There’s nothing quite like a cozy pair of boots to keep your feet and ankles warm and dry all winter long. But not all boots are the same, and wearing the wrong ones can affect your foot health for the worse. As you’re pulling out your winter clothes or going shoe shopping this fall, assess how well your boots really fit.
Fuzzy shearling boots may be comfy and warm, but many of them lack true arch support. And if you are walking, standing or doing anything other than lounging around your house, you need arch support. While new shoes should feel comfortable right away, they need to support your feet, too. Orthopedic inserts can provide additional support and comfort if needed.
When shopping for boots, you should take a pair of socks with you, preferably ones with the same thickness of socks you will wear with the boots. Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet have expanded. A well-fitting boot will have a quarter- to a half-inch room in the toe, and it will fit your heel and ankle so that it doesn’t slip when you walk. If you plan to use your boots for hiking or outdoor activities, look for plenty of ankle support and a sturdy sole. However, be wary if the boot is too stiff and you cannot fully flex your feet. A shoe salesperson can help assess your fit.
That stiletto boot might look appealing in the ad campaign, but is it really worth the damage it might cause to your feet? Women who regularly wear heels higher than two inches may develop more lower back pain, arthritis in the knee and general foot pain later in life. If you must wear dressy boots, look for a wide toe box, a low heel and a rubber sole that absorbs shock.
Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists? To request an appointment with a Riverview Health physician, call 317.565.0505.
Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, arthritis.org