Can we talk about comfortable shoes for large feet?

Shock absorbing insoles or orthotics. I’m a fan of Spenco insoles. They’re fantastic at relieving foot pain due to over-pronation, plantar fasciitis and metatarsal pain. You may also like Superfeet insoles: berry for medium arch support and green for high arch support.

1. Stop Walking Barefoot.
Forget about what people say about being barefoot being “natural” – being naked is “natural” but we all wear clothes to protect our bodies from the elements. It’s wise to protect your feet also. There’s nothing “natural” about walking around on concrete all day! Plus, if your feet weren’t hurting, you probably wouldn’t be reading this.

2. Stop Wearing Flip-Flops.
Try an experiment – have someone video you on their cell phone from behind as you walk barefoot or wear flip-flops. Now video you doing the same thing while wearing proper shoes with arch support. Pay attention to what is happening to your feet, ankles and knees. Not pretty, is it? Flip-flops cause lots of extra wear-and-tear on your joints, muscles and tendons. Remember, you’re either beating up your feet – or you’re beating up your shoes. If you think what you’re shoes look like after several years of wear, what do you think is happening to your joints?

3. Stop Walking Around the House Wearing Only Socks.
Wearing only socks offers minimal protection and zero biomechanical control. Although I do recommend wearing socks with shoes, if you are walking around the house in only socks – that is only slightly better than being barefoot.

4. Stop Wearing Flimsy Bedroom Slippers.
If your slippers are flexible or bend too easily, you may be causing damage to your joints as well as setting yourself up for potential injury. Most injuries occur in the house – and I am constantly amazed at how many injuries occur as a patient is walking between the bed and the bathroom at two in the morning.