8 Tips for Choosing Comfortable Shoes, According to Podiatrists

Measure Your Feet Yearly

Did you know that your feet size and structure changes even in adulthood? Board-certified podiatrist Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, recommends measuring your feet at least once a year to ensure you’re getting the best fit. 

“Ligaments stretch over time as we lose collagen and the elasticity or flexibility of the joints so our feet naturally stretch or ‘spread out’ over time,” she says. “Certain events in life can make your feet stretch or spread out over time, too.” This includes gaining or losing weight, pregnancy and postpartum, the development of certain foot issues (like bunions and hammer toe), and of course any foot-related injuries, surgeries, or care. 

Consider Your Foot Width

Along with choosing the right shoe size, also consider the width of your foot and purchase accordingly. For those with wide feet, “a shoe that is too narrow can lead to painful, cramped toes and bunions,” warns Dr. Schoenhaus. And if you have narrow feet and wear a shoe that’s too wide, you won’t have enough support and there’s a heightened risk of blisters. 

Shop for Shoes at the End of the Day

Your feet change throughout your lifetime, but they can also look a little different from morning to evening. Shopping at the right time of day can help ensure a better fit. “Always try on your shoes close to the end of the day as feet typically will swell especially by the end of the day," says Dr. Daughtry.

Make Sure You Have Arch Support

Similarly, choose shoes that have great arch support for your foot shape. “If you have a high arch foot type, you may do better with a shoe with a slight lift in the heel, and if you are flat-footed, consider buying a shoe with good arch support,” Dr. Schoenhaus says. If the shoe itself doesn’t have the best arch support, a shoe insert can help. 

Give Your Toes Some Room

Cramped toes are a recipe for discomfort and a host of issues, not limited to corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, and nerve pain. “Shoes should have a wide toe box or square shape to avoid overcrowding of the toes and allow swelling and accommodation for any toe or foot deformity,” Dr. Daughtry says. 

If you do want to wear a point-toe shoe, make sure there is at least 1/2 inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe, and that the toe box allows your toes to sit without being cramped. 

Go for the Extra Cushion

If you’re torn between an option that provides extra cushion and one that’s more standard, Dr. Daughtry says to go for the cushion. “Extra cushioning for shock absorption is also important to avoid wear and tear to the feet and the joints, which can lead to increased risk of joint pain and other foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis,” she says. 

Have Shoes for Different Occasions

Dr. Schoenhaus says to wear shoes appropriate for your activity. For example, if you’re going to play a sport that involves a lot of side to side movement, make sure you’re wearing footwear with ankle support versus a slip-on sneaker. 

If you're weightlifting, then you'd want a flat, rigid sole for more stability, and when hiking aim for durability, traction, and ankle support. Walking shoes are lighter than running shoes and offer flexible soles for natural foot movement, while running shoes should have lots of cushion to absorb impact and protect joints.

Don’t Force It

The whole “breaking in your shoes” thing is a little bit of a myth. While some shoes do conform and mold to your feet over time, they still shouldn’t feel uncomfortable when you put them on. When you notice pinching, cramping, or rubbing right off the bat, it’s probably just going to get worse. "If you find a shoe that you love in a store and you put it on, if it is not comfortable then, it will never be comfortable at all,” Dr. Schoenhaus says.