The following tips on good footwear may prevent toe, foot, or ankle
problems or injuries.
- Roomy footwear has a wide toe box with more room
for your toes and the ball of your foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes
in your shoes.
- High-heeled, narrow, and pointed-toe shoes should be
avoided. High-heeled shoes increase pressure on the front of the foot. If you
cannot avoid wearing pumps or high-heeled shoes, look for a pair that gives
your toes more room.
- Choose shoes with heels that are no more than
2 in. (5.1 cm)
high.
- Alternate these shoes with flat, roomy shoes to give your
toes a chance to move freely.
- Shoes made of materials that "give" or stretch will
be the most comfortable for your toes and feet.
- Shoes that do not
have seams will prevent rubbing or irritation of the skin.
- Laced
shoes that have a wide, roomy toe box will give your toes plenty of room to
spread out. Athletic shoes are a good choice. High-top laced shoes may give
foot and ankle support.
- Sandals, soft leather flat shoes, slippers,
or inexpensive cloth shoes are good choices for at-home wear. If you have an
enlarged toe joint, cut a hole in the cloth shoes.
- Foot size may
vary half a size from the morning to the evening or after a day at work, so
purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.
