Shoe And Footwear Recommendations

It might not surprise you to learn that we're really passionate about shoes here at Silicon Valley Podiatry Group. We are foot doctors, after all.

What you might not realize? We're also really passionate about fashion, too! We understand that, while it's extremely important to find shoes that fit and are comfortable, you also want to look stylish and feel great wearing them, too!

Are your high heels killing you? Can't find a running shoe that keeps your feet from aching before the first mile marker? A new pair of shoes may be all that you need, and we're happy to share our knowledge about shoes-including specific brands and styles-to help you find what you need.

We offer practical advice for everyday wear, for athletes looking for performance, and-yes-even women who want to rock their heels comfortably and fashionably!

Why Shoes Are So Important

Our ancient ancestors spent a lot of time barefoot or in flat sandals without a lot of (or really any) arch support. However, they also didn't spend nearly 100 percent of their days walking on hard concrete and linoleum, either!

In modern life, finding a good pair of shoes in the right size, with the right balance of breathability, arch support, and shock absorption is important if you want to avoid unnecessary pain!

The problem, unfortunately, is that every foot shape is a little bit different, and too many of us don't realize how things like a flat arch, narrow foot, or other structural issues can alter the proper fit and performance of our shoes. The first pair you pull of the rack may not really fit you the way you need it to, even if the "size" on the tongue looks correct.

How We Can Help

Fortunately, we can help. Whenever you come to SVPG for a foot concern, one of the first things we'll do is give you a comprehensive foot evaluation. During this exam, we'll take note not just of your specific painful symptoms, but the entire shape, structure, and motion of your feet and ankles. For example:

• Are your feet extra wide, extra narrow, or somewhere in between?
• Is your arch height unusually flat or unusually high?
• How much do your feet pronate when you walk?

This not only helps come up with appropriate treatment options and determine whether or not you need orthotics, but also allows us to make really specific recommendations about the types of shoes that are likely to be the most comfortable for you, and will reduce your risk of future pain and injury!

For Runners and Athletes

Proper shoes are especially important for active individuals who are out running, jumping, dancing, playing, and engaging in a lot of high-impact exercise. Unfortunately, finding a pair that doesn't hurt your feet can be extremely stressful and difficult-especially if you don't know a lot about your own foot structure or gait style.

For example, the fact that your friend really loves his Brooks Beast running shoes (a great pair, by the way) doesn't necessarily mean they're the right pair for you. If you have a high arch, for example, or prefer running on trails to running on roads, you're probably going to need something different.

But rather than give up on running because you can't find a comfortable pair of shoes, give us a call. After analyzing your feet and stride, we can give you useful advice on what to look for-arch type, midsole drop, support style, and even specific models and brands to try.

For High Heels

Many podiatrists will tell you never to wear high heels, or only wear them for short periods of time on rare occasions.

Not us!

We love heels, and we're passionate about helping women wear them comfortably and confidently! And when you know what to look for, finding a pair that won't kill your feet by the end of a long day might not be as hard as you think.

Things to consider:

• Arch fit. Is there a big gap between the shoe and your arch? If so, the shoe is probable going to be too unstable to be comfortable.
• Toe fit. Always look for wide, open, breathable toe boxes that don't smoosh your toes.
• Arch incline. What's the slope of the arch and foot as it sits in the shoe? A lower incline may be more comfortable to wear and walk in for longer periods, even if the heel height is higher.
• Platforms / wedges. If you're only an occasional heel wearer or you're just getting re-acquainted with wearing them, you might want to look for platforms (which reduce the heel inclination) or wedges (which provide a wider base of stability).
• Ankle ties. These are often a good choice if you're worried about needing a little extra support.

Don't worry if this seems intimidating at first! We're not kidding when we say we love heels and wear them frequently. We love giving our patients all the guidance they need to find a fashionable and comfortable pair.

Feet hurting you? Call SVPG for a comprehensive evaluation, treatment options, and all the shoe recommendation advice you need! You can reach our San Jose office at (408) 358-2666.