I Don't Want To Wear Ugly Shoes! Especially During The Holidays! (Continued)

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You may still ask, "So does this mean I have to wear ugly shoes? Aren't there shoes out there that can fit well and not be ugly?" The answer is a loud YES! It's important for you first to know what to look for in choosing a shoe before looking at fashion.

Dennis Janisse CPed. teaches us to buy shoes that as closely as possible match the shape of your feet. Don't just look for a particular size of shoe! There are no standards in shoe sizing, so here are some simple points to remember:

• Allow 3/8-1/2 inch between the end of the longest toe and the shoe.
• When standing, the shoe should not be skin tight over the ball of the foot.
• Shoes should be comfortable when you put them on – don’t expect them to break in and stretch to fit your foot!
• Find shoes with cushioned/comfortable insoles and soles if possible.
• Control is a good thing, so buy shoes that are firm in back to cradle and support your heels.

With these tips in mind, go shopping! Plan some extra time. You will have to look a little harder to find shoes that are fashionable and good for your feet, but trust me, they are out there. Many times these shoes are more expensive, but they don't have to be. It depends on where you shop and if there are sales.

And, for you women out there, I know you have one last question…"What about high heels?" Here's a tidbit I learned from Dr. Godfrey Mix, DPM, author of The Salon Professional's Guide to Foot Care, "For every one inch of heel height approximately 25% more pressure is transferred to the ball of the foot. This means if you wear a two-inch heel the ball of your foot is carrying 50% more pressure that it would if you were wearing flat shoes!"

Both Dr. Mix and Dennis Janisse are realistic. They understand there are women re going to wear heels no matter what. Dennis tells us, "High heels are really not advisable, or you should at least limit your time in them to a couple of hours at a time. High heels cause extreme pressure on the balls of your feet/metatarsals. They also cause friction and shear because you continually move up and down the ramp inside your shoe. These two things combine to potentially cause pressure, pain, callouses, and possible sores on the most vulnerable part of your feet."

So gals, if after that, you're still up for heels, Joy suggests you….

• choose heels that are no more than two to three inches
• wear flats until you get to your event, put on your heels when you get there and, afterward, take them off and put your flats back on as soon as possible.
• inspect your feet immediately before wearing your heels and immediately after to detect and treat any changes as soon as possible.

And…don’t forget…have a good time. It's not ALL about how you look. EnJOY!

Read Joy’s bio here.

Read more of Joy Pape's columns.

NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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