Fall is officially here!  A comfortable, stylish boot is the perfect accessory for the season.  Follow these simple tips and your feet will thank you.

• Choose a boot made from natural materials such as leather.  Leather expands and contracts depending on the temperature.  It allows for air flow and will keep your feet dry.  Synthetic materials are less forgiving.  They lead to an increase incidence of blisters.  They don't allow your feet to breath, which causes increased sweating and potential for fungal infections such as Athlete's foot.  ** Look on the inside of the boot:  the "upper material" should be stamped on the inside **
• Choose a round or square toebox.  Be sure to leave room for your toes!  Most riding, rain, and snow boots come with a rounded toe.  Dress boots come with a variety of toeboxes (pointed/narrow, round, square).  Avoid Cowboy boots which are narrow through the front and can crowd toes and cause blisters.
• Choose your heel wisely.  Avoid heels over 2 inches high.  Any higher will shift the weight to the ball of the foot which will cause pain, tingling and numbness. A stacked heel or wedge helps alleviate pressure through the front of the foot.
• Choose a boot that fits an arch support.  Whether you prefer a dress or casual style, most boots will accommodate an insert.  I do not recommend wearing an UGG boot without an insert.  Bring the insert with you when trying on boots.

Some other general tips include having your feet measured and always buying for the larger foot.  There is no such thing as a "break-in" period, so if the shoe or boot is not comfortable immediately move on to the next pair. 

Happy shopping!

 

 

 

Tags: Boots, Shoes, shoe tips

Your kids may be ready for the start of a new school year, but are their feet?  Labor Day is fast approaching and school children all over the country will be making the transition from Crocs, sandals and flip-flops to sneakers, boots and dress shoes.

A new pair of shoes is one of the most important items on any back-to-school list.

When shopping for shoes, keep the following in mind:

• Measure your child's feet, as shoe size may change every few months.
• Look for natural materials such as leather, this will expand and contract, cause less irritation/friction and allow the foot to breath.
• Never hand down shoes.  Shoes fit each individual differently.  You can also prevent spread of fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
• Check the heel for wear.  If this is uneven, your child may have a foot problem and will need to be evaluated by a podiatrist.
• Always buy for the larger foot.
• There is no such thing as a "break-in" period.  Shoes should be comfortable from the start.
• Bring socks when trying on shoes.

Let the shopping begin!!

Tags: shoe tips, back-to-school