Dansko Rae

Common Foot Ailments and Shoe Solutions

A helpful guide to finding the right shoes for your feet

Read on to learn how shoes can help your common foot problems such as bunions, corns, or plantar fasciitis.

Many patrons at my shoe store enter the doors looking for shoes to help their common foot ailments such as corns or plantar fasciitis. Our stores policy is that one size does not fit all; every person has different requirements, especially when it comes to shoes, and that no shoe will provide a cure for your foot issue. However there are certain aspects of a shoe that might help if you have a common foot ailment. All you need, foot ailment or not, is a pair of good, comfortable shoes. What is comfortable is up to you and you alone.


Bunion
Bunions show on the foot at an enlargement or simple bump on an irregular spot on the foot. Aside from their appearances, the abnormality can be quite painful. The enlargement can be a moderate bump to a severe disfigurement. They can be caused by shoes that fit poorly or genetics, but often there is no reason for why bunions form on our feet, making adding confusion to how bunion should be dealt with.

Living with bunions can be difficult, but it is important to find shoes that wont cause unwanted pressure on the affected area. I suggest finding shoes with wider widths or find sandals with adjustable fasteners at the enlarged area of the foot. The Keen Sula may work for moderate bunions; it tends to run wider and also features an adjustable closure Velcro system.

Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are caused by pressure on the skin of your foot. These spots of thickened skin on the bottom of the foot are real troublemakers for those that have them because we all need to be on our feet at some point in the day!

When you are looking for a shoe to help your corns or calluses, search for footwear with either a soft or a completely removable footbed. The soft footbed will help reduce pressure on the bottom of your feet and the removable footbed with accommodate orthotics you may have. Try Naot shoes and sandals for a very soft and cushy cork footbed.

Hammer Toe
This graphic name describes a deformity of the toes, where the middle toe joint is permanently bent sideways. This condition is permanent and it is important not to aggravate it due to ill-fitting shoes.

When searching for shoes look for those with a wide toe box. Shoe inserts and pads may also help, so hunt for shoes with removable footbeds. You may want to try something like the Clarks Un.Ray featuring supportive cushion and a roomy toe box.

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and can make moving about on your feet a rather unpleasant experience. Pain can occur in your heel or the bottom of the foot when walking or standing. This condition is most common in middle-aged people or those on their feet frequently such as runners.

I recommend looking for a foot with high arch support to keep the ligament that connects your heel to your toes supported while walking or standing. Try the any Chaco sandal with an anatomical footbed or the APMA approved Dansko Professional clog.


Remember that there is no magical shoe cure for your medical foot issues, but certain features of a shoe may ease your pain and help you get through your day with happier feet. Comfortable shoes are the key!

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