Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Finding Good Footwear

Finding Good Footwear

Overview

The following tips on good footwear may prevent toe, foot, or ankle problems or injuries.

  • Have your feet measured regularly.

    The size of your feet may change as you grow older.

  • Have both feet measured.

    Often one foot is larger than the other. The shoes should be fitted to the larger foot.

  • Don't choose shoes based on the size marked inside.

    Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Pick shoes by how they fit your feet.

  • Choose a shoe that fits the shape of your foot.

    Look for a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your forefoot (the front, widest part of your foot).

  • Look for roomy footwear with a wide toe box.

    Consider laced shoes that have enough room for your toes to wiggle. Athletic shoes are a good choice. High-top laced shoes may give foot and ankle support.

  • Make sure the heel fits.

    Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping (pistoning).

  • Avoid high-heeled, narrow, and pointed-toe shoes if you can.

    High-heeled shoes increase pressure on the front of the foot. If you cannot avoid wearing pumps or high-heeled shoes, look for a pair that gives your toes more room.

    • Choose shoes with heels that are no more than 2 in. (5 cm) high.
    • Alternate these shoes with flat, roomy shoes to give your toes a chance to move freely.
  • Look for shoes made of materials that "give" or stretch.

    They will be the most comfortable for your toes and feet.

  • Look for shoes that do not have seams.

    This will prevent rubbing or irritation of the skin.

  • Find comfortable shoes for home.

    Consider sandals, soft leather flat shoes, or inexpensive cloth shoes for at-home wear. If you have an enlarged toe joint, cut a hole in the cloth shoes.

  • Plan to buy your shoes at the end of the day.

    Your foot is more swollen at the end of the day. Foot size may vary half a size from the morning to the evening or after a day at work.

  • Stand during the fitting process.

    Your foot is longer when you stand up. There should be one finger's width [about 0.5 in. (13 mm)] between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. For the most comfort, the shoe should not be more than 0.25 in. (6 mm) narrower than the width of your foot when you are standing.

  • Walk around the store.

    Make sure that the fit feels right in both shoes.

    If you have foot problems or you are at a high risk of falling, ask your doctor what else to think about when you choose a shoe.

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About Cigna Healthcare Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details