Last weekend I splashed out on a well deserved Christmas gift for myself. As I clicked 'place order' I grinned to myself because I had just gone against all the footwear advice I preach to my patients on a daily basis.

Shamefully, I bought a narrow, heeled, non laced, rigid pair of shoes which I undoubtedly will struggle to walk a few meters in. I liked the colour and the style though and that was enough for me to invest.

As I sat pleased with my new purchase, I began to empathise with some of my patients who struggle to find comfortable footwear for their every day life, nevermind a pair of fancy shoes for a night on the town.

I see patients every day who struggle to find footwear with the right fit, style and material for them. I often get asked 'what shoes should I buy' and 'how do I know if my shoes are 'good'?'

To this I always answer that there are 4 main features of a good pair of shoes. They are as follows:

- Laced

- Bend in one place (across the 'knuckle' joints of the foot)

- a 2:1 ratio between the heel and forefoot

- A small bit of torsion (twisting), but not too much

This sounds simple, but taking personal style, colour, fabric and other preferences into consideration as well, your options become even more limited!

If only there were people who specialise in footwear, and could tell you everything you need to know about the best style shoe for you.........Well thank goodness for Peak Podiatry!

Our podiatrists are experts in all things footwear and are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with those struggling to find that right pair of shoes. 

You can book online at peakpodiatry.ie or give us a call on 091 734 140 to book in with one of our shoe specialists. 

Give yourself the gift of comfortable feet, confidence and style this Christmas.