I was checking out some articles on proper shoe fitting and thought I would share some of the info. I was particularly interested in proper fitting in the heel and slippage, so I copied some of that information below.
Don’t Buy That Shoe Unless It Slips At The Heel!
Sounds like the wrong advice, doesn’t it? In many cases, though, it is not. If you have a flexible, pronated, or loose-jointed foot, a properly fitted shoe will tend to slip at the heel. This is particularly true until the shoe conforms to your foot.
When a person with this foot type has their weight on their foot, their arch rolls downward, their instep is lowered and their heel moves forward, away from the heel counter. Since the foot has moved away from the parts of the shoe that secures the heel, the shoe slips when you lift your foot.
Millions of people with this foot type mistakenly fit themselves too short to hold their foot back in the heel of the shoe because they assume that any shoe that slips in the heel is too big. Consequently, they develop or exacerbate foot problems by jamming their feet into shoes that are too small. This is often evidenced by bunions, calluses, neuromas or pressure spots on the toes.
Don’t do it! Listen to your fitter. We are fitting you into the size that is best for your foot and will not fit your heel at the expense of the rest of your foot. Take care of your feet, you only get one pair!
A properly fitted shoe may slip on the heel slightly when new. Because soles on new shoes are often stiff and resist bending of the foot, heel slippage may occur. Loose heel slippage cannot hurt your feet. Tight slippage can cause blisters. Backpart fit should be snug but not over tight. As the outsoles flex and "break-in", small initial amounts of slipping at the heel should disappear. Going to a smaller size to eliminate ALL initial heel slipping can result in a fit that is just too tight.
10 Points of Proper Shoe Fit
| 1. |
Buy fit, not size. Sizes vary among brands and styles so don’t be wedded to a particular size. |
| 2. |
Buy the type of shoe that is made for the use intended. A dress shoe means one thing, a shoe for standing all day means another. A shoe for walking is a different matter. |
| 3. |
Select the shoe that is designed to support and fit your particular foot type. Flexible/pronated feet require a different fitting strategy than rigid/supinated feet. Your fitter may have to help you with this. |
| 4. |
Have both feet measured and fit the larger foot (remember length and width). |
| 5. |
Have your new shoe fit with the particular socks, hosiery, or stockings that you intend to wear them with. |
| 6. |
Heel slip does not always mean that the shoe is too big. It may mean that you have a flexible foot. Ask your fitter for more information. |
| 7. |
When standing you should usually have 3/8” to 1/2” from your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Remember that your big toe may not be your longest toe. |
| 8. |
Choose styles that conform as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot. If you have a wide and/or square-shaped foot, pressure on the 5th toe (little toe) can be more important for fit than fitting the big toe. |
| 9. |
Shoes should feel good when you buy them. Don’t buy uncomfortable shoes hoping they will break in and feel good later. |
| 10. |
Take your time buying a new pair of shoes. Walk around the store and listen to your feet. Ask for a salesperson who is professional and understands feet as well as shoes. |
HELP
