Finding the right footwear for your foot problem

Introduction

Footwear plays a large role in the development as well as the prevention of foot and toe problems such as bunions, calluses and corns, and hammer, claw, and mallet toes. Shoes that don't fit properly make these conditions worse and more painful.

Key points

• A comfortable, well-fitted shoe offers you the best chance of:
  • Relieving pain in the foot or toe that is caused by a deformity or joint problem.
  • Preventing a foot or toe problem from developing or getting worse.
  • Preventing a toe joint problem from returning after corrective surgery.
• Before shopping for shoes for your foot problem, ask your foot health professional for recommendations.

What are some common foot problems?
Why is good footwear important?
How do I find the right shoes?
Where do I go from here?

Return to topic:

What are some common foot problems?

Bunions, calluses, corns, and hammer, claw, and mallet toes are some common foot problems that develop over time. These problems can range from uncomfortable to painful. In severe cases, they can make it difficult to wear shoes at all.

See illustrations of a bunion; hammer, claw, and mallet toes; a callus; and a corn.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Are all foot problems painful?
1. No
   

   The answer is correct

   Not all foot problems are painful, but they can become painful over time. If you don't have any pain but your foot or toe seems to be growing more malformed, ask your health professional to look at it during a routine medical visit.

   
2. Yes
   

   The answer is incorrect

   Not all foot problems are painful, but they can become painful over time. If you don't have any pain but your foot or toe seems to be growing more malformed, ask your health professional to look at it during a routine medical visit.

   

Continue to Why is good footwear important?
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Why is good footwear important?

Shoes that fit properly are key to both preventing and treating foot problems. You can develop a bunion, callus or corn, or hammer, claw, or mallet toe for a number of reasons, such as joint disease, genetic predisposition, or stroke, but your footwear can play a large part in how severe your foot condition becomes.

If you have surgery for a foot problem, wearing shoes that fit properly will lessen your chances that the foot problem may come back (recur).

Test Your Knowledge

1. After my foot problem is surgically corrected, I can feel free to wear any kind of shoe.
1. True
   

   The answer is incorrect

   Although you may be able to wear footwear such as high-heeled or narrow shoes without pain after foot surgery, wearing these kinds of shoes increases your risk of having your foot problem recur.

   
2. False
   

   The answer is correct

   Although you may be able to wear footwear such as high-heeled or narrow shoes without pain after foot surgery, wearing these kinds of shoes increases your risk of having your foot problem recur.

   

Continue to How do I find the right shoes?
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How do I find the right shoes?

For some people, the only acceptable option is a sandal or athletic shoe that doesn't rub on an existing bunion, callus or corn, or hammer, claw, or mallet toe. However, most people will be able to find a shoe that causes little or no pain and allows them to function. Before shopping for new footwear, ask your foot health professional for recommendations specific to your needs.

Consider the following when shopping for footwear:

• Try on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest due to normal swelling.
• If you have shoe inserts or orthotics, bring them with you to test them out in various shoes.
• Shoe size, especially width, may change with age. Having both feet measured ensures a good fit and identifies which foot is larger. Fit your shoes according to how the larger foot feels in the shoe.
• Stand during the fitting process to get an accurate sense of the fit.
• Walk around the store to make sure that the shoe fit feels right.
• If a shoe feels right but isn't your normal size, pay attention to how it feels; ignore shoe size.
• You should not have to "break in" shoes if they fit properly.
• If a particular shoe fits snugly, the clerk may be able to stretch the shoe for a better fit.

When shopping for the right fit, look for:

• A low heel. Avoid high-heeled, narrow, or pointed-toe shoes. High-heeled shoes increase pressure on the front of the foot and on the toe joints. If you cannot avoid wearing pumps or high-heeled shoes, choose shoes with heels that are no more than 2 in. (5 cm) high.
• A wide and deep toe box (the area that surrounds the toes). There should be about 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes.
• A rigid yet cushioned heel counter that keeps your foot from slipping out of the shoe.
• A flexible sole that allows your toes to bend as you walk.
• A shoe that allows the ball of your foot to fit snugly into the widest part of the shoe.
• A lace-up shoe rather than a slip-on shoe. Athletic shoes are a good choice.
• Shoes that breathe when your feet sweat. Avoid plastic or vinyl shoes.
• Shoes that do not have seams that may rub against or irritate the skin over your foot problem.

At home:

• Wear sandals or soft-leather flat shoes or slippers, or buy an inexpensive pair of cloth shoes and cut a hole over the affected joint.
• Go barefoot as much as possible (or just wear a sock) unless you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. People who have these diseases and have limited or no sensation in their feet are encouraged not to go barefoot because unnoticed injuries to their feet are more likely to become infected.

Test Your Knowledge

1. High-heeled shoes with room for the toes are a good choice for problem feet.
1. True
   

   The answer is incorrect

   Making room for the toes is important, but high heels can cause serious foot problems by shifting your body weight onto your toes. For women who are required to dress for work in elevated heels, some shoemakers offer fashionable yet more comfortable alternatives. Look for low heels, good support for the ball and heel of the foot, and plenty of room for the toes.

   
2. False
   

   The answer is correct

   Making room for the toes is important, but high heels can cause serious foot problems by shifting your body weight onto your toes. For women who are required to dress for work in elevated heels, some shoemakers offer fashionable yet more comfortable alternatives. Look for low heels, good support for the ball and heel of the foot, and plenty of room for the toes.

   

Continue to Where do I go from here?
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Where do I go from here?

Now that you have read this information, you are ready to find the best shoe fit for your particular foot problem.

If you would like more information on footwear, bunions, hammer toes, or other related foot problems, the following resources are available:

Organizations

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Related Information

• Bunions
• Hammer, Claw, and Mallet Toes