A guide to buying well
fitting shoes
Information for patients
Orthotics
Why do I need advice about my footwear?
You have been referred to the orthotic department because you have
one or more of the following problems:
•
•
•
•
Bony changes in your feet, for example bunions, clawed toes
Swelling in your feet
Reduced or altered sensation due to diabetes
Current or previous ulcer
Footwear should be comfortable and protect your feet and can help
reduce the risk of you developing further foot problems. Footwear
should not cause excessive pressure or rub your feet. Footwear which
is too big can rub just as much as footwear which is too small.
Advice to help you buy well fitting shoes
Footwear with the following features should be the most comfortable:
• A round or square toe shape with plenty of depth so your toes are
not squeezed
• A low heel, ideally less than 25mm but more than 10mm high
• A lace or Velcro fastening to hold the foot firmly without rubbing
• Removable insoles, especially if the hospital is providing an
insole/orthoses to put inside your footwear
• Soft seamless uppers with supportive deep heel counters to hold
the back of your foot firmly
• Cushioned soles to absorb impact
Make sure you are wearing the correct type of shoes for the activity you
are doing whether they are work shoes, walking shoes, training shoes
or fashion shoes.
page 2 of 4
Choosing the correct size
Footwear sizes can vary greatly between brands so it is important that it
feels comfortable, using the size as a guide only. Have your feet
measured at the shoe shop if possible.
There should be a 6-10mm space in front of the longest toe. If the
footwear has removable insoles remove them from the shoe and try
them against your feet to check the length. Always buy footwear to fit
your largest foot. Your foot size can vary through the day. Try shopping
later in the day especially if your feet swell.
The natural shape of the footwear should not be distorted by the foot;
if it is, this may suggest there is too much pressure on your toes. The
uppers should not be tight and restrictive. With your foot in the shoe,
draw a thumb or finger across the forepart of the footwear. You should
cause a slight rippling of the material only. A significant crease indicates
the shoe is too wide or deep.
The heel counter of the footwear should be neatly against the sides of
your heels with no pressure on the ankle bone or the top of the heel
curve.
The footwear should be comfortable immediately so that it does not
need breaking in. However, you should always wear it for short intervals
initially to get used to it.
Where to purchase footwear
Many shops sell footwear with the features described in this leaflet and
following is a list of some brands we recommend you look at. No
particular make is recommended specifically, as some will suit some
people and not others. It is important that you try the shoes to make
sure they are going to be right for you. The brands have no links with
the NHS and may change their styles and sizes meaning that some shoes
may not be as suitable as when we suggested them to you.
page 3 of 4
Hotter
www.hottershoes.com
DB easy
www.dbshoes.co.uk
Padders
www.padders.co.uk
Rohde
www.rohdeshoes.co.uk
Hush Puppies
www.hushpuppies.com
Cosyfeet shoes
www.cosyfeet.com
Sandpipers
www.sandpipershoes.com
For more advice
www.healthy-footwear-guide.com
Our team is always interested in your comments on the items provided
and the service you receive. Please feel free to phone or write to the
manager, if you wish to give us any feedback.
Orthotic Department
Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre
Northern General Hospital, Herries Road
Sheffield
S5 7AU
0114 271 5807
Opening times: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity
Working hard to fund improvements that make life better
for patients and their families
Please donate to help us do more
www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk
Registered Charity No 1059043
organdonation.nhs.uk
Alternative formats may be available on request.
Please email: [email protected]
© Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2015
Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the “Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005”
SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
Email [email protected]
PD8611-PIL3645 v1
Issue Date: November 2015. Review Date: November 2017