Here’s How to Shop to your Unique Foot

Every foot is unique and special. When it comes to finding shoes, it is essential to get a pair that fits correctly. When shoes feel tight or ill-fitting, it can lead to painful long-term problems with your feet.

This post will look at the different foot shape types and what they can say about potential foot problems. We’ll also discuss what you need to know to find a properly fitting shoe that provides support and comfort for your unique foot.

Types of Foot Shape

Just as everyone has a different blood type that can reveal information about their health, we also have different foot shapes. By examining these foot shapes, podiatrists can tell patients about potential risks and foot problems that may develop. There are six different types of foot shape.

1. The Peasant Foot

The Peasant Foot, or sometimes known as the Giselle Foot, is characterized by three short smaller toes almost the same length. This gives the foot a square-like appearance. The Peasant foot is a sturdy foot that provides lots of stability and balance.

2. Egyptian Foot

The Egyptian foot is narrow with a longer big toe and tapering smaller toes from longest to shortest. The Egyptian foot is functional and is the most common foot shape, with approximately 70% of the population with a foot shape of this type. The name comes from images of feet in art from ancient Egypt.

3. The Greek Foot/Morton’s Foot

The Greek Foot or Morton’s Foot is a condition diagnosed by orthopedic surgeon Dudley J. Morton (1884–1960) in the early 20th century. It has a gap between the largest toe and the second toe, and the second toe is also usually longer than the other toes.

The name comes from feet depicted in statues from ancient Greece, who believed that that particular foot shape represented an ideal beauty. The foot shape is more at risk for developing various musculoskeletal issues that often require appropriate care, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, metatarsal stress fractures and Morton’s Neuroma.

4. The SImian Foot

In this foot shape, the big toe leans in towards the little toe. This foot can be stable but is also at risk for developing bunions, so individuals with this type of foot should avoid narrow and pointed-toe shoes. This foot shape can also make wearing high heels very painful and challenging.

5. Rothbarts Foot

Dr. Brian A. Rothbart discovered what is known as Rothbarts Foot in 1988. It is an unstable, abnormal foot structure present at birth where your big toe and second toe do not lie flat on the ground when placing your foot on the floor in a neutral position. It can lead to bad posture and chronic joint and muscle pain, requiring treatment from a podiatrist.

6. Arches

Feet have three arches that work together to help your foot absorb shock and adapt to the ground as you walk or run. Your arch supports your foot as you move, and that supports your entire body.

If you have high arches or flat arches, it can cause extra strain on your other joints and muscles because your foot cannot absorb the shock as it is meant to, and you will overuse other parts to compensate.

Custom orthotics and arch support shoes can offer cushioning and support to help those with high or low arches.

How To Find The Correct Shoe Size For Your Foot Shape

Now that you understand the different foot shapes, you can use this information to find the correct shoe size for your foot’s unique shape. Many individuals suffer from foot pain and tight, uncomfortable shoes because they are not wearing shoes that are the correct size.

Here are some tips to help you determine your correct shoe size.

Measure Your Feet

Many people don’t realize that their feet can change sizes over the years as they age or hormone fluctuations during pregnancy.

The best way to measure your feet is to stand on a blank paper and trace around the outside. Bring this tracing to the shoe store when you go shopping for shoes. Place the drawing on the floor and use them to size the shoes. If the shoes are thinner or shorter than the paper, they are not the right size for your foot shape.

Buy Shoes For Your Larger Foot

Many people have feet that are two different sizes, so be sure to buy shoes that fit the larger foot, or you will have one foot that always pinches. Be sure to try on both shoes to make sure they are comfortable for both your feet.

Try on shoes at the end of the day.

Your feet expand throughout the day, depending on how much you are on your feet. If you shop for shoes in the morning, you may buy a too tight pair for you in the afternoon. Try to shop later in the day to get a more accurate shoe size.

Consider your foot width as well as your length when determining size.

Many shoe brands come in wide or thin sizes, so be sure to consider your width as well as your foot length. Some shoes will be too narrow for a broad foot or too wide for a narrow foot.

Always remember, the shoe should fit your foot, not your foot fit the shoe. For a shoe to fit correctly, you should have ½ inch of space between the front of your shoe and your longest toe.

Every foot is different. If you have issues with your feet, it can help to talk to a podiatrist about orthotics and foot support shoes.

Orthotics Direct carries an entire line of stylish and comfortable shoes that fit perfectly with our custom orthotics, giving you the support and alignment you need.

Visit our site today to find the perfect fit for your unique foot.