Everyday footwear: an overview of what we know and what we should know

NewsBot · Jan 18, 2019

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Everyday footwear: an overview of what we know and what we should know on ill-fitting footwear and associated pain and pathology
HelenBranthwaiteNachiappanChockalingam
The Foot; 17 January 2019

Highlights
•Research evidence on the effects of ill-fitting footwear is limited and often based on assumptions, indirect association and mythology.
•Footwear advice to direct people to healthy footwear needs to be individualised as there is no definition of an ill-fitting shoe.
•Footwear choice can alter gait and inappropriate fit can create pain and pathology.
•The direct mechanism of ill-fitting footwear contributing to pathology needs to be explored further.
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Footwear has been used to protect feet for millennia with socially exclusive population adopting stylish and fashionable shoes with expensive materials. In terms of historic timeline, only more recently footwear has been worn by all classes in the western world as an integral part of their apparel. Traditionally, footwear has been constructed from natural materials, mainly leather, but has recently benefitted from the flexibility that technology has provided with a plethora materials and new design innovations. Although it has expanded the availability for a variety of consumers, the choice and fit continue to be problematic with many individuals wearing shoes that are ill-fitting. Provision of specific footwear advice for problem feet is poorly evidenced and is heavily practitioner dependant limiting its efficacy. There is limited understanding as to the changes that can occur from regularly wearing footwear that is unsuitable in shape, style and construction which is referred to as ill-fitting. Current research on the effect that everyday footwear has on foot function and pain focuses mainly on women’s shoes, particularly high heels. Defining what is a good fitting shoe, that does not damage the foot or mechanics of walking, may need to be individualised, but best fit is based on loose historical parameters rather than research evidence. The aim of this overview is to highlight aspects of current research, establishing what we know about the effect’s shoes have on the feet as well as exploring the mythology around footwear fit and advice that is often historical in nature.
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NewsBot · Jul 29, 2019

Shoe design for older adults: Evidence from a systematic review on the elements of optimal footwear.
Jellema AH et al
Maturitas. 2019 Sep;127:64-81

Due to changes in foot morphology and the occurrence of foot deformities and foot pain with ageing, older people frequently wear ill-fitting shoes. This can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. A review of the literature was performed in Medline, Scopus and Embase with three aims: (a) to evaluate the effects older adults, and (c) from that, to compile those elements into design recommendations for a safe and comfortable shoe for older adults. Safe elements of footwear include proper anatomical fit, a well-fitting toe box, limited heel height, a broad enough heel, a firm insole and midsole, an outsole with sufficient tread, bevelled heel, firm heel counter with snug fit, and an easy and effective closing mechanism. We conclude that there is a need for shoe design specifically aimed at the foot morphology and demands of older people. The shoe market should increase the availability of well-fitting shoes designed for the older foot and person.
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Everyday footwear: an overview of what we know and what we should know

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Everyday footwear: an overview of what we know and what we should know

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

I have pain in calves everyday

How many emails get sent everyday?

Perspectives toward feet, foot health, and footwear

Evidence based research on early walker footwear

Subject-specific responses to footwear during running

3D scanning for therapeutic footwear

Activity and footwear characteristics in people with and without plantar heel pain

Share This Page

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