Summer Shoe Shopping Shouldn't Lead To Foot Pain

All around us trees and flowers are in full bloom, basking in the returning warm sunshine. The warmth and color of Spring are finally here. With the arrival of the new season, women flock to the malls for new spring and summer outfits. This must also mean that it's time to go shopping for the latest spring time shoes to match.

And this is when podiatrist offices start to open the doors for the rising tide of foot pain caused by spring and summer shoe styles. As long as you know what to look for, you won't have to let your fashion sense lead to foot problems.

Worse yet, don't be the one in that fabulous new spring outfit, but with ugly band-aids crisscrossing battered and blistered heels. You only need to know the pitfalls of summer shoe problems to stay in style, and injury free.

The first thing that you need to know is that for most women, spring attire means a radical shift in the types of shoes you will wear. Suddenly you go from well-padded, warm, cushioned shoes to open toe sandals with tiny straps.

These skinny little straps can create huge pressure points and lead to irritation of feet that have been tenderized from a full season in winter shoes. That doesn't mean you can't wear them. This only means that you have to get used to them slowly and gently.

The best way to ease into the spring shoe season is by choosing three or four different summer shoe styles. Just make sure that each of the shoes has a slightly different heel height. They should also have straps that run over different parts of your feet. This will spread out the pressure and decrease the chance of any irritation.

If you have ever felt guilty about buying several pairs of shoes in one day, this is your lucky day. You now have doctor's orders to go out and buy a few pair of new shoes! Yes, you may even tell your husband it will be good for you.

When selecting summer shoes, you need to think about function. Obviously if you are going to the beach, you don't want four inch heels. It is only common sense that tells you not to wear gladiator sandals on a long walk. In those situations, think comfort. Think lower heels and more cushioned support.

Having said all that, it is okay for you to wear some platform shoes or wedge heels on occasion. In my opinion, you should feel free to wear the prettiest should you want anytime you are going to a function requiring evening wear, or when little wakling is required. You don't have to go ugly just to be healthy.

Keep in mind that the single most common problem foot doctors see related to summertime shoes is not from the super high-heeled shoes. But, it is in fact heel pain related to flimsy unsupportive flipflops. This type of heel pain is called plantar fasciits. It actually accounts for 40% of all visits to podiatrists annually.

When selecting flip flops they need two characteristics. First, they must have a slight heel. Flat is bad. Second, they should have a little bit of support. What I mean by supportive is that they either have some built in arch supports or they have some rigidity that makes them difficult to bend. Spend a few extra dollars on good sandals, and you will avoid the most common cause of foot pain.

Although colors and styles change with the seasons, you should look forward to spring and the fun warm-weather styles. Just keep in mind that alternating your spring shoes will help you stay stylish and injury free. After all, its hard to limp and look pretty!