Wide Walking Shoes

This article has great tips for finding the right pair of shoes for you.

* Did you know that you can figure out if a shoe is comfortable by stepping on the outside of it without putting your foot inside? That is a good way to measure comfort.
* Know your shoe sizes– yes, plural! Shoe size charts only measure length of your foot, but a healthy shoe fits its width and height, too
* If you have a high arch, look for shoes with a small heel and good arch support to provide relief from foot pain.
* Avoid backless shoes (like mules) — they cause pain in toes from gripping with your toes to keep the shoes on.
* Shock absorbers aren’t just for your car. Look for shoes with rubber or leather soles to prevent feet from feeling the total impact of bumps
* Look at the inside of the shoes to make sure there are no uncovered seams or pieces that will rub against your foot.
* Look at the material of the shoe– leather and suede provide the most flexibility and comfort because the material shapes to your foot
* Don’t be an “early bird shoe shopper”! Your feet are the largest in the afternoon or evening, so avoid getting too small of a shoe during the morning
* Listen to your feet! If the shoe doesn’t feel right in the store, chances are slim that “breaking in” will do the trick.
* Wear a variety of shoes. For example, always wearing heels will shorten your Achilles, but I you alternate with flats and gym shoes, this often can be prevented.
* People always assume flats are best when you have foot problems; however flats often have no arch support or support in the sole and aggravate heel and arch pain.
* Think roomy toes, good arch support and not pitched too far forward.
* If you want height, wear more a platform shoe with good arch support as opposed to stilettos.
* Here are some tips on good shoes for different conditions:
   * Pain in heels: need good arch support, avoid flats
   * Pain in balls of feet: stiff soled shoes with arch support, avoid high heels
   * Pain from bunions, hammertoes: deep wide toes box or open toes.

And has some shoes that meet all these criteria:

* Clarks Passion $99; dark brown heel, double strap Mary Jane dress shoe from The Walking Company
* Merona Red Patent Mertie $24.99; red patent heel from Target www.target.com Blowfish Hadassa $54.95, caramel colored, closed toe wedge from Famous Footwear
* Sofft Sabatina $99.95; dressy sandal from The Walking Company and Carson’s
* Sofft Nude $89.95; patent leather pumps with wooden heels from Nordstrom
* Black strappy sandals in patent leather and elastic bands $49.95 ; from DSW
* Steven Intyce boot $129; wedge heel built into boot from Nordstrom
* Dansko clogs in every color and design for those workers on their feet all day: restaurant workers, chefs, doctors, nurses, etc. Dr. Weil says these clogs are stylish and extremely comfortable. Range in price from $110 on up. She says you can pay less for other similar brands such as Alpro and others on line.

Source: Girlfriends: Hip wearable shoes