Everything from serious foot disorders to more common foot and ankle conditions can be exacerbated by one, avoidable cause: inappropriate, poor quality, and/or ill-fitting shoes. Any podiatrist will tell you that a quality, properly fitted shoe pays big dividends for your feet—now and in the future. The most important quality …

Proper footwear is an important part of an overall treatment program for people with diabetes, even at the earliest stages of the disease. If there is any evidence of neuropathy, wearing the right footwear is crucial. As a general rule, people with diabetes should choose shoes that: Accommodate, stabilize, and …

Choosing shoes for your children can play a critical role in their musculoskeletal development, including their posture. In general, infants just learning to walk do not need shoes. Infants may go barefooted indoors, or wear only a pair of socks. This helps the foot grow normally and develop its muscles …

Athletic footwear should be fitted to hold the foot in the position that is most natural to the movement involved. Athletic shoes protect your feet from stresses encountered in a given sport and to give the player more traction. The differences in design and variations in material, weight, lacing characteristics, …

Understanding the basic construction of shoes will help you make more informed decisions and select shoes that fit your foot and needs. Shoes are made up of five major components: The toe box is the tip of the shoe that provides space for the toes. Toe boxes are generally rounded, …