As part of World Arthritis Day (12th October), we’ve been looking at which features you should be mindful of when choosing suitable extra wide footwear for swollen or sensitive feet.
For people with conditions that affect the feet such as rheumatoid arthritis, wearing the correct footwear is essential in order to prevent and limit foot problems. There are a number of important features to look out for when choosing extra wide fit shoes:
- It’s best to choose shoes that are made from leather or a material that will conform to the shape of the foot. Do not buy shoes if they require ‘breaking in’, as the risk of this is that they may cause damage to vulnerable areas of your foot.
- Shoe linings should be of leather or of another breathable material that will help disperse moisture.
- Soles and heels should be made of a suitable material that is firm enough to provide support to your feet, but soft enough to provide good shock-absorption.
- Shoes should have a broad and stable heel with a height which doesn’t put pressure on the ankle joint or the forefoot. The recommended heel height is no more than 4cm (1½ inches), but the ideal heel height from one individual to the next will vary in relation to the structure and function of the foot and leg.
- The shoe should have a fastening (either lace, strap or touch-fastening) which is needed to hold the foot securely in the back of the shoe to prevent slippage.
- The back of the shoe above the heel should be firm enough to support the rear of the foot but the top edge should not dig in.