Sep 11
20
Common Foot Ailments and Shoe Solutions
Common Foot Ailments and Shoe Solutions
Often I speak with people in my shoe store asking for shoes that will rid them of foot pain from common issues such as corns or plantar fasciitis. Our store’s policy is that “one size does not fit all”; each person needs something different from their shoe, and that no shoe will provide a “cure” for your foot issue. However there are certain aspects of a shoe that might help if you have a common foot ailment. All you need, foot ailment or not, is a pair of good, comfortable shoes. What is “comfortable” is up to you and you alone.
Bunion
A bunion is a painful enlargement at the joint of the big toe. The enlargement can be a moderate bump to a severe disfigurement. They can be caused by shoes that fit poorly or genetics, but often there is no reason for why bunions form on our feet, making adding confusion to how bunion should be dealt with.
An important part of living with bunions is finding the right shoes that won’t put pressure or squeeze the enlarged area. I suggest finding shoes with wider widths or find sandals with adjustable fasteners at the enlarged area of the foot. The Keen Sula may work for moderate bunions; it tends to run wider and also features an adjustable closure Velcro system.
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Corns and Calluses
Calluses or corns may be caused and aggravated by pressure on the skin of your foot. These minor ailments can be a big pain thanks to their location on the bottom of the foot.
When you are looking for a shoe to help your corns or calluses, look for shoes that provide a softer footbed to alleviate pressure or a removable footbed so you may replace it with a specialized orthotic or foam pads. Try Naot shoes and sandals for a very soft and cushy cork footbed.
Hammer Toe
This graphic name describes a deformity of the toes, where the middle toe joint is permanently bent sideways. Unfortunately, Hammer Toes are permanent and if you are not correcting with surgery, it is essential that you not exacerbate the condition with ill-fitting shoes.
First and foremost, look for shoes with a wide toe box to give you extra wiggle room. Shoe inserts and pads may also help, so hunt for shoes with removable footbeds. You may want to try something like the Clarks Un.Ray featuring supportive cushion and a roomy toe box.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and can make moving about on your feet a rather unpleasant experience. Pain can occur in your heel or the bottom of the foot when walking or standing. This condition is most common in middle-aged people or those on their feet frequently such as runners.
I recommend looking for a foot with high arch support to keep the ligament that connects your heel to your toes supported while walking or standing. Try the any Chaco sandal with an anatomical footbed or the APMA approved Dansko Professional clog.
Always keep in mind that there is no one shoe that will solve your medical issues with your feet, but there is always something you can do about it thanks to certain features of a shoe. Make it through your days and night comfortably by searching for certain key aspects of shoes that may help ease your pain and get to know which brands and features work for you best. Comfortable shoes are the key!
I am passionate about comfortable shoes!
