When going hiking, proper equipment is key to staying safe and healthy, claims Mountain Tops Outdoors co-owner Katey Behney. This is especially true when it comes to outdoor footwear, which should be firm but a little flexible, well-fitting, large enough in the front for the toes to move around a bit.

 "If you don't have the right shoes on, you could be cold, you could be slipping,” said Behney. The Outdoor Industry Association claims that Americans spent more money on running footwear than on any other outdoor apparel item, which indicates that many seasoned hikers understand how important it is to wear good shoes on treks.

Having properly fitting shoes is a good idea for all individuals, no matter what level of physical activity they choose to pursue.  If you want to know more about how to find the right shoe size to wear, speak with a podiatrist like Dr. Bryant A Tarr, D.P.M. of Sudbury & Westford Podiatry. Dr. Tarr will show you what to look for and answer any questions you may have.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Proper shoe fitting is one of the most common concerns people have when it comes to the health of their feet. To some this may not seem like a major issue, but the reality is that improperly fitted shoes account for a tremendous amount of injuries to the foot. Because our feet, our posture, and our gait directly affect the bio-mechanics and the overall structure of our entire body, pains and discomforts felt elsewhere within the body can frequently be attributed to improperly fitted footwear. Here are a few factors to consider, which will help you select the proper footwear when shopping.

Do not purchase shoes with the expectation that they will stretch to accommodate the size of your feet. You are looking for shoes that fit correctly right away. If the shoes you purchase are too large and are slipping in the area of the heel while you walk, do not purchase them. Do not look favorably upon shoes that slip with the intention of wearing thicker socks to compensate for the slippage. Make certain that in the widest portion of the shoes, the ball of your foot, fits comfortably in the shoe.

For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Sudbury or Westford, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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