Dr. Prant's Shoe Hints

By Dr. Gary Prant, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.

People’s feet change in size throughout the day. (They get bigger throughout the day.) The best time to buy your shoes is right after lunch – about 1 PM – because that will be the best average size for most people.
Most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other. Fit your larger foot. If there is a large size difference between you feet, there is an organization that arranges swaps between people with the complimentary shoe needs. (We can get you their name and address.)
Just because a shoe is the correct size does not mean it fits correctly. There are 37 different measurements that go into making a shoe – and size is just one of them. The second most important measurement is the “break point” of the shoe. The shoe should bend at the ball of your foot. Two shoes exactly the same size may feel completely different on your feet!
Your foot changes throughout your life. Pregnancy, age, and weight gain can all cause your shoe size to change. We carefully examine your shoes when your foot pathology may be related to shoe gear. We measure your foot on a “Brannock Device” which is the standard foot-measuring device.
Foreign made shoes may be made with European (or Metric) sizing and there is sometimes not an exact match for our sizes.
Ideal heel height for you depends on your foot structure. If you look at the shape of the side of your foot (its profile), you can see your natural foot shape and the shoe shape that matches it.
If you have a problem with your feet getting very hot in shoes, or perspiring excessively, avoid man-made materials in shoes and stay away from nylon tricot lining in athletic shoes.
Miscellaneous notes:
- When doing aerobics, make sure the toe box is high and roomy.
- If you have a bump on the top of your foot, you should watch the “vamp” of the shoe and avoid “bal vamp”
- Older people with sore feet often suffer from loss of cushioning in their feet and should get rubber sole shoes and well-cushioned athletic shoes.
- People with flat feet, or “pronators”, should make sure “counter” of the shoe is extra strong to support your foot.

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