Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066
Have you ever wondered about the parts that make up a shoe? Around here, we think it’s important that you become a confident shoe shopper so that you can make the best decisions for the health and comfort of your feet. Let’s talk about the five major components of a shoe and how you can use this information during your next shoe shopping trip. Dr. Brandon A. Macy and his team at Clark Podiatry Center are here to answer your questions.
Yes, even this detail matters. The material can play a role in how a shoe fits as well as its durability. Softer materials can lessen the amount of pressure that the shoe places on your foot. Think additional comfort. Stiff materials, however, can cause blisters.
The toe box is the top part of the shoe that offers wiggle room for your toes. Generally, this part is either rounded, pointed, or squared. You will want to look for shoes that provide enough space in the toe box to avoid the pain and discomfort that may be caused by additional friction.
It is the part of the shoe where you can typically find shoelaces. Velcro also goes into this area. Based on your comfort level, choose a vamp option that works best for you.
A softer sole is better. It means that the sole will be able to absorb more shock as you walk.
Remember, the higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the front of your foot. Keep your heel height low.
Any more questions? Schedule an appointment with a board-certified podiatrist. Dr. Brandon A. Macy of Clark Podiatry Center is at our Clark, New Jersey office. New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is a part of the Clark Podiatry Center, too. Call 732-382-3470.
One of the most important pieces of equipment an athlete can have is proper footwear. Whether its baseball, basketball, football or soccer or any other sport, wearing the right footwear is key to performance. Choose something that is not fitted properly or suited for your sport and you will have trouble competing.
No matter what sport you compete in, you will want to visit a specialty sport shoe store. There you will have the best of selections in sizes and types. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and brands as each is different. Also, the best time to buy an athletic shoe is at the end of the day as it is for any shoe because your feet are largest then from all the previous day’s activity.
Specific sports like football, soccer or baseball which will have some type of cleat, short or long, attached or detachable, for traction on natural grass or artificial turf. Each surface will require a different type of cleat and therefore different shoe.
Sports like basketball require a sole that can grip a wooden or concrete surface. Most basketball shoes allow for this. Fit is important here as it is for any footwear. So when visiting the shoe store, always check your size before trying on a shoe. Your toes should have plenty of room to move. Your feet should feel supported, not tight especially with regards to length and width. Also, when fitting your shoe, fit to the largest foot. Oftentimes, it is the left foot that is a little larger than the other, but measure both anyway. When lacing the shoe, lace from the bottom of the foot back, pulling the laces tight as you proceed up the foot. This will make sure your shoe fits snuggly. Also, wear the same type of sock you use when competing.
Need some more help and encouragement in caring for your feet or choosing the right shoes? Schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that there are no issues making sure that you not only choose the right shoes, but also keep your feet healthy. We are a proud to say that the New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is a part of the Clark Podiatry Center. Come see us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!
Gearing up to participate in a running event is no simple task. If you want to do your best, you’ll want to start training months in advance, especially if you are running a long race. Additionally, you’ll want the best gear to support you and keep you safe from injury.
What gear could we mean? Your running shoes, of course! To keep your feet supported and as comfortable as possible during your training and the actual race, look for the following features when choosing your running shoes:
As you prepare, make sure you keep good hygiene, trim your toenails properly (to prevent ingrown toenails), and stretch your feet and ankles before and after each run. If you experience an injury, it’s important to rest and recover, rather than continuing to train on it.
If you experience foot pain while you are training, see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry Center. He can assess your feet and find the best treatment for any concern you may have. Make an appointment at our Clark, NJ office so we can keep you walking (or running!).
If you haven’t already, dust off those winter boots! The winter weather can cause quite a chill from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Keeping your feet warm can help warm up the entire body, so why resist wearing those boots?
If your winter boots are worn down or don’t seem to fit correctly (maybe due to worsening bunions), consider buying new shoes for the season. Winter boots may feel like they should just be comfortable and chunky, but without proper support, a day of trudging through the snow can leave you with tired and achy feet, like with plantar fasciitis.
Finally, make sure you try on your boots with thick socks. As the weather becomes even colder, you might want to layer up. Your boots should have enough room to accommodate thicker socks.
Can’t find boots that fit you well? Do you have a foot deformity or other foot issues? We can help you with custom orthotics. Come to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry Center. He can assess your feet, and find a solution to keep your feet comfortable and warm this winter. Make an appointment at our Clark, NJ office so we can keep you walking.
Did you know that the shoes you wear might be the reason that your bunions are getting worse? Without the proper supportive features, your footwear can be causing your feet to work harder to grip the shoes for stability.
After an assessment by our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy, he might suggest custom orthotics for your shoes. He’ll also recommend shoes with a roomy toe box and good arch and heel support. Read our guidelines about what to look for when purchasing shoes that are healthy for the feet.
Make an appointment with Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry Center. He will assess your feet to keep you walking. Our office in Clark, NJ serves the Westfield area and surrounding Union County.
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066