Please call the office at 410-753-4422 for Patient Care Hours.

Make Sure Your Shoes Check These Boxes

Make Sure Your Shoes Check These Boxes

Some see shoes as a work of art and fill their closets with them; some see them as an inconvenience and opt out of them altogether. 

We see your shoes as a key player in your foot health. And if you don’t choose them carefully, pain, injuries, and even deformities are bound to follow. 

That’s why Dr. Kelly Geoghan prioritizes helping you find the right gear for your feet. Here’s a closer look at our expert’s checklist for the perfect pair of shoes.

What to look for in a pair of shoes

Not all shoes are created equally, and even some of the most popular brands fall short. We encourage you to keep these criteria (not brand or style) in mind when shopping for shoes.

A stiff back

Your heel bears much of the force your foot experiences. Add the vulnerability of your Achilles tendon, and it’s easy to understand why you should prioritize the back of your shoe. Look for strong and sturdy support that protects your tendon and cushions your heel as you move.

Some torque

Torque refers to the amount of force required to make an object rotate. You want your shoes to be able to handle some torque and be flexible enough to allow for easy movement. Shoes that are too stiff or too flimsy are a recipe for an injury. 

You can check this by grabbing either end and carefully twisting it. The shoe should be able to twist slightly. 

Bend in the toe box

If you walk barefoot, you likely notice that your toes naturally bend as you take a step — your shoes should bend in a similar way. That’s why it’s important to try your shoes on and walk around in them to see if they can accommodate your natural movements. 

Room in the toe box

Not only should the toe box bend with your toes, but it should also be wide and long enough to fit all your toes comfortably. If the toe box squeezes your toes, you could develop a painful condition called a neuroma

Arch support

The arch of your foot, which is framed by bones and supported by ligaments and tendons, is what helps your foot absorb shock as you run, jump, and walk. All too often, the bands of connective tissues in your arch tear and become inflamed, leading to a condition called plantar fasciitis

One of the best ways to avoid plantar fasciitis is to wear shoes that have adequate arch support. However, make sure that the arch support isn’t too high, or it could put pressure on your toes or cause the shoe to slip off your heel.

Other shoe-buying tips

Buying the right pair of shoes isn’t just about the structure of the shoes. There are a few other things to consider when you head to the store. Here are some of our other shoe-buying tips:

It’s also a good idea to go shoe shopping in the afternoon when your feet are naturally at their biggest. 

Need more help on your search for better shoes? We’d love to talk with you. You can request an appointment online or over the phone at our Lutherville, Maryland, office today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Footwear Do’s and Don'ts

Footwear Do’s and Don'ts

Your feet are there for you whenever you need them — are you there for your feet? With our help, you can be. Here’s an expert’s guide to the best (and worst) footwear practices.
The Link Between Your Feet and Your Overall Health

The Link Between Your Feet and Your Overall Health

That pain in your heel and the strange protrusion on your toe are just foot problems, right? Maybe not. Here’s an inside look at how a problem that starts in your feet could wind up causing trouble all over your body.
Foot Care Tips Every Athlete Should Know About

Foot Care Tips Every Athlete Should Know About

If you’re an athlete and you’re not prioritizing your foot health, you’re missing a huge piece of your training needs. Here’s straight-from-the-expert advice on how to keep your feet in step with your athletic goals.
How to Keep Your Feet Healthy in the Summer

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy in the Summer

Summer should be about catching up on your reading, jetting off on vacations, and soaking up the sun — and we want to help you make foot care as simple as possible so you can focus on fun. Keep reading to get expert tips on summertime foot care.

7 Key Benefits of Using Prescription Orthotics

Are you suffering from chronic foot pain? Do you find your feet are often sore after long periods of standing or walking? If so, prescription orthotics may help. Read on to learn how this simple but powerful treatment can benefit you.