Best Shoes & Best Insoles
How Should Shoes Fit? Measure your shoe size and make your foot fit!
How should shoes fit? Make sure your shoes fit 100% of the time. We will tell you what shoes you should get: whether a dress, running or corrective shoe.
Table of Contents
How should shoes fit?
- Shoe fitting can be very frustrating and time-wasting process.
- I feel like when I first started working in this specialty, I wasted many appointments for many patients just having them find the right shoe.
- Don’t get sucked into this time vortex of saving a dollar and wasting three or four separate visits to your foot and ankle specialist to try and make your shoes fit properly.
Different Foot Types:
- Many people have different feet, they have different subtle changes in bone lumps or bumps that can make fitting shoe properly difficult.
- What makes it even more difficult is that shoes are completely different between all manufacturers.
- Don’t worry, we have come up of the race simple guide to make finding shoes a little bit easier. And this guy does include using the Internet, so you can do this from the comfort of your own home!
How should I measure my feet?
- When purchasing shoes for the first time, it is always a great idea to have someone help you measure your feet for the first time.
- It’s also a great idea to measure both feet because in many instances one can be slightly bigger than the other.
- This does not mean that the bones are bigger, but one flattens a little bit more because of tightness is through your hamstrings, hips or knees.
- If you have 2 feet that are not always the same size, it is generally good idea to buy the shoe that fits the bigger foot.
- Our feet also tend to change while we get older.
- Someone’s foot can get bigger wider and longer in general.
- The average Americans shoe size tends to grow half the size every 10 years or so.
Shoe fitting during pregnancy:
- Woman during pregnancy tend to have increasing shoe sizes.
- This is because during pregnancy the woman’s body produces a hormone called elastin.
- This hormone soft in the ligaments around the pelvis to assist delivering the baby.
- But the downside is that it also works on all the other ligaments in the body!
- The ligaments in the foot and ankle and leg and knee are the ligaments most susceptible to weight-bearing changes. This means that gravity stretches these ligaments just as much as the ligaments in the pelvis.
- What makes this even worse is that with a baby you generally have an increase in weight and the change in the center of gravity changes so he put more pressure on the foot.
- Pregnant women definitely experience increased and shoe size. Pregnant women are some of the most common people to come into our clinic for foot problems.
Does my foot grow during the day?
- Another important factor to look at is that your feet have a tendency to increase during the day.
- When you wake up in the morning you might notice that your shoes for a little bit better and maybe comfortable in the morning.
- But after he spent 8 to 12 hours a day on your feet at work, they can become more swollen and barely fit in your shoes.
- This definitely makes your feet more uncomfortable as the day goes on.
- Your body is not designed to stand all day, and your legs start the pickup more and more fluid inside your feet and ankles.
- When you go to bed at night the swelling does build up in your feet and ankles.
- A practical way to look at this is to buy your shoes later in the day, rather than in the morning because they can be too small.
What should the shape of my shoe?
- There are many parts to the shoe.
- This is one of the most overlooked parts of buying a shoe.
- No one takes the time to learn the anatomy or the shape of the shoe, even though this is one of the most important parts!
Shoe Anatomy:
- The Last: the last of the shoe determines the overall shape of the shoe. This is the shape of the shoe when looking from top to bottom. The last can be straight or curved. To determine the last of the shoot from the shoe upside down and look at the bottom.
- Take a ruler or an imaginary line in your head that goes through the center of the heel and out the front of the center of the shoe. Is the shoe curved or is it straight?
- Curved last shoe: This is probably the more common type of shoe; this is especially true in sport shoes especially certain basketball shoes. This may be the better shoot to buy if you have a curved or C-shaped type foot. If you are getting a lot of pinky toe pain, occur blessed shoe may not be the best type of shoot for you. And potentially look at a straight last shoe
- A straight last shoe: this is as simple as it sounds, this is when the imaginary line goes between the heel to the toes and the shoes not curving outside of it. Take a look at your foot, if your foot is curving inward, are the high arched foot and you may have a pretty straight foot and it is rubbing against the top of your shoe. This may also be a better shoot again if you are getting pain on the outside of your shoe on the pinky toe.
- Fifth toe or outside of the foot problems? Consider a straight last shoe rather than curved last shoe.
- Look at the last and the curvature of your shoe. If you have fifth toe, soft corn fourth and fifth toe pain as well as a Taylor’s bunion then the curvature of your shoe may be to blame.
- It may also be possible that you have lumps and bumps on the outside of your foot. This may be irritation of your fifth metatarsal bone in your styloid process. These are the bones behind her fifth toe. In some people the styloid process is very prominent and is subject irritation by the shoe pressure. Consider the fact that a straight shoe can prevent this type of irritation. There is also a thick tendon that can really solve called your peroneus brevis and peroneus longus. These tendons and muscles could also be irritated by the curvature of the shoe. This is just something to really consider.
Why do people make curved last shoes?
- There has been a lot of true theory in the past, that the shoe can straighten your foot and turn it in. There is a theory that this can cause greater stability. Most of the time though this is why people get things like custom orthotics or even over-the-counter orthotics. This can make a much bigger difference for your shoe fit then the type of the shoe.
What mostly ends up happening is that you develop pain on the outside of your foot:
- The truth is people don’t look at the anatomy of the shrew, they by the shoe that looks cooler and use terms like motion control shoe. The bottom line though is as you wear your shoe pretty quickly attempts to follow partner fifth toe ends up shooting out the site and your soul starts to break apart. A lot of studies have proven that shoes cannot really hold up to the high function of running and walking for a long period of time. This is especially true if you have a motion control shoe, it is better to have your motion controlled through an orthotic or abrasive this is really your problem.
- This is where good podiatrist come in, prescription can be written to really correct abnormal function of the foot. This is what custom for orthotic is, these can fit into normal shoes and even last five or more years in some cases.
These are the rules to follow to maintain good sport shoe fit:
- Find out what shape of the foot you have, you have a flatfoot or a high arched foot. Do you have a straight looking foot? Then choose a straight last shoe. If you have curb shoe, then choose a curve lash. At the same time if you have pinky toe pain and outside of foot pain, choose a straight last shoe that’s not going to curve into your fifth toe.
- Check the stability of your heel. I’m a huge fan of checking the stability of your heel, heel stability is one of the most important parts of the shoe in almost every case for every sport.
- The shoe should only bend in the big toe and for foot area. If your shoe is flexible and flimsy and bends everywhere including the big toe, then it’s not the most supportive shoe. There is a lot of shoes masquerading as fake running shoes these days, but there just slippers or even more comparable to the sock in some cases. If you bend them, they can be everywhere across the middle and from the sides.
- The big toe must be able to bend up and down properly. Another common problem is that the big toe cannot been up and down, if shoe is too rigid and can been in the big toe then you’re in a jam your foot in the front. It is essential for good activity that your big toe joint can function normally and move up and down.
- Put your heel into the shoe, your shoe should fit in and roughly line straight up and down while you are standing. If you are rubbing on the back of your heel or it’s angling to one side, this is an improper build the ship. Make sure it fits properly in the back.
- Put your hand inside the shoe and check for any defects inside the seams of your shoe. If there are scenes this could cause blisters and wound to develop. This is the most common cause of irritations in your foot against lumps and bumps in the shoe.
Shoes for diabetes:
- Diabetic patients especially need to be very aware of the types of shoes that they wear. Especially if they have poor sensation, peripheral neuropathy, numbness or prior wounds.
- The goal is to purchase shoes that have a lot of room in the toes, the top of the shoe should also be made of soft leather or have no scenes or stitching present on the inside of the shoe.
- There are shoes with extra depth specifically made to fit orthotics. This will prevent rubbing inside your shoe.
- In most cases insurance such as Medicare will do a great job covering these. And most podiatrist offices can help you obtain a pair if it meets these criteria. But if you have ever had a wound or deformity, and diabetic shoes are a must for you!
How to make shoes smaller?
- The best way to make your shoes smaller is to get a good supportive orthotic in there. There are many different orthotics and sign your shoe, but on average it about half as shoe size up. As you can see in the associate picture here your foot is deftly straighter.
- So, what your orthotics do in essence, is make your shoes smaller in terms of height, but your shoes are not as wide. If your foot is straight not turning on to the side, the wind is not as important in your fifth toe will rub against the outside of your shoes.
Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics:
- These are our recommended orthotics & insoles.
- Different insoles & orthotics are needed for different types of shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic but allow for less correction.
- A full-length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot, or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
- We recommend doing everything you can to get a good supportive shoe that can fit a full-length orthotic.
- This is the best way to maximize your orthotics for great results.
Best Full-Length Orthotics:
- These will only work in wider shoes or a good supportive running shoe.
- They do have better correction if you can fit them into your shoe and get a good fit.
- Usually, it is necessary to go up 1/2 size or full size to be able to fit them.
- This will not work in sandals, flats, or most women’s dress shoes.
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$40.45
Price not available
Price not available
$44.96
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
$40.45
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$44.96
Overview:
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
- These are a great choice for dress orthotics.
- If you have a pointed shoe, this may benefit most from 3/4 orthotics.
- A full-length dress shoe orthotic can work better in wide-toe box or loafer style dress shoes.
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
$26.21
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Pros:
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
Cons:
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
Crucial Tips:
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
$26.21
Overview:
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:
- These are great options for women’s dress shoes and thinner shoes.
- This may be a good starting option for insoles and orthotics if you have never worn a pair before.
- The break-in period may be easier than getting used to a firmer full-length pair.
- These are not the most supportive pair of orthotics.
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
- These are a great option for increasing foot flexibility.
- I personally use these stretching devices every single day to maintain good flexibility and shoe fit.
- This will take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
- We personally prefer this method of stretching.
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$37.97
$23.97
$39.99
$69.95
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Price:
$37.97
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Price:
$23.97
Overview:
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Pros:
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Cons:
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Important Tips:
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Price:
$39.99
Overview:
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Pros:
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Cons:
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
Important Tips:
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$69.95
Overview:
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Shoes & Best Insoles