Footwear guide

How to check your shoes are the correct size/fit?

Please see this video which offers guidance on finding suitable footwear:

Use the following checklist as a guide to check your own footwear:

Start by ensuring both shoes are on, correctly fastened and weight evenly distributed on both feet. It is advisable to ask a friend or family member to help. If you use any form of insert (such as an orthoses) inside the footwear, these must be in place before you assess the fit of the shoe.

1. There must be a minimum of 6mm, preferably 10mm, in front of the longest toe.
2. The natural shape of the footwear forepart should not be distorted by the foot. This may indicate pressure on the top or side of the toe and toe joints. 
3. When drawing a thumb or finger across the forepart of the footwear there should be a slight rippling of the material but not a significant crease that would indicate the shoe is too wide.
4. The toplines of the footwear should be neatly against the sides of the feet with no pressure on bony protrusions such as the ankle bone or the top of the heel curve.
5. The fastening must grip the foot and allow further adjustment if required.
6. Elasticated gussets or laces must be under some tension to grip the foot but not fully stretched.

Now, try walking in them. Check the following:

1. The shoe grips the foot and does not slip.
2. The sole flexes easily in the forepart.
3. The heel provides a stable platform.
4. The outsole does not slip on the surfaces you will normally be walking on.
5. The upper material flexes with the foot and returns to its original shape.
6. No pinching or pressure is felt by the wearer whilst walking.