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Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

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Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!
Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!
Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

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Running shoe with proper cushioning being tied up

The Importance of Footwear for Foot Health

Footwear is an integral part of our overall health as well – not just our foot health. Proper footwear can serve several purposes, including protection, support, stability, comfort, and cushioning, all of which can help keep foot problems and conditions such as ingrown toenails, tendonitis, blisters, and foot pain at bay.

In this article, you’ll learn about five key reasons footwear is critical for short- and long-term foot health.

Protection

Winter footwear in snowy conditions

Shoes protect the feet from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. They also shield the feet from outside elements like rocks, hot pavement, and cold weather. Proper footwear with protection can help prevent foot conditions, including frostbitebroken bonesstress fracturesstubbed toes, and black toenails. Protection is especially important if you have diabetes; people with diabetes should wear covered footwear both indoors and outdoors

Protection is also about wearing the right shoes for the correct purpose. For instance, wear tough winter footwear in cold conditions to help prevent cold-related skin injuries. Relatedly, wear proper athletic footwear for various sports, including tennis, basketball, football, hockey, and running, as footwear can have specific features for the various movements you make while participating.

Support

Runner with proper Asics running shoes providing cushioning

Proper footwear supports the feet by helping distribute your body weight evenly across your legs and feet. Proper weight distribution can help prevent foot and leg pain and reduce the risk of sprains and fractures. Mainly, proper support can help prevent foot conditions, including pain from flat feetplantar fasciitisMorton’s neuromaAchilles tendonitisblistersheel spurs, and osteoarthritis.

Cushioning

Person playing tennis

Shoes with good cushioning can absorb shock and reduce pressure on the feet. Whether running, on the job or just walking around casually, cushioning can help reduce impact-related injuries such as tendonitis, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, hallux rigidus, and metatarsalgia.

Stability

Shoes with a stable sole and a firm heel counter provide stability. Stability is especially important for people who overpronate or have flat feet. You can get stability from shoes with stability features in the midsole that control the movement or the foot and ankle, or from custom orthotics. Proper footwear with stability can help reduce pain associated with overpronation, like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis.

Comfort

A critical component of footwear for foot health is comfort. Shoes should fit snugly but not tight to prevent common foot conditions like ingrown toenails, blisters, calluses, and corns. Ill-fitting shoes can add pressure points throughout your feet and toes.

Pair of feet on a wood surface showing a heel spur on one foot

By choosing shoes that provide protection, support, cushioning, stability, and comfort, you can help to prevent foot problems and keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Prioritize your foot health by investing in the proper footwear

Now that you know the importance of footwear, it’s time to invest in the proper footwear. Feet First Clinic is Toronto’s leading foot clinic specializing in foot care services & custom orthotics. To learn more, call us or book an appointment below today!

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Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.