Why You Need Your Feet Measured Properly

On January 23rd, we will observe National Measure Your Feet Day. And while it may seem like a strange reason for a celebration, today, Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County are sharing information regarding why it is so important to have your feet measured regularly. 

Did you know that up to 80% of men wear the wrong size shoe, and 90% of American women admit to owning at least one or two pairs of shoes that fit poorly, but they still wear them because they are so stylish. 

If you’re still not convinced that it’s essential to have your feet measured, consider that wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can lead to: 

• Bunions;

• Hammertoes;

• Blisters;

• Ingrown toenails;

• Corns;

• and more!

Wearing properly fitted shoes that provide the right amount of support can help you avoid these painful foot conditions. So, how can you ensure an accurate foot measuring process and shoe fitting? 

Are You Wearing the Right Size Shoes? 

Using a Brannock device – that silver contraption found in most shoe stores - will provide the best measurement. It measures the width and length of the foot and the length from the ball of the feet to the heel. The second measurement is essential because it determines where shoes flex and bend when you walk. 

If you want to duplicate this measurement process at home, you can do the following. 

Find the widest part of your foot using a pair of shoes you already own.

Note if it is closer to the arch of your shoe or if it’s filling out the widest part of your foot. If the widest part of your shoe doesn’t line up with the widest part of your foot, you'll need to choose a smaller shoe size that has a larger width. 

Your feet are too important to cramp them into shoes that don’t fit correctly! So, in honor of National Measure Your Feet Day, we ask that you make sure you are wearing the right size footwear. And if improperly fitting shoes are causing you pain, there is a solution!

To learn more, contact the office of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.