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We have already established that I am not a dainty woman and at 5’ 10” tall, I also have big feet. I wear a size 10 to be exact, which my grandpa used to tell me was necessary to provide my body with a stable base. While what he said is probably true, such words of wisdom don’t help me much when shopping for shoes.
In fact, I hate shoes and would be quite content with going barefoot 365 days a year. As that isn’t possible, though, I need to find a way to battle out of the “big feet and painful shoes” syndrome. >.<
My feet themselves are not problematic. I don’t have chronic foot pain, and I can walk or stand for indeterminate periods of time without any problems. My shoes, on the other hand, pose untold crises. From pinching my toes to causing deep blisters that take months to heal, my feet frequently feel like someone has them in a vise grip.
Part of the problem is the shape of my feet. They’re thin and narrow, and the tops are extremely sensitive to pressure and/or touch. I usually have to opt for fitted shoes so they conform to the shape of my foot. This often means, however, that the tops become irritated by the shoe material itself. Wearing tighter shoes can also cause corns and calluses. My little toe on each foot is frequently plagued by the former, which is a thickening of the skin intended to protect the toe from friction. Calluses are the same thing, but they develop on the soles. And acid-containing corn removers that are routinely found in drug and grocery stores can actually eat away healthy skin tissues, so I don’t have many options in terms of remedies.
Moreover, as a woman, I tend to be drawn to shoes with heels. Think of the sexy black stiletto that makes your legs and bottom look like a delicious piece of curved candy. Or the kitten heel, so innocent and yet so alluring. These shoes, despite looking fabulous, only add to my foot discomfort. Stilettos in particular are known to cause an inflammation in the heel known as Achilles tendinitis. With this condition, pain is felt each time the foot hits the ground. That’s not really what I’m looking for, especially since ill-fitting shoes already cause enough pain on their own.
In addition to pricey shoe names like Aerosoles and Easy Spirit, I have tried nearly every single insert available. The gel inserts make my feet feel like they’re squashed between two bricks, while the thin cottony ones do absolutely nothing. Orthotics, which are customized insoles intended to change the angle at which the foot hits the ground, often cost hundreds of dollars. Many doctors today suggest less expensive therapies, like icing and stretching, to ward off the pain caused by shoes. Semi-custom orthotics, which use a mold of the person’s feet to identify the best prefabricated insole, may also work for some individuals.
It seems, however, there is a real science in finding the shoe that best fits your feet. Unlike years ago, when women purchased shoes based on width as much as length, sizes today are much more generic. This means those with shoe problems, like me, have to give greater consideration to overall construction.
Women with narrow feet, for instance, are advised to look for shoes with well-fitting heels made from leather rather than suede. This will keep the shoe from wobbling and causing injury while providing adequate support. Straps, laces or ties can serve to adjust the shoe for proper fit, and round-toe designs make thin feet look more proportionate.
Women with wide feet, on the other hand, should look for shoes made of suede or calfskin to provide stretching where it’s most needed. Bare, low-cut shoes with binding designs are not recommended, and styles with moderately pointy toes can add length.
So, the next time you go shoe shopping, try taking a checklist with you to find the most attractive, and most comfortable, style without breaking the bank for custom-made quality.
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