From the time of the ancient Egyptians and through the centuries, footwear has been designed to cover real or perceived needs – protection, support, comfort, resistance and style from foot problems.

The feet withstand the tremendous pressures of daily life. A normal day walking submits them to a force equivalent to hundreds of tons. They are susceptible to more damage than any other part of the body, underlining the need to protect them with appropriate footwear. Doctors in podiatric medicine are health care professionals trained in both palliative and surgical foot and ankle care. They are also perfectly qualified to recommend the right pair of shoes, or treat other aspects of foot health, for all family members.

Here at Happy Feet Pedorthics we can help you find the best option for you, we’ll assist you in the selection of shoes for your daily routine. Today we will help you find proper shoes for each member of the family.

Children’s shoes

When a child begins to walk, shoes are usually not necessary. Allowing the child to go barefoot in the house, or wearing only a pair of shoes, helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its muscles and strength, as well as the ability to grasp the fingers.

As the child becomes more active, and his feet develop, he begins to need for shoes. It is necessary to change the number of the shoe at a speed that often surprises and even discourages the parents, to leave room for the growth of the foot.

When buying shoes for children, remember these tips:

• Examine the shoe. It must have a buttress (rigid material on the sides of the heel) firm, adequate cushioning of the sole, and have a bridge (the shape of the bridge / arch of the foot). It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends – in the front of the foot, not in the centre of the shoe.
• The child’s foot should be measured when standing with all its weight on the feet.
• There should be a half inch of space (the width of a thumb) between the tips of the fingers and the end of the shoe. The child should be able to move the fingers comfortably in the shoe.
• Have the child walk around the store for more than a couple of minutes carrying the shoe with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or she notices any pressure point on the shoe. Pass your hand inside the shoe in case there are staples or irregularities of the tail that could cause irritation. Notice where the inner seams touch the foot. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after wearing the shoe.
• Shoes should not be loose on the heel. Children with a tendency to ankle sprain will have fewer problems with high ankle shoes or boots.
• The two feet should be measured, and if the number is different, shoes that fit the larger foot should be chosen.

Women shoes

Women punish their feet more, partly by wearing inappropriate shoes that can lead to unnecessary foot problems. Some of those problems are the result of high-heeled shoes (lounge shoes with more than two inches of heel). Doctors of podiatric medicine believe that these heels are medically unsafe, and attribute postural and even safety problems to their use.

To alleviate the abusive effects of high heels, women can limit the time they wear, alternating with good quality sneakers, or with flat shoes, a part of the day.

They can also change the height of the heel. There are comfortable and attractive high-heeled shoes for work and social activities, which combine fashion and comfort criteria, offering heeled shoes designed from sports shoes, with reinforced heels and more space for your fingers.

Perhaps the best shoe for women is a walking shoe with laces, a rubber sole, and a relatively wide heel with a stiff, padded heel, no more than three-quarters of an inch high.

Men’s shoes

The best men’s shoes are those of good quality Oxford style, generally associated with designs with decoration on the toe. Shoes without laces, loafers and low boots are also suitable.

Men, like women, should buy shoes for work, free time and special activities, each shoe according to the activity. Office workers should reserve between three and five pairs of shoes for working hours-Oxford shoes and loafers for men, high-heeled shoes and Oxford women. Padded sole shoes that provide good support are essential for those who spend most of the workday standing up.

There is no doubt about the need to protect the feet of those who work in heavy industry. Safety-waterproof or water-resistant shoes and boots, with reinforced steel toecaps and insulating material soles-help prevent foot injuries and reduce the severity of the wounds that occur.

Sport shoes

The different sports activities require specific shoes to protect the feet and ankles. The specific footwear for each sport is an intelligent investment for the serious athlete, although it may not be so critical for the occasional athlete or weekend; however, it is a good idea to use the appropriate shoe for each sport. Probably the condition of the shoe is a more important criterion-do not wear athletic or other footwear beyond the life of the shoe.

Sports shoes must be adjusted to keep the foot in the most natural position in the movement made. For example, a running shoe is designed to absorb impact, while a tennis shoe is made to give relatively more support and allow stops and sudden turns. Mixed training shoes are useful as general sports shoes and in physical education classes. But if a child is more dedicated to a particular sport, he should have a shoe specifically designed for that sport.

Shoe care

To make them last longer, keep your shoes clean and repaired. Avoid excessive wear of heels and soles. Give the shoes a chance to breathe-do not wear the same pair two days in a row (rotate their use prolongs the life of the shoe). Never wear “inherited” shoes (this is especially important for children).

Here at Happy Feet Pedorthics we’ll assist you in the selection of shoes for your daily routine. First of all, we will measure your feet in order to make your new shoes fir perfectly, then we will recommend the best and most comfortable design for you, ask for aesthetic preferences and present a brief view at what we will your new shoes look like.