BE SWEET TO YOUR FEET
Over the years we walk many miles, so take care of your feet, have them measured and wear correctly fitted shoes that will keep you fit for life. Photography: Kirsten Platt
Perfectly fitting footwear is vital for comfort as well as preventing and alleviating foot problems and at ShoeMed in Clitheroe, there is a team of friendly experts who can advise, measure and fit shoes for you and your lifestyle.
As we go into the new year many people often embark on a new fitness regime. If this is the case, then the importance of good footwear is directly linked to keeping your mind and body active and healthy.
Walking enables us to experience the fresh air and the great outdoors – we need to keep moving but often, if our feet hurt, we don’t or can’t walk as much as we would like. At ShoeMed Neil and Julia Howarth and their team will endeavour to keep you moving in comfort.
Prevention is always better then cure so it’s worth looking after our feet with correctly fitted, comfortable footwear, as Julia explains: “Like clothing there is no such thing as a standard fit and feet, like our bodies, are all shapes and sizes.
“Beyond childhood adults rarely have their feet measured, which is ridiculous as our feet change as we get older – they can often become longer, fatter and wider. Hereditary conditions such as bunions, hammer toes and arthritis can also start to materialise so it is really important to have our feet measured, as correctly fitting shoes will help to slow down, prevent and ease these conditions.”
Wearing shoes that are not long enough, wide enough or deep enough can exacerbate or cause hammer and claw toes and can even cause Morton’s Neuroma or Plantar Fasciitis, an extremely painful medical condition that affects the heel. In addition, problem feet can lead to other issues such as problematic or painful knees, hips and backs.
Due to the rocker and soft roll structures of the sole units, brands such as Joya, Waldlaufer, YDA and Finn Comfort have shown that they can ease pressure and pain on the joints in our feet, ankles, knees, hips and back as well as arthritic and bunion pain, Morton’s Neuroma and Plantar Fasciitis. The sole units help to spread our weight across our feet, adjust our posture and walk as nature intended. Our shoes, trainers and sandals also have removable footbeds to accommodate people who are experiencing problems with their feet and have their own orthotics.
To keep healthy and active, we need to keep moving to stop our muscles weakening and keep our bones strong. Osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones, more common in women, but can affect men also, is one of the main factors that causes breakages as we get older. Stable, well fitting, comfortable footwear will help prevent falls, give us more confidence and keep us moving.
Heart disease, a major cause of death in the UK, can be caused by a build-up of fats in our arteries much of which can be prevented by incorporating regular exercise in our daily routine – and walking is free!
“At ShoeMed, we are very different to any other retail shoe shop. We measure and fit shoes, get to know our customers on a personal and professional level, and take time to find the right shoe, which may mean trying several brands, to find the one that fits correctly,” says Julia.
“We’re all guilty of wearing uncomfortable, non-supportive, ill-fitting shoes just because they look good, but comfortable shoes don’t have to be boring or old fashioned. We stock a variety of brands to suit all different shapes and sizes of feet, all of which offer comfort, fit and style.”
Fabulous new spring and summer styles and colours from Finn Comfort, Legero and Waldlaufer are now available at ShoeMed. So, invest in your health by wearing properly fitted, comfortable shoes that will keep you fit for life.
No appointment necessary, but ShoeMed do ask that you allow at least 40 minutes for your first shoe fitting experience.
Visit ShoeMed – so much more than just shoes!
ShoeMed
32D King Street, Clitheroe BB7 2EP
01200 425399
clitheroe@shoemed.co.uk
www.shoemed.co.uk
Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm
