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How can I choose shoes that fit my feet comfortably?
Start with the fit on your feet and the activity you need the shoes for. A brand name or a shoe described as supportive does not tell you whether it fits comfortably.
What should I check in the shop?
Try both shoes and walk. Allow toe space and depth, starting with about a centimetre beyond the longest toe. Fasten securely without making toes grip.
What if I use orthotics?
Bring orthotics and socks. Check depth and heel hold; ask whether to remove the shoe’s insole. Devices won’t fit every shoe.
What about work and sport?
Tell us what your shoes need to cope with, including workplace requirements, and bring examples. Comfort in the shop cannot diagnose pain or guarantee relief.
Rocker bottom shoes: would they suit me?
Rocker bottom shoes have a curved sole that changes how the foot rolls through a step. They may be considered when bending a painful foot joint is difficult, including some arthritis concerns. They do not suit everyone. Ask us to review the fit and how you walk before choosing a pair; a shoe alone cannot establish or treat every cause of pain.
When is a footwear check worthwhile?
Get assessed for repeated rubbing, squeezed toes or persistent pain despite different shoes. With diabetes or reduced sensation, seek prompt advice for pressure or skin damage.
Still unsure which shoes suit your feet?
Bring your everyday shoes and the pairs that bother you.
Sources and clinical guidance
These sources support the general information above. Individual assessment may lead to different advice.
Sources checked 12 September 2026.