Why Footwear Matters
- Christina Serzan, PT, DPT
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Here’s how the right shoes support your recovery:
🔹 Alignment & Posture: Proper shoes help align your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine—reducing unnecessary strain and promoting healthy movement patterns.
🔹 Shock Absorption: Good shoes cushion impact, reducing stress on your joints (especially knees and lower back).
🔹 Support & Stability: A supportive shoe keeps your foot in a neutral position, which helps prevent overpronation (foot rolling inward) or supination (foot rolling outward).
🔹 Injury Prevention: Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, shin splints, and even hip or back pain.
Common Footwear Mistakes
❌ Worn-out soles or heels
❌ Fashion over function (flat slip-ons, flip-flops, unsupportive sneakers)
❌ Shoes that are too small, too big, or too narrow
❌ Ignoring foot type (flat feet, high arches, etc.)
Tips for Choosing the Right Footwear
Know Your Foot Type
Flat feet? High arches? Wide forefoot? A physical therapist can help assess your foot mechanics and recommend the right type of shoe.
Match Shoes to Activity Running shoes are not ideal for walking or weight lifting. Choose shoes based on your main activity—each is designed to support different motions.
Replace Regularly Athletic shoes lose their support after 300–500 miles (or about every 6–12 months depending on use).
Test the Fit Your foot should feel snug but not tight. Make sure there’s a thumb’s width of space at the toe and that your heel doesn’t slip.
Bring Shoes to PT Appointments Your therapist can evaluate your current footwear and make personalized recommendations.
Special Cases
Post-surgical or orthopedic patients may need medical-grade shoes or custom orthotics.
Seniors or those with balance issues benefit from shoes with a wide base, non-slip soles, and minimal heel lift.
Athletes often require sport-specific footwear that supports explosive movement or impact.
Your Shoes Are Therapy, Too
Don’t underestimate the power of what’s on your feet. The right footwear can enhance your comfort, performance, and progress in physical therapy—while the wrong shoes can undermine all your hard work.
Next time you lace up, ask yourself: Are these shoes helping or hurting my recovery?
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