What You Need to Know About Wide Shoes
Posted: Wednesday, February 09, 2011
by Julie Bahler
http://www.diabeticshoeshub.com
If you have diabetes, there have been a lot of changes needed in your life. This includes replacing your old footwear with wide shoes that provide breathability, comfort and perfect fit so your feet are protected from the most insidious problems diabetes sufferers must contend with; numbness, poor circulation and slow or no healing of wounds.
What should you look for when shopping for wide shoes?
Comfort, flexibility, breathability (moisture wicking properties as well as airflow) and seamless smooth interior are the first things. Diabetic shoes tend to use canvas, mesh and other materials that allow ample air to circulate inside your shoe and around your feet, preventing sweating, ulcers, fungal infections and poor hygiene.
Be sure there is enough room in the toe box of the wide shoes to permit you to wriggle your toes. There should be no pressure or binding/chaffing on the arch of your foot or the heel – any part of your foot in fact. At the same time, a wide shoe that is so loose that it slips around isn’t good either, because the friction of a loose shoe does as much damage as a shoe that binds or pinches.
Best are wide shoes that allow quick and easy adjustment of fit (usually via straps or other closures) and enough interior room for the various inserts and supports you’ll need throughout the day. Being able to change into a different pair of wide shoes midday will make a huge difference in your comfort and the health of your feet because pressure points and weight distribution will shift a little, offering relief. Being able to refresh your feet during a long day can make all the difference!
Look too for quality in workmanship. Knots, seems, interior bumps and other dangers will cancel out the positive benefit of buying wide shoes to begin with.
When you shop for your wide shoes, go at night when your feet are biggest, and bring the socks or leggings that you’ll be wearing with them. Take your time and walk around for a while to be sure you don’t notice any areas that might bind or pinch, slip or chaff. Feel the toes of your wide shoes while you’re wearing them; you should be able to detect about a half inch of extra room between your toes and the wall of the shoe.
Remember that the ample air movement around your foot when wearing wide shoes will allow for better blood circulation and drier skin, both of which are crucial to maintaining good sensation, healthy nerve endings and robust skin impervious to infection.
In addition to wide shoes, diligent foot care (cleaning, nail trimming and wound checks/care) are vital as part of your daily routine. If you have any questions or notice changes in your feet, be sure to consult your physician immediately.
If you are looking for the best stylish wide shoes please visit www.diabeticshoeshub.com
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