By Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan Few people pay notice to them and only do so when problems occur. Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan speaks to a podiatrist about proper shoes and foot health. THE quest for the perfect pair of shoes may make a fashionista part with serious cash for red-soled Louboutins or those mesmerising Manolos.  But if you ask a podiatrist (who is to the foot what a dentist is to teeth), you will get an "unfashionable" answer: Rockport or Timberland is the way to go.
"Shoes should protect the feet because the feet bear the weight of the body. Very few people pay much attention to the feet, and only when something happens, do they take notice," said Sunway Medical Centre podiatrist Brendan J. Bergin. Bergin answers some questions about shoes and foot health, and how to find a compromise between what looks good and what is good for the feet. Q: How important are shoes in maintaining foot health? A: The human feet are made to walk on soft and uneven surfaces, and not in an urban setting with lots of concrete and hard surfaces. Therefore, shoes should protect and support the feet and not damage them further. Q: Is it true that high heels are bad for the feet and its long-term use will result in back pain, especially when a woman gets older? A: Yes, high heels are absolutely bad for the feet. It does very little for the feet and the feet are tilted in a way that the body weight is carried on the toes, not the heels as originally designed. You may wear high heels so long as you don't stand for a long time or walk a considerable distance. There is a potential for wearers to develop back pain because high heels shift the body's central gravity forward and your back needs to work harder to maintain that position. In the long run, you will suffer from muscular fatigue, which causes your back to ache. Q: So, are flats the way to go then? A: As far as shoe height goes, there should be a difference of no more than 3cm, ideally 2cm, from the fore foot to the rear foot. Flats are good but one should also look for support in shoes and, ballet flats, for example, don't provide this. Flip-flop sandals, for instance, while flat, offer no protection for feet at all. Q: Then what is the ideal pair of shoes? A: Aside from the fore foot to rear foot height ratio, make sure the heels are enclosed, the top of the foot is covered and there's a fastening mechanism to the shoes. Trainers are as good as it gets when it comes to shoes. You may not be able to wear trainers all the time, but be sensible in your choice of shoes. Women often make bad shoe choices. Sometimes they are unwilling or unable to change (due to what they have to wear to work) so I have to resort to physical therapy to heal the damage. But prevention is always better. Q: There are brands such as Foot Solutions and Schein that offer custom-made shoes. Are such shoes helpful in alleviating foot pain? A: You have to remember that products vary in quality. Essentially, what you need is a foot orthotic (a kind of hard insole that gives support and cushion feet) and we also make it here with plaster bandage. But I am quite happy for people to try them or even those insoles sold in pharmacies. It can serve as an indicator as to whether custom-made orthotic is more suited for you. Q: If a person has gout or arthritis, where there are inflammations at the joints of the feet, are there certain shoes to consider? A: Those are medical conditions, and patients should always follow their doctor's advice. But during the painful feet period, it's best to opt for the softest pair of shoes you can get. Crocs-type sandals and slippers should be fine because they give cushioning underneath the joints. Q: What about those suffering from diabetes? Are there special shoes made for them? A: Generally, shoes and sandals for diabetics should be well-enclosed and should give as much protection for the feet as possible. The shoes must provide arch support, cushioning and stability at the heel. Trainers and running shoes are the best for diabetics. Q: What are the signs of a bad pair of shoes? A: Shoes have to be comfortable. Don't buy the old adage that you need to break-in your new shoes or that it's all right if you develop blisters from the first few uses. If you develop blisters, it simply means your shoes are not fitted properly. They can be stiff, but they shouldn't hurt. You must not accept the breaking-in concept because you don't have to go through all that pain. Q: Are there specific shoes for tall or heavy people? A: No, but if you are active and your job involves a lot of walking, you may want to pick shoes with interiors built like trainers but on the outside they look like something that can be worn to work. Q: How should parents pick shoes for children? A: Children should always use running shoes because they do not have the social need to use other types of shoes. Laced-up leather shoes are the best. Clarks makes good children's shoes but if that's above your budget, Bata's Bubblegummers and Power shoes are also well-constructed. Teenage girls may want to wear high heels and it's best if parents can dissuade them because their bones have not completely developed. -The New Straits Times
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