How Do I Make Sure the Shoe Fits? [ Feet Tips]

How Do I Make Sure the Shoe Fits?

Tips for happy feet

• Allow adequate time to try on several pairs of shoes.
• Put on both shoes and walk around the area for several minutes to assess comfort.
• Wear the same type of socks that are worn when you are walking.
• Shop later in the day, as feet tend to get slightly larger as the day progresses.
• Bring orthotics (specially designed inserts for your shoes) if you wear them.
• Check for at least 0.25 to 0.5 inch of space between yourlongesltoe and the end of the shoe.
• The forefoot area of the shoe should be  comfortably snug but not so tight that lour foot feels squeezed from the sides, . and not so loose that your foot can slide forward in the shoe.
• Ask a salesperson if you need a shoe in other widths. Shoes come in widths from A to 4E. Width B is the typical width for men.
• Your heel should not slip up and down or rub excessively in the heel cup or back of the shoe.

Above all else, your shoes should feel comfortable right away and should not need to be "broken in."

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

Find the Right Shoe For You!

Find the Right Shoe For You!

by Fiona Vurnum

 

The wrong shoes can cause or aggravate problems with your feet, not to mention they can look incredibly uncomfortable. The right shoes can often help to prevent - but cannot correct - problems. So wearing the right shoes is not only vital for looking your best, but also for foot health. Here follow some guidelines.

Shoe Construction Leather is best because is breathes like skin and moulds to your foot. But a cheaper alternative would be a man-made material, with a similar look and feel of leather. Shoe soles should be strong but flexible with a good tread for grip. Insoles should be slightly soft or 'spongy' to reduce the jolts of walking on hard surfaces. Arch supports distribute weight over a wider area. Rigid shanks also give added support. High heels look fabulous, but bear in mind that they should not be worn for too long and are not ideal for walking. However, a good comfortable high heel, will give you superb posture.

A Good Fit Only you can tell if shoes fit. If they aren't comfortable, you're in the wrong size! Don't bet on shoes stretching with wear, that's simply a sales pitch from a shoe seller that does not have the size you need in stock! If you already own shoes that are too tight, sell them or pass them onto a charity and invest in a fabulous new pair. Because feet grow as you age, don't assume you will always be the same size, whenever you buy a new pair. Both feet are often different sizes. Always buy shoes for the BIGGEST foot or you risk cramping in those little toes! Go shoe shopping as late in the day as you can, feet are at their largest then. Size depends on shoe make, what they are made of and style, too. Don't assume you'll always be the same size. If the larger feels better, go with it. If they are smaller, they will never be comfortable. If they are slightly larger, insoles, heel grips and gel pads can be added to fill them out a little . To ensure maximum comfort, the toe area should be roomy enough so you can wiggle all your toes.

Remember: Good shoes are part of the good care your feet deserve. Look after your feet and they will look after you!

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

Arthritis, Diabetes and foot care!

Arthritis, Diabetes and foot care!

People with diabetes often have trouble . with their feet. These problems are not just painful, they can be dangerous!

Diabetes can damage your nerves. If this llappens, you might not feel hot, cold or pain in your feet. Little cuts or sores, if not cared for, can then become deeper and bigger sores called ulcers. This can be a very serious problem because diabetes can also cause poor blood flow in your legs. Without good blood flow, sores take longer to heal. If ulcers become infected, or foot tissue starts to die because of poor or no blood flow (gangrene), you may have to go to the hospital. In the worst cases, doctors may have to remove (amputate) toes, a foot or a leg.

Because diabetes may keep you from feeling foot problems, it is very important to:

• look at your feet every day to check for things like cuts/ sores, ingrown or infected toenails, dry cracked skin or swelling
• wear shoes that fit well so you don't get blisters, corns or bunions on your feet
• ask your doctor to check your feet at each visit

Arthritis is a disease that affects joints. people with arthritis often suffer from sore people with arthritis often suffer from sore and swollen feet.

Your doctor can treat many of the foot problems that are caused by arthritis as well as suggest medicine to relieve the pain.
Your choice of shoe can do a lot to keep your feet as comfortable as possible.

For example, your shoes ,hould have:

• high, wide space at the toe
• rocker soles designed to reduce stress and pain atthe ball of the foot
• laces that can be loosened if/when your feet swell

Last Tip
Stay on your feet!

Wearing shoes is your best protection from falls. Research shows that going shoeless indoors and out can increase your risk for falls up to 10%. Each year about one-third of seniors are hurt in falls. Their injuries include sprains and strains, broken bones or head trallma. In Canada, more than 5,000 seniors die from falls each year.


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

Man puts the shine on your shoes and your day [Interview]

Man puts the shine on your shoes and your day
By Stephanie Antonian Rutherford
The Enquirer

PORTAGE — Robert Copprue makes a lot of friends in high places — think top executives at Stryker and Kellogg Co. — while shining shoes at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International airport. He says he loves to tell his clients stories and make their days, and loafers, a little bit brighter. How did you get started shining shoes?

 

"Well, a friend of mine had this here stand at the airport, and I starting shining there. Then he opened a new stand at the Radisson Hotel, so I took this one over. I've been doing this for seven years and I love every minute of it."

How do you get customers over to your stand?

"Well, you have to catch them when they walk. Say something to catch them. I like to say 'Sir, let me dress 'em up for you,' or 'Let the shoe shine man put a whoopin' on your shoes.' "

Ever have a really slow day?

"In the summer, it's very slow, and people are wearing a lot of sandals, not actual shoes. But in the winter, I stay real busy. People get all kinds of snow and salt and junk on their shoes, and they need sprucing up."

Why is it important to keep your shoes nice?

"In the business world, you have to look presentable. Even your feet. People notice your shoes."

I noticed you have a lot of different polishes; why is that?

"These are all different colors, you see. My most popular is black and dark brown for dress shoes. But I have blue, purples, reds — for the ladies shoes. I also have white, because I shine a lot of golf shoes."

How much is a good shine?

"Five dollars, plus I get tips. I do a real good job and get them looking like new.

I have to say, I love the money."

What's the best tip you've gotten?

"Well, one man sat in my booth, and you know when you can tell that something is wrong with someone just by the expression on their face? I could tell he had troubles. So, I started telling him some funny stories. Things that would be uplifting to him and got him to smile and start laughing.

"When I was done, he gave me a $20 tip and told me 'You have no idea how you just helped me. Thank you so much'. That made me feel real good, to know that I helped someone feel better about their problems."

So you are a shoe shiner and a therapist? Got any regular customers?

"Well, you know the Stryker CEO John Brown? He used to come every week to get a shoe shine. I guess he took a liking to me because he got me my own new shoe shine stand at the Stryker building, and now I shine shoes there every Monday."

Why do you love your job so much?

"I love meeting new people and I get to do that here everyday. I like to chat with them and tell them stories. I got lots of stories, and I like to hear other people's, too. I believe that everybody has something interesting about them. They all got their own story to tell."

Stephanie Antonian Rutherford is a general assignment reporter. She can be reached at 966-0665 or srutherford@battlecr.gannett.com.


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