Shoe Information

Shoe Information
Shoes from the 16th century

Shoe Anatomy

A shoe has many different parts. The use of different materials and construction methods can affect the feel and stability of a shoe. The Heel of the shoe is the bottom rear part of the shoe that provides height and stability. The heel should be limited to 2 ¼ inches or less. The higher the heel height, the more pressure the front of the foot will bear. The Heel Counter is the stiff back part of the shoe which helps to reduce excessive heel motion. A flimsy soft counter will reduce the stability of the foot in the shoe. The Toe Box is the tip of the shoe that allows space for the toes. A rounded or square toe box is recommended to avoid toe irritation. The Sole of the shoe is made up of two parts. The insole is the soft, inside, bottom part of the shoe. The outsole is the outside, bottom of the shoe that contacts the ground. Insole modifications may help to off weight high pressure areas, reduce pain, and callus formation. The Vamp is the upper middle part of the shoe where the laces are located. The Last is part of the shoe that curves slightly to help accommodate the arch of your foot. The Shank of the shoe is the area of the bottom of the shoe between the heel and toe box. This area should be stiff and not bend easily. A combination of shoe styles, materials, and other modifications may benefit certain foot and ankle conditions.

Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes should be well-fitted and constructed for the appropriate activity. We recommend supportive shoes of proper width, with leather or canvas uppers, and arch support. The soles should be flexible at the ball of the foot and the toe box should accommodate your toes comfortably. Soccer shoes should have a reinforced toe box, cushioned insole, and appropriate cleats for the turf conditions. Tennis shoes should have padded collar, good arch support, and spacious toe box for side to side and sudden stop activity. A running shoe should be light and flexible with a well cushioned insole and arch support to accommodate the high impact activity. Cross training shoes are a good combination of tennis and running shoe construction made for dual activities. Basketball shoes should have well cushioned soles to accommodate jumping activities and high tops to support the foot and reduce lateral motion in order to avoid ankle injury.

The Proper Fitting of Shoes

  1. Sizes vary between shoe maker and style of shoe. Choose shoes by fit, feel, and comfort not by number size.
  2. Get you feet measured, try on both shoes, your foot size increases as you get older.
  3. There should be a half inch of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of your shoe.
  4. Try on shoes at the end of the day. Feet normally swell slightly and become larger after daily activities.
  5. Walk around in the shoes to make sure of a good fit and comfort without irritation.
  6. When the shoe is on your foot you should be able to wiggle all of your toes without limitation.
  7. Avoid heeled shoes with a height above 2¼ inches.
  8. Do not force your feet into a shoe to conform them to the shape of the shoe.
  9. Use appropriate socks or stockings when trying on shoes.