Why Choosing Footwear Matters, Explained Simply
Choosing Footwear: what it is, why it matters, and what published guidance actually asks of you.
Badly fitting shoes cause a large share of common foot problems, and most people buy the size they have always bought.
Key takeaways
- Measure feet: periodically; foot size changes with age
- Fit at the end of the day: feet swell through the day
- Most useful single change: Have both feet measured and fit to the larger one.
- Commonest mistake: Assuming your size has not changed.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
The short answer
Shoes that fit, support and do not cause problems.
Where it fits
This is part of Foot Health. The published position is set out below, along with what it means day to day.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Measure feet | periodically; foot size changes with age |
| Fit at the end of the day | feet swell through the day |
| Thumb width | space between the longest toe and the shoe end |
| Replace running shoes | when the midsole feels dead |
What that means in practice
What that looks like in practice:
- Have both feet measured and fit to the larger one
- Try shoes on at the end of the day
- Choose a fastening that holds the heel in place
What gets people into trouble
Where people most often come unstuck:
- Assuming your size has not changed
- Shoes that need "breaking in"
- Daily high heels or completely flat unsupportive shoes
Where to go next
- Choosing Footwear: The Quick Reference
- The Evidence on Choosing Footwear, Without the Hype
- Choosing Footwear — the reference entry
- Bunions: What the Evidence Actually Says
- What the Guidance Really Says About Circulation and the Feet
When to speak to a doctor
See a podiatrist or GP for persistent foot pain, numbness or tingling, a change in foot shape, or recurring ulcers or calluses. Anyone with diabetes should have footwear checked as part of their annual foot review.
Where this comes from
- NHS — Foot problems
- Royal College of Podiatry — footwear advice
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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