Shoe Savvy Accent on Shoes and Feet

Foot Facts  Most of us spend 18 hours a day in shoes.  Each of us averages 65,000 miles of walking in a lifetime. This is 2 1/2 times around the earth.  A foot contains 26 bones. Both feet account for one-fourth of all the bones in the body.  There are 250,000 sweat glands in your feet, producing one-half pint of moisture a day.

Foot Facts continued…..  Nearly everyone is born with perfect feet.  75 percent of women experience foot problems.  50 percent of men experience foot problems.  Incorrectly fitted shoes account for the majority of foot problems.  There are four arches in the foot.  The foot's main functions are maintaining balance and absorbing shock.

Foot Facts continued…..  People who go barefoot or wear open sandals most of the time generally don't suffer from foot odor or athletes foot.  The difference in the length of shoes from size to size, (i.e. from 7 to 7 ½) is one-sixth inch.  The standard difference in shoe girth for adult shoes is one-fourth inch from one width to the next (i.e. from A to B).

Shoe Parts  Toe box  Vamp  Sole  Heel  Insole  Instep

Shoe Styles  Pump  Sandal  Boot  Platform  Sneaker  Mule  Oxford  Flat  Loafer

Selecting Quality  Leather upper or ‘breathable’ fabric  Smooth lining  Firm stitching  Secure fasteners

Fit Tips – When You Shop  Shop in the afternoon  Wear socks/hosiery that will be worn with the shoe  Have both feet measured  Try on both shoes and walk around the store  The ball of the foot should be at the widest part of the shoe

Fit Tips

Shoe Fit Tips

Shoe Care  Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row.  Keep shoes/boots polished and in good repair.  Use a shoe horn if needed.  Use shoe trees to keep the shape of shoes during storage.

Shoe Care continued….  Store shoes/boots away from heat.  Sandpaper can be used to rough up the soles of new shoes (with leather soles) to reduce slickness.  When shoes are wet, stuff with newspapers to absorb moisture and help retain shape; air dry.

Special Shoe Needs Diabetics  Wear cushioned shoes  Have good arch support  Check feet daily  Wear roomy shoes that do not rub to avoid sores or blisters  Purchase specialty shoes when needed

Special Shoe Needs Athletics - Walking  Sole  Beveled heel  Cushioning and support  Proper fit  Poke, bend & twist  Replace 6 to12 months

Common Problems  Corns and calluses  Soft corns  Bunions  Ingrown nails  Blisters  Plantar warts

Common Problems continued….  Pump bumps  Odor  Hammertoe  Pinched nerve  Athlete's foot  Plantar fasciitis

Common Foot and Heel Pain PLANTAR FASCIA Poor Arch Support Strains the Plantar Fascia Photo by Marjorie M. Baker

Where to get help  Shoe Stores  Drug stores  Catalogs and Web sites  Podiatrists

“ Momma always says there’s an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they’re going. Where they’ve been.” Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump

Copyright © 2007 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Jennifer B. Klee, M.S. Woodford County Extension Agent For Family and Consumer Sciences Revised by: Marjorie M. Baker, M.S. Extension Associate for Clothing and Textiles January 2007; revised August 2007 Clip art courtesy of Microsoft Office Works FCS2-342 Shoe Savvy Many thanks to Larry Wheeler, Board Certified Pedorthist, Lexington, KY