It happens that you see beautiful shoes or boots of an original style and that’s it, the mind recedes, leaving room for an insane desire to own this pair, perfect in design and price! It’s not for nothing that fitting is called fitting - it gives an approximate result, so to speak, it only outlines the first impression of the shoes: at fitting we can only say one thing - the shoes fit or are too tight. Everything else will be revealed only by long-term wear - and then all the shortcomings of the model, errors in execution, features of the material will immediately become clear... In general, choosing the right shoes is very difficult, especially if you are guided by emotions rather than reason!

Main criteria

Choosing shoes is an important step, because our image, gait, posture, well-being and, of course, the health of our feet depend on it. No wonder they say: “if you want to forget about your problems, wear shoes one size smaller”! This statement is extremely true - you cannot feel completely happy if your shoes are mercilessly too tight. And here is another statement: Sophia Loren was once asked what is the secret of her irresistibility? The answer was simple: “I buy clothes one size smaller, and shoes one size larger”!

Well, now let’s get serious about choosing shoes: the wrong shoes will reward their owner with calluses and corns, which is very sensitive. In addition, both problems are quite difficult to treat - due to the fact that they are located in such hard-to-reach places. For the entire duration of treatment, you practically have to exclude your usual shoes, and coming to work in slippers is the height of indecency! But these are still “flowers” ​​- a passion for unstable shoes, excessively long heels or flat soles often leads to the development of scoliosis, varicose veins veins and joint problems. That’s why you need to choose comfortable shoes first, but it will be great if their design complements this quality.

So how to choose the right shoes?

It is no coincidence that experienced sellers first suggest trying on shoes on the right foot - the fact is that in the overwhelming majority of cases, the right foot is slightly larger than the left. And if the shoes fit on your right foot, then you can try on the left pair.

• It is best to try on in the morning, since at the end of the day even healthy legs swell slightly.
• When trying on, you need to pay attention to how the shoes fit your foot - if they fit correctly, then there should be no unpleasant squeezing sensations or overhanging skin over the edge of the shoe.
• Shoes should not fit tightly on the foot, but not loosely, otherwise wearing them will turn into torture and lead to any complications: ingrown toenails, bent toes, bursitis or poor circulation. To evaluate how your feet feel in new shoes, you need to put both feet on and walk around the room a little, feeling the sock with your fingers, but without squeezing.

A few words about the sole: it should be gutta-percha, that is, it should bend easily, returning to its original shape, its thickness should be sufficient so that the feet do not feel all the surface imperfections, stones and cracks on the sidewalk when walking. And one more thing: if you wear shoes for every day, then the priority should definitely be comfort, not a tribute to fashion - so take shoes with a platform with a slight rise, but not with heels.

There is no need to succumb to provocations and prove to others that a real woman should always wear heels - a real woman should be healthy and beautiful, and she does not need such sacrifices. According to orthopedists, high heels are always an unjustified risk of spinal injury, since heels do not spring when walking, allowing each step to hit the spinal column like a whip. Hence the occurrence of osteochondrosis, vertebral hernias and scoliosis.

As for the material, it is best to give preference to genuine leather, suede, denim, and nubuck. The fact is that even high-quality leatherettes are not able to provide air access to the legs, which leads to overheating, increased sweating, and fungus. But more on that below.

How not to make a mistake with the size?

It is also important to know how to choose the right shoe size - there are several tables for determining the sizes of men's and women's shoes, taking into account whose shoes they are: Russian, American or European.

To determine from the table, you need to measure the size of your foot by standing on paper and marking the points of the center of the big toe and the center of the heel bone. Let's connect these two points with a line and get the length of the foot in centimeters, the correspondence of which must be found in the size table. The health of your feet and the length of time you wear the shoes, the beauty of your gait and your self-confidence largely depend on how the correct shoe size is chosen.

Material

An ideal option for both winter and summer shoes is genuine leather. In this material, the skin of your feet will breathe, and you will feel comfortable regardless of the weather. In addition to leather, you can choose stylish models from nubuck, suede and even textiles. But if you wear shoes made of synthetic materials, then keep in mind that this may be unsafe for your health. When exposed to heat, the chemical elements that make up the material can begin to evaporate and be absorbed into the skin of the feet. In addition, feet in such shoes do not breathe at all, and therefore there is a high risk of fungal diseases.

If you cannot afford shoes made from natural materials, then put higher demands on artificial ones. At a minimum, the insole and interior trim should be made of textiles or natural wool. In addition, shoes must be impregnated with an antibacterial composition.

When buying shoes made from artificial materials, keep in mind that, unlike natural ones, they do not wear out, and therefore you need to accurately guess the size. In addition, keep in mind that in the summer your legs can swell a lot, and therefore it is better not to buy closed models for the hot season.

Is extremely popular Polished leather, because Shoes made from this material look incredibly impressive. But it is not recommended to wear them all the time; your feet cannot breathe in such shoes. It is better if you use this option occasionally, on special occasions.

Pay attention to the shoe markings!

If we are talking about the autumn or winter season, it is worth considering that the weather at this time is very picky, and therefore the material from which the shoes are made must be waterproof. At the same time, do not forget that the leg must breathe. It is worth paying special attention to the clasp. If it is located too low, there is a risk of getting your feet wet. Also, make sure that your shoes are not too tight; it is likely that you will need to wear a thick sock.

When buying winter shoes, pay special attention to the soles. It's better if it's thick. In addition, it must have a relief that will prevent slipping. But as for the boot itself, preference should be given to natural materials, because... they retain heat best.

Sport shoes

People who play sports probably know how difficult it is to choose the right shoes. If you feel even the slightest discomfort, then all your attention will be directed to this, and not to a productive workout. In addition, if you choose the wrong shoes, you risk injury. That is why when buying sneakers you need to be very attentive to your feelings. If the sole is flexible, but the heel is quite stiff, then most likely this is the right option.

• When buying shoes for training, pay attention to the material; it must be breathable. Natural leather and Gore-tex have these properties. The insole should also be natural. In addition, do not buy models that are too tight, because... The leg may swell and increase in size during training.
• If you do aerobics, choose high-shank sneakers. This will help keep your leg in the correct position and reduce the risk of injury. To ensure good traction during intense activities, make sure the toe box is wide and the heel is fairly narrow.
• If you run, your running shoes should be lightweight to avoid overexertion. In addition, the sole must be resilient enough to absorb the impact of your feet on the ground.
• To play football or tennis comfortably, you should select models that will provide you with stability on the floor or playing field. This can be achieved using a rubber sole with spikes.

Choosing shoes is very important point in the formation of a wardrobe. It should be both beautiful and practical. And if you consider that good shoes is not cheap, it is worth approaching this issue very carefully.

From this article you will learn:

• What are the consequences of wearing the wrong shoes?
• How to choose the right shoes for an adult
• How to determine your size
• What to look for when choosing winter shoes
• What shoe color to choose

When choosing shoes, we first of all look for a beautiful pair that would look fashionable and match with clothes. Fashion is great, but foot health is much more important. Therefore, you need to choose shoes carefully, paying attention not only to external factors, but also to comfort. But how to choose the right shoes so that they are comfortable and safe to wear?

Consequences of incorrectly selected shoes

Problems associated with uncomfortable shoes usually plague women. Many of them like to wear high-heeled shoes, and they often purchase smaller shoes specifically to make their feet look smaller. It is difficult to find a comfortable pair for men with large feet. Often, due to lack of the right size, they are forced to buy shoes that do not fit them.

It is necessary to understand that tight shoes not only cause discomfort when walking, but also causes various diseases. First of all, wearing such shoes will have a bad effect on the formation of the feet of children and adolescents. Also, squeezing the legs interferes with blood circulation and has a bad effect on the joints.

The ability to choose the right shoes is the key to ensuring that you do not encounter one of the following diseases:

• Hallux valgus deformity of the first toe

Hallux valgus is a change in the foot in which the joint at the base of the big toe bends outward.

This disease manifests itself as follows:

• the joint at the base of the thumb becomes noticeably larger;
• shifts thumb;
• this part of the foot becomes red and swollen;
• Pain in the thumb area may occur both during movement and at rest;
• calluses appear in the area of ​​deformation.

The reasons why such a curvature may appear are very banal:

• frequent wearing of shoes that do not fit the shape of the foot;
• love for narrow shoes with a pointed toe;
• a feature of the foot when it rolls inward when walking;
• genetic predisposition.

If you notice symptoms of hallux valgus deformity, you should:

• choose the right shoes for everyday wear, taking into account the characteristics of your feet;
• purchase orthopedic insoles that will support the normal position of the foot;
• if the discomfort does not go away or even intensifies, you should consult an orthopedist.

• Hammertoe deformity

This type of foot change can appear on the second, third and/or fourth toe. The curvature affects the proximal interphalangeal joint. Outwardly, this is manifested by the fact that deformed fingers never straighten.

Hammertoe deformity may have the following symptoms:

• rubbing of the skin in the area of ​​the interphalangeal joints;
• burning sensation when walking in shoes;
• unnatural resting position of the fingers: they do not lie on the floor, but are slightly bent.

The following reasons can lead to the development of this disease:

• the shoes you wear do not suit the length of your feet;
• you often wear shoes with a narrower front;
• joint movement is limited due to muscle imbalance;
• the second finger is naturally longer than the first;
• presence of other joint problems.

To avoid hammertoe deformation, you must:

• choose shoes with the optimal toe width;
• use orthopedic inserts;
• visit shoe stores in the afternoon, when your feet become a little larger, and pay attention to the fact that there is free space between your toes and the inner wall of the shoe.

• Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail)

Typically, an ingrown nail occurs on the outside of the big toe. In this case, the side of the plate seems to cut into the skin, causing inflammation.

An ingrown toenail manifests itself as follows:

• the site of ingrowth is very painful;
• the finger turns red and enlarges.

The main causes of onychocryptosis are:

• shoes are not wide enough;
• the toe of the shoe puts pressure on the big toe when walking;
• nails are cut too short or incorrectly;
• the nail is broken;
• the nail plate grows to the side.

To get rid of an ingrown toenail, you need to:

• contact a specialist who can help resolve this situation. You should not try to remove an ingrown toenail yourself, because by doing the wrong thing you can harm yourself;
• In the future, you will need to choose the right shoes according to the width of your feet so that they do not squeeze your legs.

• Metatarsalgia

This problem is associated with pain in the forefoot, in the metatarsal area. As a rule, unpleasant sensations are localized in the area of ​​the second, third and fourth fingers.

Metatarsalgia has a number of noticeable manifestations:

• the forefoot hurts when walking;
• the pain does not disappear completely even at rest;
• the ball of the foot becomes swollen and inflamed.

This condition occurs for a number of reasons:

• the toes or the entire forefoot are constantly compressed because the shoe size is smaller than the foot;
• the ball of the foot is constantly under stress due to wearing shoes, the manufacture of which did not take into account the recommendations of orthopedists;
• The fatty tissue in the front of the leg has atrophied.

If you notice symptoms of metatarsalgia, the following may help:

• insoles designed to combat this foot change, which can be found at an orthopedic store;
• properly selected shoes that match your size and do not put pressure on your feet;
• shoes with rounded soles.

• Morton's neuroma

Morton's toe syndrome occurs when connective tissue in the foot grows in the area of ​​the nerve.

This disease can be detected by the following symptoms:

• severe pain in the area of ​​the third or fourth finger even at rest;
• when walking you feel as if you are walking on small stones;
• as soon as you lean on the front of your foot, a sharp pain occurs;
• there is tingling in the area of ​​the fingers;
• the metatarsal area becomes inflamed.

The following situations can cause a neuroma:

• constantly walking in heels (in these shoes the body weight is transferred to the front of the leg);
• wearing shoes that do not match the length or width of the foot;
• love for pointed-toe shoes;
• the negative impact of shoes, the manufacture of which did not comply with orthopedic standards;
• lifestyle associated with serious stress on the legs;
• malformations of the foot.

Here is what should be done by those who have discovered symptoms of neuroma:

• warming creams or ointments will help to relax the foot;
• Removing the load from the metatarsus is facilitated by wearing special insoles;
• try to choose the right shoes so that their size matches the size of your feet;
• Please note that the sole is rigid, but at the same time flexible enough.

• Plantar fasciitis (heel spur)

Essentially, a heel spur is a growth on the surface of the bone that is formed as a result of ruptures of the connective membranes. The main symptom is pain in the heel when a person steps on his foot.

The disease manifests itself as follows:

• leaning on the heel, a person feels severe pain, especially if the leg was relaxed before;
• The medial arch of the foot may also hurt.

Plantar fasciitis can occur as a result of:

• the fact that a person wears shoes without arch support;
• the fact that the legs are constantly under increased stress;
• presence of flat feet.

To prevent the formation of spurs you need to:

• walk barefoot less;
• choose shoes with a heel of about 4 centimeters;
• use insoles and orthopedic inserts that maintain the correct shape of the foot;
• perform special preventive exercises.

10 rules for choosing the right shoes

• Properly selected shoes are those that closely follow the shape of your foot.. No matter how beautiful the shoes are, if they are too narrow for you, wearing them will be a complete pain.
• Foot size changes throughout the day and is larger in the evening than in the morning. Therefore, it is recommended to try on shoes in the afternoon.
• Make sure your shoes don't put pressure on the widest part of your foot. where it bends. Bend the sole slightly to check if it is flexible enough.
• If your foot fits into the shoes, but there is absolutely no free space left, refuse to buy such a pair. Trying to break in shoes that don't fit is harmful to your feet.
• Pay attention to such characteristics of shoes as depreciation. In properly made shoes, the sole performs a good shock-absorbing function, softening the impact of a hard surface on the feet, making it much easier and more pleasant for a person to walk.
• Carefully check your shoes for hidden problems: rough seams, joints, pieces of material that can rub and cause discomfort. Although such things are not noticeable at first glance, when walking you will not be able to think about anything other than them.

• If you want to choose the right shoes, do not forget to inspect the insole. A good leather insole will protect your feet from irritation and calluses.
• If you find a really good pair that matches basic wardrobe, it may be a wise decision to buy two at once.
• When looking for new shoes or boots, always think about what things you will combine them with.
• Take the time to walk around the store in your new shoes for a few minutes. and make sure you don't experience any discomfort.

How to choose the right shoe size

When we talk about shoe size, we mean only the length of the foot, but this is not entirely correct. By focusing solely on length, you risk purchasing a pair that is not suitable for you: you must also take into account another criterion - width.

It often happens that for the same foot length, a smaller size is suitable if the foot is narrow, and a larger size if the foot is wide.

There are four main standards regarding shoe size:

• International standard ISO 3355-77. In this system, size is determined by the length of the foot from heel to toes. Measurements are made in millimeters, rounded to the nearest 5 mm.
• European system. This system measures the insole of shoes in centimeters. The insole should be larger than the foot.
• English system. Here the unit of measurement is the inch. The smallest size is 4 inches, which is the size of a newborn's foot. Further dimensions are numbered through 1/3 inch - 8.5 millimeters.
• American system. It is almost identical to the previous one, and the numbering is the same, but there are smaller sizes.

To choose the right shoes, you need to determine your size:

• Take a sheet of paper and a sharp pencil.
• Place your foot on the paper and trace it. To avoid problems in the future, measure your leg in the evening, when it is largest size. If you plan to select winter shoes that are worn with socks, then take measurements with socks on.
• Draw a line between the most prominent points of the toe and heel.
• Measure both legs this way and take the number that is larger.
• Round the result to 0.5 cm and find a match in the table:

ISO (cm)	Russia	Europe	England

Many people are interested in how to choose the right size for fall shoes or winter boots. The size chart for shoes designed for different seasons is the same. But often the same person buys pairs of different sizes for the warm and cold seasons, since inside there is a demi-season and winter shoes has fur that slightly reduces the original size. If you try on warm shoes, be sure to do it in socks, so that later you don’t find out that your feet are tight in them.

If, for example, you buy shoes online, you won’t be able to simply try them on. In this case, in order to choose the right shoes, it is necessary to measure such a parameter as the fullness of the foot.

There is a formula for this:

W = 0.25V – 0.15C – A, Where

W – leg fullness, B – foot circumference in millimeters, C – foot length in millimeters, A – constant coefficient (for men – 17, for women – 16).

For example, your foot length is 26 mm and your circumference is 24 mm. Let's substitute these numbers into the formula: 0.25*240 – 0.15*260 – 16 = 2. Now you know that the fullness of your foot according to the Russian system is 2.

There is also a special table for determining this parameter. You will need the same measurements we discussed above.

Find the corresponding numbers in the table:

The fullness of the foot is shown in the top cells of the table:

Size	Fullness (rise) in cm

The values ​​in the table will help you choose the right classic shoes made from rigid materials that do not stretch over time. If we are talking about a pair made of a softer material, keep in mind that in the future the shoes may lose their original shape.

Before you study size chart manufacturer, measure the length of your foot and find out what size it corresponds to in the system you need.

Let's say a length of 24 cm corresponds to size 37.5, and a length of 23 cm corresponds to 37. Accordingly, if the length of your foot is closer to a smaller number (for example, 23.3), it is better to choose a smaller size.

How to choose the right running shoes

It is important for athletes to choose the right running shoes to protect themselves from sprains and other injuries. There are two types of such shoes: sneakers and spikes. But since spikes have a special sporting specificity, we will talk about sneakers that are also suitable for beginner runners.

Running shoes differ from other shoes in a number of ways:

• Almost all running shoes have cushioning. Cushioning inserts are located in the rear of the sole, and sometimes in the toe area.
• Both the sole and the upper of the shoe should be flexible in the forefoot.
• Running shoes are equipped with inserts made of dense rubber, which prevents rapid abrasion of the sole. This is especially true for those areas where there is a heavy load - the heel and outer side sock
• Shoes for sports are never made of leather or other materials, which do not allow air to pass through well.
• There may be hard elements in the upper part of the shoe, it is only important that they do not come into direct contact with the skin, otherwise chafing may occur.
• The lacing is often displaced inward.
• Often the lacing loops are also not combined with one rigid bar. The absence of a bar allows for movement, which allows the laces to be tightened further to ensure a tight fit. However, this factor is not mandatory.
• Sports shoes must have removable insoles, so that, if necessary, orthopedic ones can be used instead.
• Weight Limit pairs of running shoes 400 g.

The main characteristics of running shoes are described above, but in order to choose the right one for a particular person, it is necessary to take into account a number of individual factors:

• Gender of the athlete

Sneakers for men and women differ noticeably in design, but there are also functional differences. The structure of a woman's foot is different from a man's, therefore running shoes have their own characteristics:

• When making shoes, the average proportions of male and female feet are taken into account. Since women usually have narrower feet, the last of the sneakers is made narrower.
• Women's sneakers have extra heel height which reduces the likelihood of injury.
• Since women typically weigh less than men, women's running shoes are made with softer cushioning.

Note that these differences are usually absent in competitive shoes. But you need to understand that such sneakers are not suitable for long-term training.

• Wide and narrow feet, shoe size

Different manufacturers offer models with different last widths. When trying on sneakers, evaluate how well they fit on your foot. Running shoes should fit the foot tightly, but this pressure on the foot is unacceptable. When trying on, lace the sneakers as tightly as possible, starting with the bottom loops.

To choose the right shoe size, follow this rule: there should be a distance of 3 mm between the big toe and the toe of the sneaker. This is especially important for sports shoes, because when you run, your feet get larger, and if a pair fits right next to you, this can lead to damage to your nail.

Occasionally you can find sneakers that are too small. These are usually competition shoes.

• Type of training and weight of the athlete

The principle here is this: the athlete’s heavy weight, long distance and unprepared muscles are reasons to choose shoes with more cushioning. In which part of the foot the shock-absorbing inserts should be located depends on the characteristics of the foot and running technique.

• The difference in sole height from heel to toe and running technique

To choose the right shoes based on this criterion, you need to know what running technique you use. There are three main ways to place the foot: on the back, center or forefoot. The first option involves enhanced cushioning in the heel, which helps minimize the likelihood of injury. The second and third options require more shock absorption in the front.

There is an opinion that how you run depends on the drop in your shoes. But this statement can be called very controversial. Of course, if the drop is chosen correctly, it will help the athlete, and if not, it will even hinder. But shoes cannot force an athlete to change technique.

• Season

For the warm season, sneakers are made from lightweight, breathable materials. In autumn and winter, such shoes are not worn because they allow water to pass through and do not retain heat. For cold weather, it is better to choose special, thicker sneakers.

Many people would like to have a pair of running shoes that are both well ventilated and waterproof, but this is a utopia. Even the most modern fabrics cope with this task only partially.

• Coating

The sole of your running shoes should be suitable for the surface on which you usually run. For jogging on asphalt or exercising on a treadmill, you need shoes with flat and soft soles. If the surface is softer, for example, dirt, a stiffer sole with a deep tread is recommended. A special situation is running over rough terrain and in bad weather conditions. The issue of safety is acute here: the athlete should not slip, injure his feet on sharp stones, etc. Therefore, it is so important to choose the right shoes: with the most rigid sole, large tread, sometimes even with spikes.

Shoes for off-road running differ not only in the sole, but also in lateral support and the presence of a denser mesh.

How to choose the right winter shoes: 5 selection criteria

• Material

Don't forget to also check the quality of the sole. The minimum thickness of the sole of winter shoes is 1 cm. It is better if it is made of waterproof materials such as polyurethane or rubber. Shoes with grooved soles are better suited for the cold season because they slip less.

The zipper of boots or boots should not reach the very bottom and must have an internal valve.

Another important point is the thickness of the heel. Since winter is often slippery, for your own safety it is better to prefer a model with a wide, stable heel. Avoid purchasing a model in which the heel “retracts” when you press on the instep.

• Right size

Usually people buy shoes for winter bigger size than for summer, since winter models have fur inside and are most often worn with a thick sock. You have chosen the right size if there is a little space between the toes and the toe of the boot, but the shoes do not fall off.

• Price

High quality shoes from genuine leather can't be cheap. But at the same time, the high price of the product is usually compensated by its quality and service life. Moreover, such products usually have a long warranty period.

How to choose the right shoe color

Now both summer and winter shoes are produced in a wide range of colors. But how to choose the right clothes and shoes to make the image harmonious? Modern fashion in this sense, it is quite free, but in order to avoid making serious mistakes, it is better to listen to the advice of stylists.

In conclusion, we have collected some key tips on how to choose the right shoes to match your trousers. Instead of trousers, there may be other clothes, because we are only talking about a combination of colors.

• White pants

How base color white looks beautiful with any shade. The only controversial option is the combination of white trousers with black shoes, which is not entirely suitable for everyday wear.

• Gray and dark gray trousers

They also go well with all possible colors. If you don’t know which shade is best for a particular case, choose classic gray.

• Black pants

Black is also a base color, but its possibilities in terms of combination with other shades are no longer so wide. TO black clothes It is not entirely correct to wear white or brown shoes. If you want to diversify your business look, you can choose shoes of a brighter color.

• Cream, nude trousers

To avoid too sharp contrasts in your look, it is better not to combine pastel-colored trousers with black shoes.

• Tan trousers

Black and gray shoes should be excluded here. In some cases they can look beneficial original options like burgundy or green.

• Dark brown trousers

This color is quite difficult to combine with others. Wearing such trousers with black, gray, red and purple shoes is not entirely correct. An interesting look can be created based on brown trousers and green or blue shoes.

• Blue trousers

“Denim” shades are universal. Feel free to combine them with any colors, both light and dark.

• Green, olive, khaki

The only thing you shouldn’t wear these trousers with is green shoes. It is better to choose a different shade depending on the image.

• Burgundy, burgundy and similar shades

These shades combine well with different colors, with the exception of purple and brown. For a classic look, you can choose gray shoes, and green or blue will look original.

Where to buy quality Italian shoes

If you are interested in the latest men's and women's shoes from Italy, take a look at our Vivendi store. Here you will find models from the best Italian designers. The presented assortment will allow you to get acquainted with the latest trends in both women's and men's shoe fashion.

Our advantages:

• DELIVERY IS FREE! Delivery to any region of Russia is free upon purchase of more than 20,000 rubles.
• PRICES ARE BELOW MARKET AVERAGE. Thanks to direct deliveries from manufacturers, we offer shoes with a minimal margin. In addition, the store regularly holds sales and has a system of discounts.

Often we buy shoes based only on their appearance. It is important to us how attractive and fashionable the shoes look. But the choice of shoes must be approached with the utmost seriousness: your health depends on what you wear on your feet.

Choosing shoes

Poor quality or simply unsuitable shoes can darken your life with minor but annoying troubles, such as blisters. In addition, much more serious problems may arise - diseases of the veins, joints, muscles and even the spine. Therefore, the two main rules for choosing shoes are very simple: 1) it is better not to save money and 2) to refuse beautiful but uncomfortable shoes.

You should not buy new shoes in the morning: by evening, your feet usually swell slightly, and shoes purchased in the morning may seem tight. Make sure the shoes fit perfectly - fit snugly, but not constricting. Tight shoes can cause poor circulation, ingrown toenails, or crooked toes. Don't buy shoes that are too tight in the hope that they will wear out over time - don't force yourself to walk in uncomfortable shoes for a long time. However, you should not wear very loose shoes that allow your feet to dangle. Such shoes can also cause calluses, and the leg muscles are constantly under tension.

“When trying on, always wear both shoes, experts recommend. - Be sure to walk around the fitting area. While walking, you should lightly feel the toe of the shoe with your fingers, but not rest against it. Run your hand over the surface of the material and make sure that your toes do not stick out with tubercles on it».

Choose shoes with fairly soft, flexible soles. Bend the shoes in your hands. In high-quality shoes, the sole bends easily, and the top of the shoe does not deform too much. With very thin soles it is convenient to walk only on a flat floor; walking in such shoes on asphalt can hardly be called pleasant - your foot will feel every pebble.

For every day, it is best to choose shoes with small wide heels. A passion for high heels can have a negative impact on your health.

“High heels are harmful not only to the forefoot, but also to the middle and rear., says orthopedic surgeon Andrey Kardanov. - The problem is that in the position of the foot almost “on tiptoe” the load is distributed in an absolutely non-physiological way - some parts of the foot are overloaded, others, on the contrary, are too unloaded. In addition, a high heel completely “turns off” the spring function of the foot. Ideally, with each step, the foot should “spring”, softening the load. And when wearing high heels, every step feels like a blow to the spine. The result is osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, which manifest themselves as seemingly causeless back pain.

So, heels higher than 2-4 centimeters are not recommended. Of course, if necessary, you can wear shoes with a 12-centimeter heel, but such shoes should not be casual. It is best for each pair of casual shoes to have instep supports (built-in or glued on), that is, an insole or half-insole. The insole completely conforms to the shape of the sole, and the half-insole is located only under the heel. The purpose of the insole (and half-insole) is to support normal (or already falling) arches of the feet. This will avoid flat feet. If after several days of wearing new shoes you feel that your feet are uncomfortable, either change your shoes or contact an orthopedic salon to select the appropriate arch supports or insoles.”

In hot and cold

The best choice for any season is shoes made of natural material, which will allow the skin of your feet to breathe and will not interfere with natural heat transfer. We recommend shoes made of genuine leather, nubuck, suede, and textiles. Shoes made of leatherette can be hazardous to health, especially for summer shoes: under the influence of temperature, various chemical components of this material begin to interact with the skin of the feet. In addition, shoes made of leatherette do not allow air to pass to the feet. As a result, you can “earn” diaper rash or fungal diseases.

If you do buy shoes made from artificial materials, make sure that at least the lining of the shoe is made of genuine leather or textile - for health, first of all, the material with which the foot is in direct contact is important. You should also pay attention to the material from which the insole is made. Ideally, it should absorb unpleasant odors, remove moisture, kill bacteria - it’s great if the insole is impregnated with a special antibacterial composition.

Do not forget that natural materials, unlike artificial ones, wear out and take the shape of the foot over time. By the way, in hot weather your feet swell a little, keep this in mind if you buy summer shoes.

In summer, it is not recommended to wear patent leather shoes, which do not allow moisture and air to pass through easily. You can wear patent leather shoes to any celebration, but for every day it is better to have open sandals or shoes made from natural materials.

For spring and autumn, it is important that the boots do not allow water to pass through and at the same time allow the foot to “breathe”. If demi-season boots or boots are fastened with a zipper, it should not start too close to the sole, otherwise your feet will get wet if you step into even a shallow puddle. Unlike summer shoes, boots should not fit closely to your feet (you won’t wear them on bare legs) - you need to try them on with a thick sock.

The main thing in winter boots or boots is - sole. It should be thick enough, with a special anti-slip protector. It is safest to wear boots in icy conditions with a varied tread pattern - for example, one part in the form of stripes, the other - rounded protrusions. The heel of the boot should also have a tread and be rubber, not plastic, otherwise the foot will slip.

Best retains heat leather shoes with a lining made of natural fur, such as sheep or sheepskin, and a fur insole. By choosing the right winter shoes, you don't have to worry about the harsh cold and slippery sidewalks.

Fashion victims

Undoubtedly, every woman wants to look fashionable and elegant. The shoe industry offers many ways to make your legs look slimmer and longer. Stiletto heels, narrow toes of shoes, platforms - it is difficult to argue with the fact that such shoes are more feminine than rough boots with thick soles. But how safe are these fashionable delights?

The dangers of high heels have already been mentioned. But you shouldn’t overuse platform shoes either. Firstly, a high platform (like a stiletto heel) does not exclude injuries: it is easy to twist your foot on it. Secondly, when walking on a platform, the ligaments and muscles of the foot are left without “work” and flat feet may develop. If you do buy such shoes, choose a platform that is wide enough and therefore more stable. Remember that neither the hairpin nor the platform are completely suitable for driving a car. The heel can cling to the mat, making it difficult to move your foot from one pedal to another, and the thick platform does not allow you to feel the pressure of your foot on the pedal.

Another fashion detail beloved by many - the pointed toe - is also not harmless. These shoes squeeze your toes, bringing them closer to each other. In this case, the thumb and little finger are lowered, and the rest are raised. All this threatens with deformation of the fingers, the formation of painful calluses and “bumps”. Since the body weight presses the foot into the wedge-shaped space (especially if, in addition to the pointed toe, the shoe has a heel that is 5–6 centimeters or more high), the entire load is transferred to the bones of the middle toes. Because of this, transverse flat feet occur, and painful corns form on the soles.

Children's shoes

Probably, the only thing more important than your own health is the well-being of the child. Incorrectly chosen shoes are dangerous not only because they cause inconvenience to the child: the baby begins to be capricious, and parents sometimes do not even understand that the whole point is in unsuitable shoes. While a child's foot is in the formative stage, it is very important that shoes do not interfere with this process and do not provoke problems such as flat feet.

What should children's shoes be like? “Under no circumstances should a child wear shoes that are too big for him to grow into, but they shouldn’t be too tight either,- says pediatric orthopedist-traumatologist Mikhail Trunev. - A rigid, moderately ribbed sole and a rigid upper are desirable. Demi-season and winter shoes should fit the ankle joint, that is, be high.”.

Experts advise purchasing boots for children made from natural material with a small heel, a fixed heel and a soft heel, an orthopedic insole and a wide toe. Children's orthopedic shoes are necessary for the prevention of foot deformities and their proper development, which is why many doctors recommend buying just such shoes for children under 4–5 years old.

In move

Anyone who plays sports knows how much the right clothes and, of course, shoes for training mean. Sneakers should be very comfortable so that discomfort does not distract you from your activities. It is important that they are suitable for the sport you have chosen and reliably protect your leg from injury - protect against “twisting” of the foot, ensure ankle fixation and leg stability. When buying sneakers, pay attention not only to the design, but more importantly to how comfortable it is for you to move in a particular model. Flexible sole, hard heel, lightness - signs of high-quality sports shoes.

It is best to train in shoes made of leather or Gore-Tex that provide normal air exchange, with an insole that can be removed and dried. When choosing shoes for sports, keep in mind that during training the foot may increase slightly in size, and also remember that there should be a small space between the toes and the toe of the sneaker. In addition to universal sneakers suitable for all sports, there are special shoes for specific workouts, which a sports store sales assistant will help you choose.

Shoes for aerobics and shaping protects against injuries with the help of special inserts in the sole area. These shoes may be taller than shoes for other sports. This allows you to fix the lower leg and prevent damage to the ankle joint. Because aerobics is so dynamic, you'll need shoes that are flexible and lightweight to keep you moving easily and comfortably. The wide toe box and narrow heel of the shoe provide better traction on the floor.

For running Very light sneakers that fit perfectly on the foot are best. If your foot slips inside, you risk getting calluses and abrasions, and the risk of ankle injury will increase. You need a flexible toe that allows you to better push off the ground, and a reinforced heel. It is important that running shoes have the ability to cushion shock when they hit the ground. Therefore, sneakers with air pockets - air-filled cavities inside the sole - are suitable for running.

Football Shoes should have a wide reinforced toe area, spikes for playing on grass or a raised sole for the gym.

When choosing shoes for tennis you need to take into account what court you are going to play on - different types coatings suitable for various models. Tennis sneakers have a fairly thick sole, flexible in the toe area and stiffer in the heel, as well as a special tread that does not allow slipping on the court surface.

Comfortable, “healthy” shoes will provide you with pleasant and effective workouts, allow you to get less tired during work, entertainment and walking, protect you from illnesses - in a word, they will literally help you stand firmly on your feet in any situation.

To choose the right shoe size, you need to leave a distance of at least the size of the nail of the same big toe between the toe of the shoe and the end of your big toe.

You should not make compromises and choose tight shoes, even if they are very beautiful. This threatens the formation of calluses, hardening of the skin and corns. A person needs more spacious shoes in order to reduce the load on the big toe, which moves forward by about half a centimeter when walking. How to check shoe width?

It is important that the shoes are made of good and thin, but durable material. Then, after putting on your shoes or boots, you can check the shoes for the correct width.

They do it like this. Put on your shoes and vigorously move them from your little toe to your big toe. Proper shoes should wrinkle slightly along the line. If this does not happen, you probably chose shoes that are too tight. And this is a risk of the formation of corns, calluses, deformation of the foot and toes.

Pad quality

The block must be made of combined parts. The part that comes from the toes should be wider than the part that is located in the heel area. Thus, the insole and last must be made according to the shape of the foot. Otherwise, the leg will get tired and the person will acquire diseases that he did not even suspect about before. Therefore, there is no need to save money and buy cheap shoes, otherwise this money will then have to be spent on medicines.

Quality of shoe materials

Shoes should be made of leather or natural fabric so that the foot can breathe. He will never be able to breathe in leatherette shoes. This causes increased sweating and a steam bath effect. And in such an environment, fungi quickly develop and pathogenic bacteria multiply.

It is advisable to avoid this, and also choose socks made of natural fabric. Synthetic legs strongly compress the leg, increase the load on the blood vessels, impair and slow down blood flow.

To avoid causing excessive foot sweating, you do not need to buy shoes with rubber soles. Rubber soles also cause a bathhouse effect; you should choose a stronger and more natural sole, for example, made of rubber.

Choosing the right sneakers

If a person is actively involved in sports or even jogging, he needs comfortable sports shoes. These shoes should be made from environmentally friendly materials. The sole of this shoe should be comfortable, rubber, and if a person goes to the mountains or plays sports in winter, an anti-slip sole is needed.

Sports shoes should have neat seams, and they should not come out with scars inward, so as not to injure the foot during friction. Otherwise, calluses, corns, and hardening may occur. The seams of the shoes must be well reinforced so that they cannot come apart.

To avoid chafing your heel while running or physical exercise, you need a boot of medium height, but not high (in the heel area). Because if you rub your heel, you can get inflammation of the tendons.

What kind of lacing should be in sports shoes?

First of all, it just has to be. Lacing allows you to simulate the fullness of the leg if it swells or swells, or, conversely, reduce this fullness if the leg decreases in instep.

Lacing in the right shoes should not put too much pressure on the foot, as this can cut off circulation.

Orthopedic shoes

Such shoes must have a shock absorption system. When a person runs, even at a slow pace, the load on the legs is three times the body weight. If a person is overweight, the kneecaps and spine experience enormous stress, so to keep your legs healthy, it is important to keep your weight under control.

You can reduce the load on your spine and kneecaps by purchasing shoes with a shock-absorbing system. In this case, a layer of air is distributed along the sole. Then the shoes absorb shocks and impacts from the hard surface on which the person is running.

It is even better if the shoes have a pad made of viscose-stick under the insoles in the heel area.

If a person jogs all the time, for comfort you need to choose shoes whose insole bends well. Such shoes will allow the runner to move freely in any direction, the foot will be dynamic, and not frozen in one position.

Shoes for active sports

If shoes are needed for sports where a person constantly jumps, runs and generally moves actively, for example, during volleyball, basketball or handball, you need to take care of the ligaments. You can do this with shoes if you choose a model with reliable ankle support.

This will make it possible to soften the impact of your feet on a hard surface, but at the same time move freely throughout the playing area.

It’s easy to check such shoes: you need to bend them at the sole - they should bend in half.

If a person plays on a winter playground where there are areas of frostbite, a thicker sole is needed, where there is relief and an anti-slip system. This sole provides good mobility on the track with changes in terrain - descents and ascents.

Shoes for gym activities

It should not be heavy, not thick; the second name for gym shoes is “lightness.” It is designed for fast movement, so the sole of such shoes should be thin, light, but durable, and in no case made of rubber.

If sports shoes have a properly tailored orthopedic last (wider in the toes, narrower in the heel) and fix the heel with a comfortable heel counter, such shoes will reduce the load on the joints, ligaments and tendons. It will also protect the spine and kneecaps from overexertion and related injuries. Cushioning in sports shoes for light and fast movement around the gym must be in the middle of the foot and in the heel area.

By making sure you buy comfortable shoes, you are extending the life of your feet and improving their health for years to come.

Shoes play a huge role in the development and prevention of foot and toe problems such as bunions, calluses, calluses and hammertoes. Inappropriate shoes make these conditions worse and more painful.

Key points

Comfortable, well-fitting shoes provide you with:

Relief of pain in the feet or toes that is caused by deformities and joint problems.

Prevent the development or worsening of foot or toe problems.

Preventing the recurrence of problems with the toe joints after corrective surgery.

Before you go shopping for shoes to correct your foot problems, ask your doctor for any recommendations.

What are the most common foot problems?

Bumps on the outside of the big toe, calluses, calluses and hammertoes are the most common problems that can develop over time. These problems can range from simple discomfort to painful sensations. In severe cases, they can make it impossible to wear shoes.

See pictures of a bump on the outside of the big toe; hammer finger; calluses; and calluses.

Why are good shoes so important?

Well-fitting shoes are the key to both preventing and treating foot problems. You may develop a callus, callus, bunion, or hammertoe due to a variety of causes, such as joint disease, genetics, or stroke. But shoes play a huge role in how severe your foot condition will be.

If you have had surgery to correct your foot problems, wearing properly fitting shoes will reduce the likelihood of these problems recurring.

Although you can wear tight shoes or high heels after surgery without experiencing pain, these types of shoes increase the chance of developing foot problems again.

How do I choose the right shoes?

For some people, the only viable option is sandals or athletic shoes that won't rub against existing bunions, calluses, calluses, or hammertoes. But most people can find shoes that won't cause pain and allow them to lead a normal lifestyle. Before you go to the store for new shoes, ask your doctor for specific recommendations that reflect your needs.

When you go to the store to buy shoes, do not forget about the following points:

Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest due to normal swelling.

If you have shoe inserts or orthotics, take them with you so you can try them with different shoes.

Shoe size, especially width, can change with age. By measuring the size of both feet, you can choose the right shoes for yourself and determine which foot is larger. Choose shoes based on how your larger foot feels.

During fitting, you need to stand and carefully listen to what you feel.

Walk around the store to make sure the shoes actually fit you.

If you think that the shoes suit you, but this is not your normal size, be guided by your feelings. Don't pay attention to the size.

If your shoes fit you well, you won't have to break them in.

If one shoe is tight, the seller may be able to stretch it.

When choosing the right shoes, look for:

Low heel. Avoid narrow, pointy, and high-heeled shoes. High heels increase pressure on the forefoot and toe joints. If you cannot avoid wearing pumps or high heels, choose heels no higher than 5 cm.

Shoes that are wide and deep at the foot level, especially in the toes. The distance between your longest toe and the end of the shoe should be at least 1.3 cm. You should be able to move your toes while wearing the shoe.

Shoes with a hard heel (reinforced heel), which will prevent your foot from slipping out of the shoe.

Flexible sole that allows your toes to bend as you walk.

Shoes that will fit tightly on the arch of your foot, at its widest point.

Closed shoes, which are better than lace-ups. Sports shoes can be good option choice.

Shoes that breathe when your feet sweat. Avoid plastic or vinyl shoes.

Shoes that do not have seams that rub or irritate the skin over your skin problem.

At home:

Wear sandals, soft leather shoes, slippers, or buy cloth shoes and cut a hole over the affected joint.

Walk barefoot whenever possible (or wear socks) unless you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or other conditions that reduce the sensation in your feet. People who suffer from similar conditions with limited or no sensation in their feet should not walk barefoot because minor lesions that may go undetected are prone to infection.