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The
basic kind of
walking can
be done almost
anywhere and at
any time,
year around.
more
about walking...
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| Some
serious foot disorders,
and even more common
conditions, can be
linked to one avoidable
thing: inappropriate,
poor quality or ill-fitting
shoes. Any podiatrist
will tell you that
a good quality, properly
fitting shoe pays
big dividends for
your feet down the
road. When
shopping for shoes,
always make sure to
not force your feet
in order to conform
to the shape of a pair
of shoes. |
The most important
quality to look for in shoes is durable construction
that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable.
Shoes that do not fit properly can cause bunions,
corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling
foot disorders.
The Fitting
Here are some tips
to help reduce the risk of foot problems. Use this
guide when you shop for shoes:
- Fit
new shoes
to your largest foot. Most people have one
foot larger than the
other. |
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Have both feet
measured
every time you purchase shoes. Your foot size
increases as you get
older. |
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If the shoes
feel too
tight, don't buy them. There is no such thing
as a "break-in
period." |
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Most high heeled-shoes
have a pointed
or narrow toe box that crowds the toes
and
forces them
into an unnatural
triangular
shape. As heel height increases,
the pressure
under the ball
of the foot
may double,
placing greater pressure on
the forefoot as
it is forced into the pointed toe box. |
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Shoes should be
fitted carefully
to your heel as well as your toes. |
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Sizes vary among
shoe brands
and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits on
your
foot - not by
the marked size. |
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There should be
a half-inch
of space from the end of your longest toe
to the
end
of the shoe. |
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Try on both shoes. |
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- Try
on new shoes
at the end
of the day. Your feet
normally
swell and become
larger after standing or
sitting during
the day. |
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Walk around in the shoes to make sure they
fit
well and
feel comfortable. |
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When the shoe is on your foot, you should
be able
to freely
wiggle all of your
toes. |
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Women should not
wear a shoe
with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches. |
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