wider toe room.
Activity is an important consideration in the selection of shoes. Wearing the correct shoe for a particular activity is probably as important a factor in the choice of shoes as any.
The best shoe for women is a walking shoe with laces (not a slip-on), a
Vibram-type composition sole, and a relatively wider heel with a rigid and padded heel counter, no more than three-quarters of an inch in height.
Men's Shoes
The best shoes for men are good quality oxford styles. Other suitable shoes for men include: slip-ons, dressy loafers, and low, dress boots.
Men as well as women should buy shoes for work, leisure, and special activities, matching the shoe to the activity.
Male (and female) office workers should earmark three to five pairs of shoes for business hours
__ general oxfords and loafers for men; pumps and oxfords for women. Cushioned-sole shoes that give good support are essential for those who spend most of their working days on their feet.
Foot protection is an absolute necessity for those who work in heavy industry. Safety shoes and boots
__ those that are waterproof or water-resistant, with insulated steel toe caps and soles of non-conducting materials
__ help prevent injuries to the feet, and reduce the severity of injuries that do occur.
Shoes for Athletics
Different sports activities call for specific footwear to protect feet and ankles. Sports-specific athletic shoes are a wise investment for. Use the correct shoe for each sport. Sports shoes should not be worn beyond their useful life.
Athletic footwear should be fitted to hold the foot in the position that's most natural to the movement involved in the sport being played.
A running shoe is built to accommodate the impact that concentrates on the forefoot, while a tennis shoe is made to give relatively more support to the ankles, and allow sudden stops and turns.
Shoe Shopping Tips
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Have your feet measured while you're standing.
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Always try on both shoes, and walk around the store.
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Always buy for the larger foot; feet are seldom precisely the same size.
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Don't buy shoes that need a "break-in" period
__ shoes should be comfortable immediately.
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Don't rely on the size of your last pair of shoes. Your feet do get larger, and lasts (shoemakers' sizing molds) also vary.
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Shop for shoes later in the day; feet tend to swell during the day, and it's best to be fitted when they are at their largest.
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Be sure that shoes fit well
__ front, back, and sides __
to distribute weight. Be sure the widest part of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe.
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Select a shoe with a leather upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.
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Try on shoes while you're wearing the same type of socks or stockings you expect to wear with the shoes.
Shoe Care
For longer service, keep shoes clean and in good repair. Avoid excessive wear on heels and soles. Give your shoes a chance to breathe by rotating their use. Never wear hand-me-down shoes (this is especially important for children).
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