Melbourne Foot Clinic does not sell shoes. We believe that selling them may lead to a conflict of interest. Instead, we have a range of sample shoes to demonstrate features that benefit your foot and activity type. This allows us to recommend shoes to you without a brand bias.
Footwear is big business and there are so many shoe styles to choose from. Interestingly, since Covid, we have noticed a huge shift towards more comfortable and supportive shoes. Thankfully good shoe designers have embraced this trend and decent shoes no longer need to be ugly.
What do our Podiatrists consider when choosing footwear?
Size matters – Shoe sizes vary between brands. Always try your shoes on. And if you have bought online, exchange your shoes if the fit is not right. Our team have noticed that different styles, even within the same brand are not sized the same, so buy carefully.
Fit matters – The right fit for you should be comfortable, not crowd or compress your foot, nor allow your foot to move around in the shoe. Your toes should not touch the end of your shoes and should be broad enough for you. If you have one foot larger than the other, always fit that foot and use an orthotic or footbed in the other. Patients with a medical condition such as a bunion, arthritis or diabetes may need a shoe with extra depth or width.
Purpose matters– The shoe needs to fit your purpose. Are you standing all day? Walking outdoors or in an office? Playing sport? Which sport? Going out for dinner? These simple questions will help narrow your choice. It is important that the shoe design meets your activity needs.
Comfort matters – If the shoe is uncomfortable when you try it on, it is unlikely improve with wear. It is best not to buy shoes that need “breaking in”. Generally, a decent shoe will have a firm heel, wide toe box, non-slip and stable sole, be breathable, have some cushioning for shock absorbing, provide arch support and be comfortable.
Your podiatrist can recommend decent shoes styles for you if you wear orthotics.
Melbourne Foot Clinic has an in-house workshop for basic shoe modifications to improve the shoe’s function and comfort, particularly when a foot deformity or medical condition is present.
Specific rules for footwear vary on your condition. Your foot biomechanics will determine what should be wearing. For example, biomechanical issues such as a bunion will require a shoe that is firm under the big toe joint to reduce pressure through that joint. A patient with plantar fasciitis might avoid a completely flat or flexible shoe and be better with a shoe that has a slightly raised heel.
Best to ask your podiatrist for the right type of shoe for you.
Our podiatrists maintain up to date knowledge on all forms of footwear and can recommend the best shoes for orthotics. We meet regularly with leading athletic shoe brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Hoke One One and Brooks. Matthew Dilnot acts as a consultant to Clarkes shoes. Madeleine Murray works closely with ASICS Oceania, providing feedback on their running range. Rohan Coull has consulted to both New Balance and Nike.
Local Melbourne suburbs we service
With a priority on keeping people healthy, Melbourne Foot Clinic provides a wide range of professional services for people across Melbourne’s East. Our patients travel from all over Victoria to see us at our foot clinic in Mont Albert, with most coming from the following locations:
Mont Albert Podiatrist
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Box Hill
We use cutting edge technology and offer excellent services to many residents of Box Hill.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Surrey Hills
Our podiatrists are experts in providing biomechanics, orthotics, and foot pain for patients from Surrey Hills.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Camberwell
Our podiatrists are specialists in treating clients’ problems across Camberwell and Melbourne’s East.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Balwyn
Reputable podiatrists servicing the residents of Balwyn with outstanding results for years.
Ready to meet our amazing team of podiatrists?
Make a booking with us