Can you recommend comfortable shoes?

"Dr. Arain, what kind of shoes do you recommend?" So many times my patients come in with very fashion forward shoes, but they are terrible for their feet! A couple of years ago the "pointy-toed" style was in, and now the "ballerina flats" are in. Both of these are extremes and if any of you have worn either of these for long periods of time, you know that there is a high chance

A "good shoe" is a shoe with a rounded or at least a spacious toe box. This is important in order for your toes to have ample space. You do not want the pressure of the shoe, no matter how soft it is, to press on the toes. This pressure will cause pain or even cause corns or blisters in the long run. This is especially aggravated if your toes have a bony irregularity such as a bunion or hammertoes.

You also want a shoe with a proper arch support. In order for the foot to function biomechanically efficient, an arch support will decrease the collapse of the arch, or the inner part of the foot. This is why a ballet slipper may be cute with your outfit, but at the end of the day your feet are killing!

Our practice has a new line of shoes, Aetrex shoes. They are anatomically designed and are available in multiple widths to fit your feet comfortably. They come in many fashion forward designs, and they have all the features of a "good shoe" described above. Aetrex's Lynco orthotics are designed for your specific foot type to provide biomechanical efficiency and optimal stability. Its patented Mozaic technology allows all Aetrex footwear to be customized to relieve pressure points and ensure equal distribution of pressure throughout the gait cycle. For those patients who need more biomechanical correction, we also prescribe custom made orthotics as well.

If you are in the Chicago area, please feel free to visit us in Elmhurst at Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic 630-834-FOOT or Schaumburg at Schaumburg Foot and Ankle Clnic 847-985-8380. Also, check out our website elmhurstfootdoc.com or schaumburgfootdoc.com