Why is fit so important?
Footwear is the only item of ‘clothing’ that can have long term effects on your health and well-being. Wearing clothing that is too small or large will not cause any pain or long term health issues. Footwear on the other hand is a whole new ball game.
​We have all been guilty as adults buying footwear that has caused our feet pain or problems, but let's face it, sore feet and blisters are no fun!
Great fitting footwear can prevent a myriad of problems such as migraines, back ache, knee pain and foot pain. Corns, blisters, joint pain and nerve problems are also problems caused by self fitting or wrong style choice.
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We therefore are here to promote the importance of being measured and assessed no matter what age you are, this will prevent foot or body pain and deformities young and old alike.
Children's Fitting
Children are constantly growing and changing and therefore need their footwear and feet checked regularly, right up until they are 18 years old. (see our foot development section for important details).
Looking after your children’s feet will give them an incredible start to understanding foot health and looking after their general wellbeing, helping to keep them fit and active.
Adult's Fitting
Adults’ feet change less however they do still change and there are a number factors that can affect these changes. It is widely known but not promoted that pregnancy, medication, illness and weight gain or loss can impact your foot shape and size. To stay active and healthy your feet are very important and cannot be replaced which is why making a trip to a professional shoe fitter is so important!
Measuring
Experienced and trained fitters use the tools of their trade such as gauges, their knowledge of foot physiology and footwear brands, their eyes and hands to assess and determine what is BEST for you. Numbers and letters on shoe boxes (like clothing) are irrelevant when it comes to FIT. As a podiatrist has extensive knowledge of feet and foot conditions a shoe fitter has extensive knowledge of fitting feet and footwear.
Understanding different foot types and having a vast amount of knowledge from how shoes are made to how they fit feet is something that all professional and experienced shoe fitters are passionate about. Our advice and knowledge is there to prevent problems and issues before they arise. Sadly too many people only look for help and advice once they have a problem or are in pain, not realising that a shoe fitter would have been able to help to prevent this.