As podiatrists and high heel experts we are constantly asked how to find the perfect high heel that is actually comfortable to wear. Common complaints from wearing heels include ball of foot pain, blistering, tingling toes and corns, just to name a few. The usual podiatric stance is to say no to heels. But by mastering this crucial shoe measurement, you will be able to reduce all of your foot pain woes.
So is it as simple as getting the right size shoe? Quite possibly! There are a number of reasons that high heels are uncomfortable. The obvious reasons include excessive heel height and mismatched shoe to foot volume. This means if the shoe volume is bigger than the foot, you are prone to sliding in the shoe which increases the incidence of friction injuries such as blistering and forefoot capsulitis. If the shoe volume is too small for the foot then the foot is prone to compression injuries such as tingling toes or nerve compression and corns and callus. These shoe measurements are straightforward and are usually apparent in the store at the time of purchase. The focus of today’s blog however is on the forgotten shoe measurement which will fundamentally change the way you buy shoes and how comfortable they are!
The shoe volume on this shoe is too large and the upper does not support the foot. The foot is sliding forward and will have friction injuries.
Traditionally shoes were fitted by shoe salesmen or women who were trained in using The Brannock Foot-Measuring Device. The Brannock Device is still the gold standard in measuring feet accurately and was patented in 1927. What makes the Brannock device so special is that it gives two foot measurements. One being the heel to toe measurement and the second being the heel to ball of foot measurement or arch length measurement. It is the arch length measurement that we are focusing on today, as most people only focus on the overall length of the shoe when determining what size to buy.
So what happens when you fail to get the right arch length in a shoe? Normally pain and increased risk of injury! And here’s why….
When the foot has a longer arch length than the shoe, the result will be increased pressure on the ball of the foot as the arch is not being supported sufficiently. The result of wearing heels with a short arch fit is potential joint capsulitis, sesamoiditis, degenerative joint disease and also possible soft tissue injuries such as plantar fasciitis. All of these conditions are painful and no amount of forefoot cushioning will effectively offload the 1st metatarsal if the shoe arch length is short and there is a high heel. It should also be stated here that the other reason for short arch length is if the shoe volume is bigger than the foot. The result will be that the foot slides forward and consequently the foot will no longer match the arch length of the shoe.
The arch length on this shoe is a little short for the foot which will place more pressure and force on the forefoot.
Here’s what it looks like if the arch length is correct.
As you can see the arch is being supported well right to the point of the 1st metatarsal head. This greatly reduces pressure on the ball of the foot. If the shoe volume also matches the foot then it’s a high likelihood that the shoe will be really comfortable. Chances are your go to heels in your cupboard have a perfect arch length fit and a matched shoe to foot volume!
So next time you are shoe shopping, take the time to have a look at where the arch of the shoe finishes. These days it’s uncommon that shoe stores have sales people that use a Brannock device so be more aware of how the shoe actually fits on the foot. Your feet will thank you for it! Remember that TWH updates The Shoe Equation daily with new shoe styles to suit every foot and every occasion. We know this really useful shoe fit tip will improve your shoe game!
Until next time
E & E
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