At Podiatry Center of New Jersey, we recognize an important health observance in January—National Measure Your Feet Day. Our doctors know wearing shoes that fit properly and are well-made is one of the best ways to protect the health of your feet and ankles. Below are three reasons why you should put getting your feet measured on your calendar this month:

  1. Up to 85% of people are wearing the wrong size shoe. It may be hard to believe, but the majority of people are wearing shoes that don’t fit their feet. Many people just continue to purchase the same size they were the last time they got measured, which can be as long as 10 or even 20 years ago.
  2. Foot size can change. Feet naturally get larger as you age. Ligaments and muscles stretch causing feet to spread. This may mean that you require a different width shoe even if your size stays the same. Your shoe size can also increase if you are pregnant or gain weight.
  3. Wearing the wrong size shoe can lead to a host of podiatric problems. If your shoes are too tight and rub or pinch your feet, you may end up with blisters, corns or calluses. When toes are squished together ingrown toenails are more likely to occur. Over the long term, shoes that are too short or narrow may result in deformities such as hammertoes and bunions. If your shoes are too big, you’re also susceptible to blisters and your shoes may cause you to trip and fall.

Find Your Size

The best and easiest way to get your feet measured is to go to a reputable shoe store and have it done. If you order shoes online, you can also find your size by taping a piece of paper to the floor, standing up straight with your heel pressed firmly to the floor. Have someone trace the outline of your foot with a pencil. Measure the longest and widest points and compare with the shoe size chart for the shoes you are ordering.

Of course, the final step is to try on any shoes you are considering and walk around in them long enough to ensure that they fit comfortably and without any pain or rubbing.

At Podiatry Center of New Jersey our team of doctors treat various conditions such as sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, and pediatric foot conditions, toe deformities, arthritis, nail fungus, arch problems, and heel pain. Equipped with advanced technologies and dedicated staff, our 16 conveniently located offices provide individualized high-quality care for patients across Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, and Union Counties. For all your foot and ankle problems, contact our Wayne, NJ office at (973) 925-4111 for an appointment.