Tips on Shoe Fitting [Tips]

Tips on Shoe Fitting [Tips]
Adapted from article by Bryan Billings (Certified Pedorthist)

How many times a year do you purchase a pair of new shoes? The following are a few tips and procedures which you should follow when purchasing a new pair of shoes. Forget which shoes Michael Jordan or the funky shoes your neighbour has. Shoe fitting and function is different for each individual.

Step 1: Know what you need the shoe for. Running, walking,tennis,squash,cross-training,etc. You must know what activities you will be needing the shoe for.

 

Step 2: Know your foot type.
Neturalfoot type: Shoes wear evenly throughtout sole. No visible upper breakdown. Individuals with an average arch height both weight bearing and non-weight bearing.Pronated foot type: Often a low arch weight bearing and a visible rolling in of the foot. Often lateral heel wear with medial too wear on the sole of the shoe. Upper of the shoe is distorted medically.Supinated foot type: Often a high arch, thick instep foot type with a wide forefoot. Foot often rolls out during walking, and the sole of the shoe exhibits lateral heel and forefoot wear with the upper distorted laterally.

Step 3: Match the activity with foot type and choose the appropriate type of shoe.

Look out for:

- Shoe should have a rigid heel counter
- Shoe should have a midfoot torsional stability device
- Proper toe spring, rocker sole
- A finger's width of room beyond the longest toe
- Appropriate width in both the heel and toe box
- Also know the difference between arch length of shoe

  * Foot length is the heel-to-toe measurement
  * Arch length is heel-to-ball of great toe joint measurement
  * Arch length of foot must equal arch length of shoe

Finally, ask questions and feel comfortable with the fit and your fitter. If not, please go elsewhere to look for a good pair of shoes that suit you.

Topman
"Wear your shoes the right way"
http://www.topmanshoes.com