Shoe Savvy Accent on Shoes and Feet

Foot Facts

Most of us spend 18 hours a day in shoes. Each of us averages 65,000 miles of walking

in a lifetime. This is 2 1/2 times around the earth.

A foot contains 26 bones. Both feet account for one-fourth of all the bones in the body.

There are 250,000 sweat glands in your feet, producing one-half pint of moisture a day.

Foot Facts continued…..

Nearly everyone is born with perfect feet. 75 percent of women experience foot problems. 50 percent of men experience foot problems. Incorrectly fitted shoes account for the majority

of foot problems. There are four arches in the foot. The foot's main functions are maintaining

balance and absorbing shock.

Foot Facts continued…..

People who go barefoot or wear open sandals most of the time generally don't suffer from foot odor or athletes foot.

The difference in the length of shoes from size to size, (i.e. from 7 to 7 ½) is one-sixth inch.

The standard difference in shoe girth for adult shoes is one-fourth inch from one width to the next (i.e. from A to B).

Shoe Parts

Toe box Vamp Sole Heel Insole Instep

Shoe Styles Pump Sandal Boot Platform Sneaker Mule Oxford Flat Loafer

Selecting Quality

Leather upper or ‘breathable’ fabric

Smooth lining Firm stitching Secure fasteners

Fit Tips – When You Shop

Shop in the afternoon Wear socks/hosiery that will be

worn with the shoe Have both feet measured Try on both shoes and walk

around the store The ball of the foot should be at

the widest part of the shoe

Fit Tips

Shoe Fit Tips

Shoe Care Avoid wearing the same

shoes two days in a row. Keep shoes/boots polished

and in good repair. Use a shoe horn if needed. Use shoe trees to keep the

shape of shoes during storage.

Shoe Carecontinued….

Store shoes/boots away from heat. Sandpaper can be used to rough up

the soles of new shoes (with leather soles) to reduce slickness.

When shoes are wet, stuff with newspapers to absorb moisture and help retain shape; air dry.

Special Shoe Needs

Diabetics Wear cushioned shoes Have good arch support Check feet daily Wear roomy shoes that do not

rub to avoid sores or blisters Purchase specialty shoes

when needed

Special Shoe Needs

Athletics - Walking Sole Beveled heel Cushioning and support Proper fit Poke, bend & twist Replace 6 to12 months

Common Problems

Corns and calluses Soft corns Bunions Ingrown nails Blisters Plantar warts

Common Problems continued….

Pump bumps Odor Hammertoe Pinched nerve Athlete's foot Plantar fasciitis

Common Foot and Heel Pain

PLANTAR FASCIA

Poor Arch Support Strains the Plantar Fascia

Photo by Marjorie M. Baker

Where to get help Shoe Stores Drug stores Catalogs and Web sites Podiatrists

“Momma always says there’s an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they’re going. Where they’ve been.”

Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump

Copyright © 2007 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only.

Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Jennifer B. Klee, M.S. Woodford County Extension AgentFor Family and Consumer Sciences

Revised by:Marjorie M. Baker, M.S.Extension Associate for Clothing and Textiles

January 2007; revised August 2007

Clip art courtesy of Microsoft Office WorksFCS2-342 Shoe Savvy

Many thanks to Larry Wheeler, Board Certified Pedorthist, Lexington, KY healthyfoot@hotmail.com