How to Evaluate Shoes
Dr. Vincenza Mineo is a podiatrist practicing in Staten Island, NY. Dr. Mineo is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Mineo diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock,... more
In my practice, I am often asked about shoe gear and provide information on how to evaluate the stability of a shoe. When evaluating shoes, I have four rules. The first is to take the shoe and see where is bends. it should only bend at the ball of the foot, not anywhere else. The second is you should not be able to twist or fold the shoe in any way. Some movement is fine, but you should not be able to twist a shoe like a rag. The third is the heel counter or back of the shoe should be stiff. The fourth is to keep in mind the shape of the shoe and try it on! Not every shoe fits everyone the same. If the shoe does not have these qualities, one way to make them more stable is to place an orthotic in them. Also, I recommend trying shoes on at the end of the day. That is when you would be most swollen and would have a better idea of how the shoe fits. Shoes also do not last forever, and I recommend replacing shoes like sneakers at least yearly. I hope this is helpful and happy shopping!
