9 things to keep in mind when shoe shopping for someone with foot pain

Biocorrect, LLC

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People ask us all the time, “What are the best types of shoes for foot pain?” This can be hard to answer. Supportive walking shoes are ideal, but they’re not suitable for every situation. Many of our clients wear dress shoes on a regular basis, and some have to wear a specific type of shoe for work. You should have shoes that make you look and feel good in any situation, without causing you pain.


Whatever kind of shoes you prefer, it’s important to replace them before they get too worn out. If you have trouble finding shoes with the right amount of support, some custom orthotics may help you stay a bit more comfortable. Many people can avoid foot pain by choosing the right kind of shoe, but in some cases, orthotics are necessary.


Before you head to the mall, consider whether it might be time to see a pedorthist. You should go to your appointment first because an expert will be able to give you personalized advice on what you should look for in a new pair of shoes. This article lists helpful tips on how to find shoes that won’t aggravate your foot pain. 


What types of shoes are best for minimizing foot pain?


The size and shape of your feet are unique, so the best type of shoe for you will be different than the best choice for someone else. Athletic shoes like walking shoes or cross-trainers are the best bet for most people. However, the support they provide can vary a lot from one pair to the next.


In general, you should find a shoe that covers your entire foot, including the back of your heel. It should have a contoured sole that fits the shape of your foot, so flats aren’t recommended unless you want to wear an orthotic. It may take some experimentation to find the right amount of arch support. Your shoes shouldn’t be too bulky, and if there’s some extra height in the heel, it should be less than a couple of inches with a broad base to keep your feet stable.


9 things to keep in mind when shoe shopping for someone with foot pain


If you have foot pain often, you should see an orthotics specialist to find out why. They’ll examine your feet at rest and observe your walking style to determine what might be causing your pain. Bring the shoes you wear most often so they can see them as well. An orthotics specialist will be able to recommend the best types of shoes for you in different situations. They can also create custom insoles you can use with shoes that are too flat. 


Consider the following design and fit elements next time you’re looking for shoes that won’t aggravate your foot pain:


  • Style or supported movements — Many types of shoes, especially athletic shoes, are designed to accommodate specific types of movement. For example, running shoes are primarily designed for an even, parallel stride. Walking shoes are better for low impact, and basketball shoes or cross-trainers can accommodate a wider range of sideways and forward movements. What will you be doing when you’re wearing your next pair of shoes? This can help you determine where you’ll need the most support and cushion.

  • Arch support — Support in the arches may help if you tend to have plantar fasciitis or pain in your heels, knees, shins or lower back. This will also depend on the shape of your foot. If you have high arches or flat feet, you may need shoes with a lot of arch support. Shoes on the dressier side often don’t have enough arch support. In these cases, it might be best to find a pair with enough room for a custom orthotic.

  • Cushion — Chances are, if you experience foot pain, you need some cushion in the part of your foot that strikes the ground first. If you’re looking for walking shoes, this may be closer to the heel. If you’re shopping for running shoes, it should be closer to the toe (although this can vary from person to person). The amount of cushion you need will depend on the type of movement and your individual gait or stride. If you don’t have very strong ankles, you may need more cushion for stability. However, for athletic activities, some people prefer less cushion so they have a better sense of where the ground is beneath them.

  • Heel and toe support — Again, the type of activity and your personal movement style will determine how much heel and toe support you need. If you’re doing a lot of standing in one place, heel support will help prevent pain in your feet, knees and back. If you’ll be pivoting on your toes or jumping, you may need more support in the toes. 

  • Versatility — Will there be times when you need your shoes to match with more formal outfits? Athletic shoes may be the best choice for your everyday routine. Shoes with a leather, suede or faux leather upper are more versatile, so you can dress them up or down.

  • Heel height — A lot of women like to have some extra height in the heel. However, you need some agility and strong ankles to wear higher heels safely. Try to look for heels that are less than 2 inches higher than the sole, and avoid wearing high heels every day if possible.

  • Tightness and fastening — Ideally, your shoes should be fastened to the front and back of your foot. They should fit snugly, but not too tight. Open toes are OK, but having a strap or some coverage in the back of your foot will help keep your shoes in place.

  • Width — For most people, an average width is fine. If you have wide feet or bunions, you’ll need some extra room, especially in the toes. Look for brands that carry wide sizes.

  • Room for orthotics — If you suffer from foot pain, you may need orthotics in some or all of your shoes. Look for pairs that are flat or slightly higher in the heel with little to no cushion in the toe. If you’re looking for shoes to fit your custom orthotics, it’s best to wait until you have them to find shoes that will fit. 

    • Add Biocorrect orthotics to any shoe for more support, less pain


    Our feet are very complex structures, and they absorb the shock of our entire body weight when we walk and run every day. Standing or walking for long periods can put extra strain on your feet, especially if you’re wearing unfit shoes. Many people, especially women who like to wear stylish shoes, will just accept their foot pain as a part of life. However, pain can be an important signal that you need to change your footwear. If you try to ignore your foot pain for too long, it can turn into chronic pain or a more permanent condition.


    If your feet are hurting after your workday, shopping trips or nights out, you should first reevaluate your footwear. Are your shoes worn out? Or are they lacking support in certain areas? Is it time to find some different shoes, or could you add some custom orthotics or over-the-counter insoles to find a better fit?


    You can try relieving occasional foot pain with ice, heat and NSAID pain relievers. If you’re experiencing foot pain once a week or more, you should see a specialist. Don’t try to “tough it out.” There are a range of solutions that can help you find relief without cramping your style.


    Have questions about relieving foot pain? Biocorrect can help. Contact us to learn more about the orthotics we offer or to set up an initial evaluation with one of our certified pedorthists.