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	Foot and Shoe Care Tips

The 15 Key Test Points for Fit

1. Overall length.

A check should be made for the longest toe, which can mean any of the first three toes. On average, the space allowed should be at least a 1/2 of an inch. Also make sure there is adequate toe spread room. Obviously, this will vary with the toe style of the shoe.

2. Heel-to-ball.

Check for correct mutual ball flex action between the foot and shoe in walking. The big toe joint should fit snugly into the ball "pocket" of the shoe.

3. Ball-to-toe.

You cannot assume that if you've measured for overall length and heel-to-ball, then ball-to-toe fit is automatically correct. There is no "standard" ball-to-toe or toe length measurements; therefore, a checkpoint must be tested. Experiment with different lasts which may help to achieve both a better overall and heel-to-ball fit.

4. Heel-to-outer-ball.

This is an important yet commonly overlooked fitting check point. The outer ball joint should fit precisely into its designated pocket. If both the inner and outer ball joints are in proper position in the shoe, we have the ideal situation for correct ball flex angle of both foot and shoe in walking. This assures comfort and correct tread.

5. Ball width.

The width of the ball of the insole to comply with the tread width of the ball of the foot. This is determined by the comfort level of the customer and the knowledge of the shoe by the fitter.

6. Heel fit.

The fit of the heel of the foot into the space, sides and back, outlined by the counter. The fit should be snugly cradled.

7. Back of heel.

The top edge of the counter should not bite into the heel tendon.

8. Quarter top edges.

The topline of the quarter beneath the ankle bone should not touch the ankle bone themselves.

9. Toplines.

The top rime of the shoe should fit snugly against the foot.

10. Vamp room.

This is the area across the ball at toes at the top of the shoe. In a lower heel shoe there should be a mild looseness of space allowance here to permit the mild creasing required for each foot-flexing step at the ball. For higher heels, much less space allowance is required.

11. Tip of little toe.

The little toe should be allowed a certain amount of freedom to prevent discomfort which could result in corns.

12. Instep and waist.

This is where volume or "inner space" fit is tested. Both the instep and waist (between ball and instep) must fit snugly without wrinkles or torsion lines.

13. Throat and throatline.

The throatline is the rim of the forward edge of the shoe's throat.  The throatlines should mildly hug against the foot. The lower the heel the more room it can accommodate; whereas, it can be snugger in a high heel shoe.

14. Arch fit.

The arch should fit comfortably against the foot.

15. Tread.

Take a walk test to see if the shoe is securely and flatly balanced.

Source: Professional Shoe Fitting by National Shoe Retailers Association

Protection - Apply a protective product to the shoe before wearing. Protectors can be in the form of oil, grease, wax, and silicone spray to guard the exterior of the shoe without blocking the pores.  They form a barrier that prevents water, dirt, and stains from penetrating into the upper. Leather, suede, nubuck, and nylon can be protected. Each material requires a special type of protection and best . See Accessories for more product information.

Exterior Maintenance - Each material requires a certain method of upkeep and best used on a frequent basis. Polish can be used on leather with a soft cloth for conditioning. Color can be restored on leather shoes depending on color, and scuffs can be removed with a proper product. Suede and Nubuck require a special spray and brush usually made for both materials. Regular use of a silicone spray should be applied to fabric uppers.

• Rotate shoes daily to allow shoes to dry and maintain shape.
• Alternate heel heights to prevent fatigue and leg pain.
• Use a shoe horn to keep heel counter fitting firm and snug.
• Use a shoe tree to maintain shoe shape.

One of the most common foot ailments. It starts as a dull intermittent pain in the heel (heel spur) which may progress to a sharp persistent pain. Classically, it is worse in the morning with the first few steps, after standing, or walking, and at the beginning of sporting activity. An overload of tension on the tendons on the bottom of the feet become inflamed.

Contributing Factors -Flat (pronated) feet -Increasing Age -High arched, rigid feet -Sudden weight increase -Soft terrain (i.e. sand) -Family Tendency -Toe running, hill running -Poor shoe support -Sudden increase in activity

Treatment Rest -use pain as your guide. If your foot is too painful, rest it. Ice (One of the best treatments) -Ice the sore area for a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes a day. Apply a towel over a cold pack. Place the sore part of the foot on the towel. Repeat the process for a minimum of seven days. There is no limit to the amount of times to ice your feet. Medication -anti-inflammatory/analgesic medication (in tablet form), coupled with heel pads, may be all that is necessary to relieve the pain. If pain is not relieved within a couple of weeks, injections of cortisone or local anesthetic may be given by your doctor. Exercise -upon waking up in the morning, grab your toes and pull them towards you for 10 seconds. Release and then repeat on each foot 3 or 4 times. Next point and flex the foot 4 or 5 times on each foot. You can repeat the process standing up. The objective of the exercises is to stretch the tendons to reduce inflammation. Shoes -Poorly fitting shoes can cause plantar fasciitis. The best type of shoe is a walking or athletic type with an excellent support and one that will reduce the shock on the heel. Orthoses -inserts that your doctor will prescribe if necessary. Source: Syntex Sports Injury Information Center

A bunion is a painful swelling and inflammation of the bursa or fluid sac on the side of the great toe. This condition can cause shoe fitting problems. For the best fit, avoid shoes with seams at or near the big toe joint. Fit the shoe with extra width. If the condition exists on one foot, fit the larger foot then adjust the smaller one. For extreme cases, shoes with special bunion lasts are recommended.

37 million people are affected by arthritis in the U.S., with an estimated half a billion people suffering from arthritis worldwide. Although there is no cure, as of yet, it is best to implement these treatments which include daily footcare, diet, exercise, and correctly fitted footwear.

Foot rules:
1. Check your feet often.
2. Inspect your toes and between them for blisters, cuts, and scratches.
3. Inspect your feet for red areas.
4. Wash your feet daily and dry carefully.
5. Avoid using chemical agents to remove corns and calluses.
6. Avoid cutting or trimming corns or calluses.
7. Cut toe nails straight across.
8. Wear properly fitted stockings.
9. Shoes should be comfortable at the time of purchase. Don't depend on them to stretch with wear.
10. Consult your medical professional and footcare specialists regularly.

Medical studies show that diabetes has a debilitating effect on the extremities, most often the feet. Many foot problems associated with diabetes could be prevented by proper footcare. Diabetics with foot ulcers that become infected frequently could lead to amputation. Another condition that affects the diabetic foot stems from neuropathy, which may leave the foot insensitive to pain. With the loss of feeling, the diabetic foot is more susceptible to irritations and infections. If these results are severe they could lead to amputation as well.

Shoe Fitting Tips
1. Proper shoe fitting is very important for the diabetic.
2. Do not wear tight fitting shoes.
3. Shoes should be comfortable when tried on.
4. Check inside shoes for rough seams, sharp or foreign objects, or torn linings.
4. Have your shoes fitted by a professional and knowledgeable person.

Daily Care
1. Keep your feet clean.
2. Keep your feet dry.
3. Inspect your feet daily.
4. Keep them well-maintained.
5. Change socks or stockings daily. Select seamless socks which are not tight fitting. Don't wear mended socks.

If you are diabetic and notice any sores, pain or changes with your feet, consult your medical professional.

Besides the foot disorders mentioned previously, there are many others such as hammertoes, high arches, calluses, etc. Each disorder needs to be addressed individually. Getting the proper footwear will help to maximize your feet's comfort level. Select a qualified professional who is knowledgeable about your situation for getting the correct fit. If you are experiencing any severe pain, swelling, no feeling, or sores not healing on the feet, consult your medical professional.

		© Ragnar Torfason 2005 June 28