Good Boots, Good Fit and Happy Feet!

Boot with wooden sole and leather upper, made by the Danish company Sanita. Colour wood and light blue. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As cooler weather approaches you are probably looking for that must have pair of boots to go with almost any outfit. You want something versatile, warm and outrageously sexy. You can get all three in one pair if you do some looking, but the important thing to keep in mind is function over fashion. You always want to consider the overall welfare of your feet.

When contemplating what would be the perfect pair to complement your winter wardrobe, you may want to consider the following:

• Color

• Shaft height

• Heel height

• Construction

• Heel and sole composition

The style that most adequately answers this call to duty is the leather riding style boot. They are well constructed and easily water-proof for protection against wet and salt. Also, it is easy to re-treat them as needed. The leather riding style boots are durable and function well.

If you are more of the cowboy boot type, they are a great boot for autumn, but don’t carry through to winter well because of the smooth leather soles. They come in an endless variety of colors and designs and are great with jeans, slacks and just about all casual wear. They are great for both guys and gals, but there are some fitting details you should be aware of.

• Make sure the shank fits your foot. The break in the boot should coincide with your arch.

• The ball of your foot needs to settle into the widest part of the boot.

• Try the pinch test for width. Try to pinch leather between your thumb and forefinger across the foot top of the boot. There should be a small allowance for movement, but not enough excess material to grasp.

Inappropriate and poor fitting shoes can cause a multitude of foot problems. Never force your foot to fit the boot. Boots needs to conform to your foot. Also, shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are apt to be a bit swollen. Don’t think footwear will feel better once they are broken in. If they don’t fit in the store, the situation will not improve at home. As heel height increases, so does the pressure on the ball of the foot and toes. Keep heel height to two inches or less. Dr. Boucher has other excellent shoe fitting advice on her website - http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3778/GettingaProperFit.html.

If you have foot pain, call Dr. Boucher for an accurate diagnosis at (203)238-3668. She can send you home feeling better than when you walked in. Getting help for your foot pain is a first step in the right direction.

References:

http://www.ehow.com/info_8099480_types-make-legs-look-longer.html
http://houstonfootspecialists.blogspot.com/2012/03/correct-fit-in-cowboy-boots-lesson-in.html

Related articles

• Sock It to Me
• 3 MUST HAVE shoes for the new season!
• Dr. Steven L. Rosenberg, Santa Monica Podiatrist, Designs a Special Arch for Fashionistas to Fit in Boots and Booties to Make Fall Footwear Comfortable

Boots Day by Day: Wednesday

Style: Classic Cowboy Boots
Problem: Narrow toebox can caused blistered and cramped toes.
Solution: Wear only for short periods of time and allow toes to stretch.
Our recommendation: Ariat Heritage Western Russet Rebel. Available from http://www.zappos.com/. $169.95.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Boots Day by Day: Tuesday

Style: Playful Rain Boot
Problem: Rigid shape limits natural foot movement and provides no arch support.
Solution: Try cushioned insoles and arch supports.
Our recommendation: Land's End Wellie Boot. Available from http://www.landsend.com/. $69.50

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Boots Day by Day: Monday

Style: Sleek Riding Boots.
Problem: Synthetic materials trap in heat and moisture, causing odor.
Solution: Select natural materials like leather that allow proper airflow and keep feet dry.
Our recommendation: Land's End Diana Low Heel Riding Boots. Available through http://www.landsend.com/. $168.00

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Boots Day by Day: Sunday

Style: Day of foot rest!
Problem: All that boot wearing takes a toll, even with expert podiatric advice.
Solution: Massage and apply lotion to the feet! If you must venture out, put on a pair of supportive and comfy sneakers.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Boots Day by Day: Saturday

Style: Slouch Boot
Problem: Narrow and very high heel transfers body weight onto the ball of the foot, causing pain and numbness.
Solution: Select a lower heel or stacked style of heel for additional support.
Our recommendation: Dansko Brinkley. Available at http://www.zappos.com/. $265.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Boots Day by Day: Friday

Style: Trendy Ankle Bootie
Problem: Lack of ankle support coupled with a high heel can cause imbalance.
Solution: Select a heel no more than two inches in height and don't walk long distances.
Our recommendation: Clark's Vermont Terrace. Available through http://www.clarksusa.com/. $119.99

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Selecting the Best Boot For You

There are a lot of options when it comes to picking out boots (and this series will show you that!), but finding the best boot for your foot is key. If a style doesn't fit your foot, try another! You are not limited when it comes to boot variety. Never try to stuff your foot into anything- you will just end up with more foot problems!

*Have feet measured, size can change throught life! Keep in mind- your boot size may not fit the same in all styles and brands.

*Try boots on in the afternoon- feet tend to swell during the day.

*Buy for the larger foot- most feet are not te exact same size.

*Carry an insole when boot shopping in case a pair lack the proper arch support.

*Boots should feel comfortable when tried on in the store, there shouldn't be a "break-in" period.

*A boot constructed of natural materials, like leather, will keep feet dry and comfortable during the winter months.

*Choose a boot with plenty of toe room, a firm heel counter, and traction to ensure stability.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Boot Day by Day: Thursday

Style of Boot: Furry Snow Boot
Problem: Sole can become slick in inclement weather leading to trips or falls.
Solution: Select a rubber sole with deep grooves for proper traction.
Our recommendation: Jambu Nomad. Available on http://www.zappos.com , $163.00.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.