How to Shop for Spring Shoes Like a Podiatrist

Each year, the arrival of Spring means one thing for many of our patients: shoe shopping time. With trends shifting each season, there is an annual need to shop for spring shoes. But if you aren’t careful about your purchases, you could end up with some pairs that take a major toll on your foot health. Want to score styles that feel as good as they look? Follow these tips from Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider, in our new spring shoe shopping guide.

Key Takeaways:

• Many spring shoe styles lack sufficient arch support, increasing your risk for foot pain
• When you shop for spring shoes, look for styles with thick soles, arch support and cushioning
• For added protection from foot and heel pain, consider wearing custom orthotics with your sandals
• Always try-on shoes before you buy them. This ensures proper fit and comfort

Avoid These Mistakes When You Shop for Spring Shoes

As the weather heats up, it’s natural to want to show off your toes—and your pretty spring pedicure. However, many of the most stylish spring shoes are flimsy and unsupportive. At the same time, many people pick up their activity levels during spring. And the combination can add up to major foot pain, as you move more with less support for your arches, and less shock-absorption to shield your feet from the impact of your activities.  So, how can you stay on-trend for spring without developing heel pain? Follow these guidelines when you shop for spring shoes.

Must-Have Features for Spring Shoes

Many spring shoes have thin soles and can easily be bent or folded. While that design feels light on your feet and can initially be comfortable, over time, the lack of support will put excess stress on your arches. So, when you shop for spring shoes, look for styles with:

1. Thick soles that provide a decent amount of shock absorption
2. Arch support
3. A base that’s not completely flat
4. Some structure and rigidity in the body of the shoe

Now, in the past, you’d have to choose between support and style when picking out your spring sandals. But these days, you can have both. Aim for looks like these from Birkenstock. They’re on-trend for the season, but also check almost all of the boxes on our list of must-have shoe features for foot health.

More Shoe Shopping Tips for All Seasons

Searching for a new pair of sneakers? When you’ll be wearing them in spring and summer (or any time of year here in warm, steamy Houston) it’s important to consider a few factors. First, you should steer clear of styles that restrict toe movement. Instead, look for sneakers with breathable mesh uppers and wider toe boxes. This will help bring airflow to your feet and the nooks and crannies between your toes. In turn, your feet are less likely to get sweaty or smelly. And you’ll also reduce your risk for developing fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Just remember: while mesh is great for airflow to your feet, it doesn’t offer much structure. So avoid styles that are too flexible and look for pairs with plenty of cushioning and arch support. That will keep your feet happy and comfortable, especially if you’re wearing them every day.

More Ways to Save Your Feet This Spring

Spring shoe styles are open and airy, and they can be a welcome break after a winter’s-worth of footwear that shows less skin. But here’s the thing. If you wear custom orthotics in your sneakers, loafers or any other shoe style, you don’t want to stop doing so when the weather warms up.

Now, we know what you might be thinking: how can you wear orthotics with sandals? But that’s an unnecessary worry. You see, orthotics aren’t like over-the-counter insoles. They’re medical-grade shoe inserts that we customize to meet your exact needs. That means that we craft them to provide support in the exact areas required for your foot health. And it also means that we can customize their width, length and material to work with the shoes in which you plan to wear them. That way, you can rock your favorite spring shoe styles without giving up on orthotics—or allowing imbalances in your feet to cause problems once again.

How to Shop for Spring Shoes: Final Thoughts

Spring and summer shoes can be tough to shop for. Many styles are thin, flimsy and unsupportive. But winter shoes can also be hard on your feet. (Check out Dr. Schneider’s explanation of why UGG boots make your feet hurt.) And that’s why, any time you’re shopping for new shoes, we want you to keep a few rules in mind before you make a purchase.

1. Look for thick soles that protect your feet from the impact of walking or running.
2. Check the flexibility of your shoe style: they should be fairly stiff, but not so rigid that your natural foot movement is impeded.
3. Make sure that any shoe style, even a sandal, provides plenty of arch support. Pair with completely flat soles will strain your plantar fascia, increasing your risk for heel pain.
4. Fit is just as important for foot health as all the other shoe features we’ve discussed. A shoe that’s too big will slip and slide on your foot, making your toes grip and increasing your risk for foot pain. They can also rub against your feet, meaning you’ll be more likely to develop blisters, corns and calluses.
5. To ensure a proper fit for your feet, try shopping for shoes in-person, later in the day when your foot’s natural swelling has reached its peak. (That way, your shoes won’t pinch when you spend a full day on your feet.)
6. Comfort is non-negotiable. Any shoe you wear should feel good on your feet, the very first time you put it on. If they hurt when you first try them on, move on to another pair.

Need more help finding shoes that feel great on your feet? Our team is here to help. Just contact our office by calling  713-785-7881 or follow this link to request an appointment.