Does The Size Of The Shoe Matter For Your Foot Type?

Contrary to what most people believe, shoes usually serve many functions. Besides protecting your feet from harm, shoes help to cushion your body weight. Today, shoes can also make you feel comfortable and stylish. But you only reap these benefits when you choose the right shoe size. So, why does shoe size matter?

Why Shoe Size Matters

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) has found that about one in six Americans have problems with their feet. Most of these problems are caused by shoes that don’t fit right.

Knowing and wearing your ideal shoe size can help you improve your foot health. Wearing shoes that fit properly—that are neither too loose nor too tight—provides your feet with an excellent platform to support the rest of your body.

Bunions, blisters, and calluses are just a few of the foot issues that wearing a tight shoe can cause. Your shoe size affects more than just finding comfortable shoes. Choosing the proper size has a significant impact on your foot health overall.

Know Your Shoe Size

Knowing your shoe size is the first step before purchasing shoes. Measuring your feet is one way to do this.

Get your foot measured at the local shoe store when buying a pair of shoes. Essential measurements to consider are the length, width, and arch length.

Using foot measurements from five or ten years ago may not yield accurate results. Tissues and ligaments relax as you age, affecting the shape and size of your feet. Remember that a proper fit is critical to avoiding foot pain and other foot disorders.

Here are a few tips to ensure you find the perfect shoe:

Don’t Measure Your Feet Early In The Day

Measuring your feet too early might give you incorrect measurements, especially if you have swollen feet. Shopping too early for your shoes might leave you with tight shoes.

Stand Tall When Measuring

Your posture can affect the shape and size of your feet. So, ensure you stand tall when measuring the length, width, and arch length.

Measure The Arch Length

The arch length matters greatly when choosing shoes. Measure the length from your foot’s ball to the heel.

Know Your Arch Type

You also need to know your arch type to get a shoe size that will keep your feet healthy and happy.

Here are the different foot types you should be aware of:

Normal Arch

People with normal arch foot type have the middle part of the foot arch slightly when bearing weight. You have a normal arch if you slip a piece of paper in the middle area.

Flat Feet

If you have flat feet, it means you don’t have a visible arch on your feet. The funny thing is that all babies have flat feet.

High Arch

High arches occur when an arch area is raised more elevated than usual. Usually, there’s ample space between the hook and the floor.

What Is The Best Shoe Size For Your Foot Type?

The best shoe size depends on your foot type. A rule of thumb when getting new shoes is to ensure the boots aren’t too loose or too tight.

You don’t have to compromise style and design for comfortable shoes. Whether you have a wide or narrow heel or high or low arches, it’s always essential to pick the shoe size that matches your foot type.

Here are a few pointers to remember to ensure you take home the best footwear size.

Consider The Width

Apart from measuring your foot length, consider measuring the width. There are different foot shapes, including the Greek foot shape, the Egyptian foot shape, and the Roman foot shape.

You have a Greek foot shape if the second toe is longer than the first toe. In some cases, the second and third toes are longer than the other toes.

On the other hand, if you have a square foot shape on your toe area, you have a Roman foot type. Typically, your toes are the same length.

Egyptian foot occurs when the first toe is the longest toe on your foot.

Best Shoes For Narrow Feet

Getting the best fit for your narrow foot ensures maximum comfort and reduces the risk of injuries. The best footwear is one with snug-fitting features. Usually, little shoes tend to look smaller than normal ones.

If you can’t find narrow shoes, adding an insole helps to enhance how well the shoe fits. Another trick is to wear thicker socks when wearing slightly wider shoes.

Best Shoes For Wide Feet

Getting shoes for wide feet can be frustrating, and the worst thing you should do is buy tight-fitting shoes. You’ll strain your feet and expose yourself to common foot complications like blisters.

Opt for laced shoes instead of strapped or slip-on. This gives you room to adjust the shoe where necessary.

Best Shoes For Flat Feet

Flat feet are a painless condition. So, you shouldn’t worry that you might be dealing with a severe foot problem. The best shoe for flat feet is less flexible and slightly heavier.

Choose shoes that offer you maximum comfort for your foot volume. The middle of the sole should offer extra support to take pressure off the center of your foot.

How To Find The Right Shoe Size

One of the main things you should remember when looking for your shoe size is to have your feet measured. Don’t just assume you know your foot type and size. Visit your nearest footwear store and get the correct measurements.

Remember to consider other crucial factors like the shoe’s shape and design when choosing one that fits you. Your shoes should fit nicely the moment you buy them. Don’t assume that they will stretch over time. If they don’t fit, don’t buy them.

Finally, walk around with the shoes to feel how comfortable they are on you.

We’re Here To Help!

Whether you’re experiencing foot pain or simply having trouble finding the right fit for your shoes, our team can help.

At Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute, we offer a range of services, including foot and ankle evaluations, orthotics, and customized shoe fittings. Our goal is to help you find the right solution to meet your specific needs and improve your foot health.