8 Expert Podiatrist Tips for Selecting the Most Comfortable Footwear

The saying 'no pain, no gain' doesn’t apply to your shoes. Whether you’re stepping out in bold heels for a night of dancing, exploring a new destination on foot, or simply navigating your daily errands, your shoes can combine comfort and style effortlessly. The key lies in understanding what to prioritize when selecting the right pair.

The Importance of Comfortable Shoes: More Than Just a Luxury

Wearing comfortable shoes offers instant benefits, but it’s more than just avoiding blisters or discomfort—it’s about maintaining proper foot health.

“Properly fitting footwear that offers support and is crafted from comfortable materials is crucial for your overall health,” explains Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center. “Ignoring foot pain can result in blisters, sores, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, and even stress fractures, leaving you to deal with the consequences later.”

Over time, wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to serious issues like foot deformities, plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis. Sacrificing comfort for style simply isn’t worth it. Here’s how to ensure you always choose the most comfortable shoes.

Expert Advice for Selecting Comfortable Shoes

Selecting the right pair of shoes requires careful thought. Follow these professional tips from podiatrists, and your feet will be grateful.

1. Measure Your Feet Annually

Many people don’t realize that foot size and structure can change even during adulthood. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist, advises measuring your feet at least once a year to ensure the perfect fit.

“As we age, ligaments stretch due to collagen loss and reduced joint flexibility, causing our feet to naturally expand or ‘spread out,’” she explains. “Life events such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, postpartum changes, foot conditions like bunions or hammer toe, and injuries or surgeries can also contribute to this.”

2. Pay Attention to Foot Width

In addition to selecting the correct shoe size, it’s crucial to consider foot width. Dr. Schoenhaus cautions that narrow shoes can cause cramped toes and bunions for those with wide feet, while overly wide shoes for narrow feet can lead to insufficient support and increased blister risk.

3. Purchase Shoes in the Evening

Your feet undergo subtle changes not only over your lifetime but also throughout the day. To ensure a proper fit, Dr. Daughtry recommends trying on shoes later in the day. “Feet tend to swell by the end of the day, so shopping during this time helps you find the most comfortable fit,” she advises.

4. Prioritize Arch Support

Select shoes that provide excellent arch support tailored to your foot type. “For high arches, a shoe with a slight heel lift works best, while flat-footed individuals should opt for shoes with strong arch support,” explains Dr. Schoenhaus. If the shoe lacks adequate support, consider using a shoe insert for added comfort.

5. Ensure Ample Toe Space

Tight toe areas can lead to discomfort and various foot problems, including corns, calluses, bunions, hammertoes, and nerve pain. “Opt for shoes with a wide or square toe box to prevent toe crowding and accommodate swelling or deformities,” advises Dr. Daughtry.

If you prefer pointed-toe shoes, ensure there’s at least a half-inch gap between your longest toe and the shoe’s tip, and that the toe box allows your toes to rest comfortably without being squeezed.

6. Choose Added Cushioning

When deciding between a cushioned option and a standard one, Dr. Daughtry recommends choosing the former. “Additional cushioning helps absorb shock, reducing wear and tear on your feet and joints, which can lower the risk of joint pain, plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis,” she explains.

7. Own Shoes for Various Activities

Dr. Schoenhaus emphasizes wearing activity-appropriate footwear. For instance, choose shoes with ankle support for sports involving lateral movements rather than slip-on sneakers.

For weightlifting, opt for flat, rigid soles for stability, while hiking shoes should prioritize durability, traction, and ankle support. Walking shoes are lighter with flexible soles for natural movement, whereas running shoes need ample cushioning to absorb impact and safeguard joints.

8. Avoid Forcing Fit

The idea of ‘breaking in’ shoes is somewhat misleading. While some shoes may adapt to your feet over time, they should never feel uncomfortable initially. If you experience pinching, cramping, or rubbing right away, it’s unlikely to improve. “If a shoe isn’t comfortable when you first try it on, it won’t become comfortable later,” Dr. Schoenhaus explains.