October 21, 2024
Selecting the best footwear for foot health is an often overlooked part of self care. The right shoes not only get your feet from point A to B, but can also prevent various types of foot pain, like arch pain or heel pain. Better yet, solid shoe choices can shield your feet from some of the most frustrating chronic foot conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features to look for in supportive shoes and why these elements matter for healthy feet.
Arch Support
Arch support is key for foot pain prevention and daily comfort. This feature helps position the foot in a healthy arch alignment so it can support your body weight more evenly. Studies show this is extra helpful for people with flat feet and high arches— essentially creating the normal arch they need. Lack of proper arch support can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis. Arch support in shoes typically looks like a raised, curved section along the inner part of the insole.
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption is a must-have for athletes, long walk lovers, or those who work on their feet, like servers or construction workers.
It's essentially cushioning that keeps the harsh effects of the pavement, floor, trails and more from damaging your joints. This is especially important for people with conditions like arthritis or heel spurs. Supportive shoes with adequate shock absorption use materials like EVA foam or cork to cushion the foot, thereby minimizing strain on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Click here to learn more about it!
Grip
Is fall prevention important to you? If yes, make sure you buy non-slip shoes or shoes with a solid-grip outsole.
A firm grip is vital for healthy feet because it reduces the risk of sprains or fractures. It should work on various surfaces, from slick sidewalks to gravel paths. Older people with balance issues should ensure their shoes have this crucial feature.
Waterproofing and Breathable Materials
Waterproof shoes (such as shoes made with GORE-TEX fabric) keep your feet dry in wet conditions, reducing the risk of fungal infections and blisters. Likewise, breathable fabrics with perforation in the shoe’s upper promotes air circulation, which is a top-priority feature for many athletes at the gym. That said, choosing the right materials can make a significant difference in comfort and hygiene for everyone, not just athletes.
Removable Footbeds
It may seem counterintuitive to buy a shoe that has something you don’t need, but hear us out! The best footwear for foot health typically have them!
Shoes with removable footbeds offer customization options for those who need orthotics or insoles from brands like Superfeet. From pregnancy to diabetes, many conditions require this shoe perk.
This feature may also make it easier to keep your shoes clean, or even extend their lifespan since you aren’t using its original footbed as often.
October 10, 2024
Toronto's summer is behind us and the warm days of sandals won’t return until next year. But fall brings its own charm and many folks are excited for a new chapter. At the same time, you may also be looking to prevent foot issues this fall in as many ways as possible, and luckily, you’ve come to the right place! For top tips on blisters and dry skin prevention, as well as how you can fight some other common fall foot problems, keep reading today’s article!
Cracked Heels
As summer’s humid air is replaced with dryness, the skin on your feet may dehydrate and over time, cracked heels can form.
One of the best fall foot care tips to prevent this is regular moisturizing. Use a nutrient-dense product like Gehwol’s Lipidro Cream, available at Toronto’s Feet First Clinic.
It helps lock in moisture and prevent further damage. Containing high-quality ingredients like avocado oil and urea, this cream helps your skin absorb water into its layers and supplies dry skin with the lipids it needs. Properties like allantoin can also soothe irritation sometimes associated with cracked heels.
Fungal Infections
You may have heard how fungal infections like athlete’s foot are easy to contract during the summertime. Public pools, shared locker rooms and showers, and other communal spaces are all summer hot spots where this foot fungus can breed. But did you know that foot fungi is still a threat in the fall?
It can thrive when people wear closed shoes for longer periods, trapping moisture and warmth. To prevent this, keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable socks, and choose shoes that allow proper ventilation. Shoes should also be waterproof to prevent extra water getting into your shoe’s environment. To find the right pair for fall, visit your local Toronto foot clinic for a shoe fitting.
While you’re at it, learn all about the best foot hygiene here!
Musculoskeletal Foot Conditions
Musculoskeletal foot conditions can flare up as the fall chill starts to bite, making each step feel a little extra uncomfortable.
Cold temperatures cause the tissues in your joints to contract, putting pressure on nerve endings and leading to more foot pain and aggravated osteoarthritis. The cold can also worsen foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and other sources of arch and heel pain.
Get ahead of this issue by wearing boots with solid insulation that traps warmth. Also, keep your feet extra cozy with warm socks — a Toronto chiropodist may even suggest a pair of compression stockings (like Sigvaris' Thermoregulating Wool or Merino Wool compression stockings).
Blisters
Autumn foot health often involves managing painful blisters. As new footwear makes its debut, a tight squeeze can slowly wreak havoc and cause discomfort.
To keep your feet happy and blisters at bay, make sure your shoes fit securely and snugly (but not tight!) to prevent excessive friction rubbing against your skin. Wear your boots with other products like moisture control socks, foot powders, blister bandages and insoles to prevent this frustrating issue.
October 3, 2024
Are you wondering how much you need to invest in your kids’ foot health this fall? Not sure what all the fuss is about over getting the best fall shoes for children? While it may seem like your child’s summer shoes can last a little while longer, it’s important to take their foot health needs seriously and make sure they're set up for the fall. We’ve crafted this parent's guide to kids’ shoes in the fall to help you out! Keep reading to learn the main reasons why proper footwear for kids is essential during this beloved season.
3 Reasons Why Your Kids Need Fall Shoes
They support back-to-school activities
They protect feet from the elements
They provide support for growing feet
Support Back-to-School Activities
Remember the excitement of getting a new pair of athletic shoes every year before that first day of school? Well, there’s a reason your parents did that for you!
Many kids up their activity game during back-to-school season. The excitement of reuniting with friends, outdoor recess time, extracurriculars and gym class are all contributing factors to this healthy boost in physical activity. Thus, comfortable athletic shoes for children land inside the fall shoes realm.
The best shoes for kids should encourage proper gait patterns. They also feature cushioning for shock absorption, which reduces stress on growing bones and joints during activities like running and jumping. Additionally, supportive footwear can prevent common foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and ankle injuries, the latter of which is a common injury for kids.
It's important to ensure shoes have a snug (but not tight!) and secure fit, breathable materials, and a durable outsole for safe performance and comfort. If your child's shoes put pressure on the side of their feet, opt for wide-width shoes.
Protect Feet From The Elements
Shoes are always designed with seasonality in mind, and just like you need new fall boots, so do your kids.
One of the reasons is the slowly declining temperatures and damp, cold conditions. While September and early October are often pleasant weather-wise in Toronto, November can bring sudden frigid air and freezing rain. Wearing the wrong shoes in this weather may cause foot problems like chilblains, or small, itchy swellings caused by poor circulation in response to the cold. Studies show it often targets teenagers.
Additionally, shoes designed with weatherproof materials and proper ventilation help ward off bacteria and fungi.
Lastly, fall shoes for children correlate with FALL prevention. Colder weather + rain = slippery sidewalks and even black ice formation. For these, your kids need boots with a solid grip.
Provide Support For Growing Feet
Did you know that children’s bone, muscle and joint growth continues until they reach their early twenties? Child foot development is both fascinating AND fast paced, so you need to keep on top of your child’s needs and assess how much their feet have grown or changed shape when the fall season rolls around. Properly fitted shoes with arch support and cushioning are crucial during growth phases to ensure healthy foot alignment and prevent long-term issues.
Likewise, teaching good footwear habits during the foot development phase sets your child up for success! Wearing ill-fitting shoes now can lead to problems in their adult years, and may even cause deformities like bunions and hammertoes decades down the road.
Here are our top tips to make sure your child's shoes fit properly:
When putting shoes on, get your kid to kick their heel back before lacing or strapping up the shoe. This puts their foot is in the proper position, with the heel in the heel cup and the arch lined up with the arch support. Then use the laces or straps to secure the foot into that position. This will ensure your kid's foot doesn't slide forward when they walk, and also allows you to properly gauge their toe room. If your kid's shoe isn't put on properly, you won't be able to determine whether it fits.
Leave about 1 cm of toe room at the end of the shoe. While it's good to leave growing room, it's important not to leave too much room. Otherwise, the shoe will slip and slide around your child's foot and not be secure. And a shoe that's not secure won't provide good support. If you see a gap at the back of the shoe or the shoe moves as your child walks, go down half a size, or make sure the shoe is put on properly (see above).
Use the laces to adjust the width and fit. If your child feels pressure on the sides, try loosening the laces. Don't pull the laces too tight. Instead, gently adjust them to the width of your child's feet. If the shoe still feels tight and there's enough room at the end of the shoe, look for a wide width shoe. Don't size up if there already is enough room at the end; you'll just end up with a long narrow shoe.
September 30, 2024
It's time to refresh your wardrobe with the latest fall footwear trends! While staying stylish is important, it's equally crucial to ensure your feet remain safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout the season. In this guide, we’ll explore the best shoe types and features that offer protection from the elements and minimize foot pain.
The Best Fall Shoe Styles
Just because safe fall shoes are practical, it doesn’t mean they can’t be fashionable. While shopping, look for designs that complement your wardrobe while still offering the comfort and protection you need. You also need to make sure your shoe always corresponds properly with your activity of choice. Also, consider specific needs: from seniors to children to construction workers, every foot is unique.
Fall shoe styles for this season include:
Foot-friendly fall ankle boots for everyday wear. These can be simple in style and include laces or easy slip-ons made mostly of leather with pull-tabs or pull-loops. But, there are also versions designed for fall adventures and challenges with extra shock absorption and waterproofing.
Speaking of shock absorption and waterproofing, this also applies to running shoes and athletic shoes for fall. Look for extra traction to prevent falls and foot injuries on slippery wet surfaces and on your favourite trail excursions. Our top picks are the Saucony Excursion GTX or the ASICS Gel-Sonoma. They're both hiking shoes with great grip and cushioning. They have a Gore-TEX upper, which is both waterproof and breathable.
The Saucony Excursion GTX
Heeled or platform boots that pair with your favourite dressy attire. Combat boot with an elevated sole, like the Clarks Torhill Rise, are on trend. These boots are out there, and waiting to be worn with your best duds!
Brand That Make Healthy Fall Footwear
Our downtown Toronto foot clinic carries only the best-of-the-best trendy and comfortable shoes. These may rotate sometimes, so be sure to stop by or call to ask what we have in stock. We often carry these brands that make first-rate fall footwear:
Saucony: A great source for waterproof hiking shoes to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
ASICS: Another great option for waterproof hiking shoes. They also make waterproof running shoes.
Ara: Ara makes stylish cushioned dress shoes, waterproof ankle boots and winter boots for when the weather starts to turn.
Clarks: Clarks carries an array of fashionable boots.
Mephisto: Mephisto's All Rounder collection has a variety of ankle-hiking boots, like the Nigata-TEX and Satika-TEX. They also have some great waterproof walking shoes that are perfect for fall.
More Fall Footwear Essentials to Consider:
Shoes may steal the spotlight in fall footwear, but they’re not the whole show. Here are more fall must-haves:
Orthopedic slippers you can wear inside: These are great for people with musculoskeletal conditions like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, and more, because they often have moulded foot beds and deep heel cups to provide arch support. One example is the Aetrex Mandy (below).
Custom orthotics or insoles to wear with your footwear:. Check that your fall shoes have removable footbeds to accommodate these.
Compression stockings to stimulate blood flow and keep your feet extra toasty.
Moisture-wicking socks to control foot odour and ward off fungal infections.
August 26, 2024
As children’s foot development takes its first steps, it’s common to encounter a few bumps along the way. From in-toeing to Sever’s disease, these growing pains are part of the journey as little ones explore the world with developing feet. Let’s take a look at what foot conditions might correspond with your child’s age.
Ages 1-3: In-Toeing and Toe-Walking
Troublesome toes occurring during the “terrible twos” can be concerning. But these quirky walking patterns are totally normal developmental milestones for children's foot development. No cause for alarm or invasive treatment!
In-toeing, also known as pigeon-toeing, is when a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead while walking. Toe walking is when a child walks on the balls of their feet with their heels off the ground.
Up to Ages 3-4: Flat Feet
Children around this age will have pen planus, also known as fallen arches or flat feet. This is when the entire sole of their foot contacts the ground while standing and walking. Traditional children's foot development is at play here, as arches in children's feet develop around age 6. No treatment is generally needed for flat feet before this point, unless your child’s flat feet persist as they age, in which case you may want to consider custom orthotics, stability shoes and other treatments for flat feet.
5+ Years Old: Blisters
As kids get older, gain a sense of independence and participate in more physical extracurricular activities and outdoor play, they may start to develop skin conditions on their feet. Enter: blisters. These are a pretty common condition that’s usually harmless, but can painful and bothersome for kids when they walk. Blisters form as a result of excessive friction between shoes and the foot’s skin.
Read here to learn the best ways of preventing foot problems like blisters and how to choose the right shoes for children!
Puberty and Growth Spurts: Sever’s Disease
Did you know that the concept "growing pains" in children is not what most people think it is? While kids may experience pain as they grow, the pain itself is not caused by growing.
But what can cause pain for kids going through puberty is something called Sever’s Disease, which is like a kid’s-only version of injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achille’s tendonitis and heel spurs.
Sever's disease kicks in when a growing heel gets overworked, causing inflammation. It leads to sharp heel pain, especially when kids are on the move, like during sports and playtime! Kids between 9 and 14 are the most vulnerable.
Solid foot care for kids can help offset Sever’s disease. Try the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. You should also buy your child supportive footwear to ease the strain on the heel. Avoiding high-impact activities can also help speed up recovery.
July 29, 2024
If you’re a senior with a foot condition like plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, you may worry around-the-clock worry about falling and hurting yourself. After all, these conditions weaken your feet and affect your gait. While this is a valid concern, fall prevention for older adults is achievable with a little diligence. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about fall prevention for older adults, including elderly balance training, stability exercises and more.
Enhancing Stability in Older Adults
One of the best ways to prevent falls in the older population is equipping oneself with a low-impact stability exercise routine. Studies note that focusing on stability in the lower extremities (your legs, ankles and feet) lowers injury rates.
Exercises for foot stability are designed to set your feet up for success. This means helping your feet maintain a balanced position for longer periods and coordinating your muscles, bones, joints and ligaments to provide a solid base of support. Here are three simple exercises you can master today:
Calf Raise
Stand up straight while placing your hands on a countertop, the back of a chair, or wall for balance support.
Plant your feet firmly on the floor
Raise your heels and calves slowly upwards as you shift your weight toward the ball of your foot
Hold until you feel your calves working, and then slowly set your heels back down.
Repeat ten times if comfortable.
Pro Tip: If you feel comfortable enough, you can do this exercise with just your body weight (i.e. not holding onto anything). This will also help engage your core muscles and improve balance even more! It is still recommended to face the countertop/wall so that you can quickly stabilize yourself if you feel like you are losing balance.
Towel Tug
Sit on the floor (or even your bed!)
Keep your leg and knee straight as you loop a towel around your foot.
Pull the towel towards yourself, holding for 30 seconds. Repeat with your other foot!
Ankle Circles
To do ankle circles, simply rotate your ankles in circular motions clockwise, and then counterclockwise (like a circle!).
You can do this either seated or standing.
Pro Tip: To challenge yourself even more, spell out the ABCs with your feet! This helps to improve and maintain fine motor movements in your leg muscles and feet.
Improving Balance in Older Adults
Poor balance can turn a simple misstep into a disaster. If your body is less able to react to situations promptly and swiftly, you could be more likely to twist or roll your ankle, or fall and injure virtually any other part of your body. In more scientific terms, musculoskeletal conditions common in the elderly can lead to ankle instability and general impairment, increasing injury risk.
This all sounds scary, but no matter your age, it’s never too late to improve your balance. Here are two low-stress exercises you can do every day that don't requirement equipment or a gym membership:
Heel-to-Toe Walk: Walk in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot.
Single-Leg Stands: Stand on one leg for as long as possible, gradually increasing the duration. Hold onto a chair for support if needed.
Additional Tips for Preventing Falls For Seniors
There is more to fall-proofing your life than exercises and stretches. Try these additional, easy-to-implement ideas:
Wear shoes with thick, rubber soles and good traction. Slick, wet pavement and unstable terrain are no match for shoes that get a solid grip of the ground.
Home modifications like decluttering, installing handrails and better lighting can help you avoid slips and trips.
Avoid low-quality, flimsy slippers — they often have a terrible grip and are quite slippery. Instead, try high-quality orthopaedic slippers with good arch support and rubber tread.
Keep track of your vision and hearing with regular specialist and doctor’s appointments.
Research and shop for the best shoes for seniors in 2024 at your local Toronto foot clinic.
Stay hydrated to prevent dizziness and imbalance, and eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Read more about the best food for foot health.
Additional Resources on Balance:
Here are some great resources to learn more about fall prevention for older adults:
The Science of Walking: How Foot Mechanics Impact Your Health. This article discusses the connection between your gait and your health, which also encompasses balance.
High-Heel Health: Protecting Your Feet in Heels. High heels and balance are like oil and water. But you can make healthy high heel choices that don’t negatively affect your balance and pose an injury risk.
Yoga for Feet: Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise that improves your balance. Learn some of the best yoga exercises and find what routine works for you.