Footwear Advice PIU1444(1)

Podiatry & Orthotics Department
Footwear Advice
Patient Information
Choosing the correct shoe is one of the most important features to get right when you
have foot & Ankle pain - They are like the foundations of a building - everything else
that follows will rely on the correct shoe being used.
Recommended footwear features
A well-fitting shoe with a robust sole
(bottom of shoe) that resists twisting
and bending at the mid-section, which
also has laces or fastening straps to
keep it secure will give your feet the
best support and protection.
• Fastenings such as laces or

Velcro straps will keep your foot firmly in place, preventing slipping & rubbing.
• The sole unit (bottom of shoe) should be 1 piece or a continuous unit which is
best for walking & running.
• Ensure sufficient space (width and depth) in the toe-box to prevent squashing &
rubbing of the toes.
• The heel should not be more than 25mm or 1 inch high.
• The uppers (top) of your shoes should be made from a

supportive but supple material, to reduce rubbing and
provide suitable support.
• Avoid slip-on shoes and slippers.
• Avoid very flat, flexible and unsupportive or worn out shoes.
• Avoid separate heel and sole type

shoes.
• Avoid high heels.
ABUHB/PIU: 1444/1 – December 2023 Page 1

Expiry Date:- December 2026
Rocker-soled footwear
Sometimes we recommend rocker soled
shoes to help with certain foot and ankle
problems.
These shoes mainly help to reduce pressures
to the forefoot but are helpful for lots of foot
& Ankle problems.
They have thick soles which taper toward the
toes from just behind the ball of the forefoot.
This allows the shoe to rock forward as you
walk -or if you press down on the toe area.
Rocker soles are commonly found on shoes

and boots with stiff soles such as walking
boots and shoes, but there are lots of
other options available.
Be careful lots of shoes roll up at the toe,
this is called toe spring. It helps your foot
to clear the ground when you walk. If the
sole is not sufficiently stiff the shoe will not
function as a rocker.
New shoes
You should never have to ‘break your shoes in’ if
they are not comfortable when you try them on
they are not right for you.
It is reasonable to wear your new shoes in for a
while, this helps you adjust to a new style that
you may not have worn before.
You can wear them around the house for short

periods (20-30 minutes) to acclimatise to them
and then check your feet -looking for problems
such as redness from rubbing/pressure.
If this happens you can usually return them to the retailer- providing they are not
soiled or have not been worn outside.
If you’re happy with your new shoes start wearing them outdoors for a few hours at a
time and gradually build up the use.

How do I know if my shoes are worn out?
Look at wear and tear such as loss of tread pattern,

compressed sole, torn stitching and ripped seems. A
robust shoe is one that maintains its structure under
the pressures of walking & running and supports the
foot. Give the shoe a firm flex and twist to the middle
section of the sole to see how well it retains its
structure. If shoes are showing signs of wear and tear
it is best to replace them and discard the old ones.
Don’t be tempted to use your old shoes for D.I.Y or gardening – there is a reason why
they are your old shoes!!
Where can I buy the shoes you are recommending?
We do not endorse any particular brands but below are some useful links to help you
choose suitable footwear. Trainers are a useful shoe for day to day use that are
lightweight, supportive comfortable and readily available.
• Healthy footwear guide. Created by UK podiatrists and shoe manufacturers who

have identified key features of a healthy shoe. www.healthy-footwear-guide.com/
• DB Wider fit. (Good for bunions and hammer toes) www.widerfitshoes.co.uk
• Cosyfeet. (Extra wide sizes) www.cosyfeet.com
• Nike Air Max. (Ideal casual trainer with robust sole) www.nike.com/air-max
• Hoka One One. (Lightweight wide fit running trainers – useful as a comfy general
walking shoe) www.hokaoneone.eu
• JML Walkmaxx. – (Good rocker-soled shoes) www.jmldirect.com/health-and-
beauty/clothing/walkmaxx-blackfit-wide-supportive-posture-friendly-exercise-shoe
• www.grisport.co.uk – Good generous width walking and leisure shoes and boots
If you have any queries or concerns regarding footwear - please feel free to call the
Podiatry department for further advice on 01633 615225 option 1 or
[email protected]
“This document is available in Welsh /

Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg”.


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Podiatry & Orthotics Department

• Fastenings such as laces or

• The heel should not be more than 25mm or 1 inch high.

• The uppers (top) of your shoes should be made from a

• Avoid slip-on shoes and slippers.

• Avoid very flat, flexible and unsupportive or worn out shoes.

• Avoid separate heel and sole type

• Avoid high heels.

ABUHB/PIU: 1444/1 – December 2023 Page 1

Rocker soles are commonly found on shoes

You can wear them around the house for short

ABUHB/PIU: 1444/1 – December 2023 Page 2

Look at wear and tear such as loss of tread pattern,

Where can I buy the shoes you are recommending?

• Healthy footwear guide. Created by UK podiatrists and shoe manufacturers who

“This document is available in Welsh /

ABUHB/PIU: 1444/1 – December 2023 Page 3

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