"Foot Fitness for Life"
The AOFAS Guide to Keeping Your Feet Young and Healthy

How to "Read" Your Shoes

Bringing in old shoes when you're buying new ones can be helpful if you have a knowledgeable salesperson. She can evaluate the wear patterns to help you get a better fit as well as a style that will compensate for the stresses you place on shoes.

What are your shoes trying to tell you? Here are the basic wear patterns:
Wear on the ball of the foot:

Your heel tendons may be too tight. Stretch with heel raises.

Wear on the inner sole:

You pronate or turn in. Inner liners or orthotic supports may help.

Toe shaped ridges on the upper:

Shoes are too small or you have hammertoes.

Outer sole wear:

You turn out. Orthotics may help.

A bulge and wear to the side of the big toe:

A too-narrow fit or you have a bunion.

Wear on the upper, above the toes:

The front of your shoe is too low.