Finding the right pair of shoes isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your feet, preventing injuries, and supporting your overall health. Dr. Joel Foster, one of Kansas City’s most accomplished foot and ankle surgeons and the region’s only board-certified minimally invasive specialist, has helped thousands of patients improve their foot health. He shares four key things you should look for when buying your next pair of shoes.
4 Things to Look for When Purchasing Shoes from a Podiatrist
1. A Wide Toe Box
Your toes need room to spread naturally with every step. Shoes with a narrow or pointed toe box can crowd your toes, leading to bunions, corns, and other painful issues. Look for a shoe with enough space so that you can fit at least a finger’s width between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
2. A Stable Heel (Neutral Support)
The back of your shoe should feel firm and supportive. A stable heel counter holds your foot in place and prevents unwanted side-to-side motion, which reduces the risk of ankle sprains and overuse injuries. Avoid shoes with soft, collapsible heels that can lead to instability.
3. A Supportive Midfoot
Check the shoe’s midfoot by trying to bend it. Shoes should flex slightly at the forefoot (where your toes naturally bend) but should not fold in half at the arch. A supportive midfoot helps maintain proper alignment, decreases strain on your arch, and reduces the likelihood of plantar fasciitis or heel pain.
4. Even Wear Patterns
Flip your shoes over and look at the soles. Excessive wear on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) edge of the shoe can indicate that your feet are rolling inward or outward too much. This imbalance may signal the need for orthotics or further evaluation by a foot specialist.
Needing Additional Support?
Even with the right shoes, some foot pain stems from underlying structural or biomechanical problems. That’s where custom orthotics can make a big difference.
Orthotics are specially designed inserts that support your arches, improve foot alignment, and reduce pressure on painful areas. They’re effective for many conditions, including:
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Plantar fasciitis
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Heel pain
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Flat or high arches
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Arthritis
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Bunions
At our Lee’s Summit office, we offer two options to fit your needs and budget:
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Heat-Molded Orthotics ($60): These are customized in-office and molded to your feet the same day—better than generic store-bought inserts.
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Fully Custom Orthotics ($375): These orthotics are specially crafted from the ground up just for you, using a biofoam mold of your feet. This precise casting process is essential, and we carefully ensure your feet are captured in the correct biomechanical position for optimal support.
Why Shoe Choice Matters
Shoes do much more than cover your feet. The right pair helps prevent common foot issues like bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and ankle strain. They also play a major role in your posture and mobility, affecting your knees, hips, and even your back.
Choosing supportive footwear is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take for long-term foot health.