Top 10 Shoes to Make Your Feet Happy and Healthy

Our feet are grateful for spring. Winter feet are free from tights, socks, boots and can be treated with pedicures or comfortable sandals. This is the time bunions, hammertoes, soles, and heels can make us think “Uh-oh!” You might want to stock up on Band-Aids! Here are 10 ways you can make sure your new shoes love you back.

1. Be aware that your feet might have grown

As with breasts, the shape and size of feet changes as we age. After 50, your feet may become larger and more bony. Your usual size 7 might now be an 8. You shouldn’t be stuck with a size because sizes vary from brand to brand. Because one foot is more than the other, you should size each shoe according to your bigger foot. You can try on shoes after your feet have swelled from hours of standing and walking.

Here are two tips for returning shoes: Never keep shoes that are too small. They won’t shrink with wear — this is a myth. Do not wear sandals if your toes extend beyond the sandal’s front edge. They are too small.

2. Flats that have support should be considered

Ballet flats are still our favorite, no matter what trend is in fashion. Be careful if you can cut those ballet flats in half. For mature feet, those with thin soles and little structure or cushion can be very difficult. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes tissue to become inflamed from the heel to the toe.

3. Keep your wedge or heel at 2 inches

Stilettos may not be part of the 50+ vocabulary, but the leggy effect that elevated shoes have on our bodies is. There are many sturdy block heels and wedges that measure 3 or 4 inches in height. Don’t get fooled! These are actually pushing your toes forward, shifting your weight onto your feet. Ouch! A height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches is the best for a leg lift. This puts less strain on your ankles and feet, but gives enough to stretch your silhouette. In a mirror, always check how the shoe fits at your arch. If there is too much gap between the shoe and your arch, it will not be a good fit. A block heel sandal such as the Bella Vita Jodi Sandal, Navy Fabric ($90), or Journee Women’s Perette Slide Sandal, Yellow ($49), is a good choice. Also, a pump such as the Everlane The Italian Leather Day Heel, Light Taupe, Bone Stacked, or Black ($145), or a casual wedge such the Bzees smile Women’s Washable Wedge Slipper in Berry Mimosa Stripe (85, kohls.com) is awedge slide in Berry Mimosa Stripe, Bzees.

4. A slingback is a great option

A shoe that connects to your heel in some manner is more reliable than a slide or mule when you’re climbing stairs or walking quickly. It also looks more polished, even in the most trendy versions. Slingbacks can be a great, breathable option to open sandals. They also make a professional choice for work.  A sling with a low heel like the Open Edit Cammie Slingback pump in Green Obi, or Black, will give you a classic look.

5. Slides and mules that are foot- and toe-friendly

These comfortable styles are completely backless. Slides have no heels. Closed shoes, mules A sandal with one to two wide, soft, woven bands around the foot that secures the foot confidently and gently is one of the most popular trends. These sandals are great for bunions, corns, and other mid-foot and front-of-foot problems.

6. If you are a lover of backless shoes, give your heels a little TLC

The open feel of shoes without backs is something that everyone loves. Due to the constant friction, mules, slides, and clogs can make heels more susceptible to cracking and calluses. Every evening, apply a moisturizing cream to the heels. Another issue is to keep the shoes on your feet. To prevent your shoes from flying off if you are a fast walker, sweaty, or have clinger feet, stick antiperspirant deodorant on your soles or apply adhesive inserts to the soles of your shoe.

7. Shoes with a comfortable toe box are a good choice

Wiggle your toes. If your shoes don’t fit, they are either too small or too wide. Your toe-box width, shape and size should be comparable to your feet. Pointy shoes are not something that podiatrists recommend. However, there are some shoes that work. Some styles are sharper than others, so avoid them! No matter your preference for a pointed or round toe, you should choose shoes made from the softest leathers and suedes to provide toe comfort. Also, ensure that all toes, pinky to large, are able to move when standing and sitting. Before you go to the cash register, wiggle your feet and walk around for 10 minutes. You can also test them at home for a day before you decide whether they are worthy of keeping.

8. All details of your shoes can be inspected by hand

These pedicure-revealing sandals, suede loafers, and strappy sandals look great, but how do they make your feet feel? Even the most comfortable shoes can have annoying details that go unnoticed. You can play detective and slide your fingers under and along the straps and collar bands of shoes. You should inspect the edges of peep-toes and buckles and zippers for sharp spots. Also, make sure to run your fingers along the shoe’s seams. This is a step that we often overlook when purchasing new shoes.

9. Every time rotate your shoes

Spring/summer shoes can be a reality, especially if you keep the same sandals and don’t let them air out. This is not good for your social life or your health. You should consider switching shoes as they may need to dry and breathe, which will help reduce bacteria buildup. To give your feet, ankles, and back some relief, you can also change the type of shoe and the heel height. Variation in your shoe rotation could include espadrille wedges, ballet flats, sneakers, and slides. You can reduce the shoe odor by using one of these: Sprinkle baking soda on your shoes before you go to bed and then take it out when you wake up or after your next wear. To absorb moisture and refresh your shoes, you can stuff them with scented fabric softeners. Make your own DIY sachets for shoes to keep you occupied. Simply rip off the toes from old, dirty pantyhose and fill them with tissue dampened with essential oils. Secure with a ribbon.

10. Before you leave for your trip, make sure to take along your travel shoes

How often do you not wear your “special” shoes until the day of? These shoes can be used for events or trips, such as a wedding, reunion weekend, vacation to the beach, or road trip. A good idea is to have a kit of gel pads in case you need them. However, it is better to spend some time at home (a whole day) and test your shoes before heading out. If you want to make sure your feet and the shoes get used to each other, put on some light socks.