“One of the most likely causes of blister formation from fall boots is improper fit. Motion can lead to blisters,” said Dan Michaels, DPM. To avoid this, he recommends getting fitted at the store (where you can walk around in them before buying) and making sure your boots are laced tight enough (if they have…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Ninety percent of people who live in Western society have a tight Achilles tendon due to wearing shoes; this condition is called Achilles equinus. When the leg is perfectly straight, the foot should be able to dorsiflex (move…

  According to Dan Michaels, DPM,  “The soles of your feet don’t have oil glands like other parts of your body, which is one of the reasons why they’re prone to dryness.” Add to that the constant friction you get from walking and the added exposure to the elements during the summer months, and it’s a…

For all-day wear, you want flip-flops that are on par with the most well-constructed sandals and walking shoes. “Look for ones that contain arch supports, rubber soles, and a cushioned footbed,” says Daniel Michaels, DPM. “These characteristics help support our feet and joints when walking on all types of surfaces other than sand.”   The…

Heel spurs are a common foot ailment. “The cause is chronic and repetitive micro-tearing of the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon,” says Dan Michaels, DPM. “Over time, the body deposits calcium where the tearing occurs as a reaction to the tearing.”   When looking for a shoe for heel spurs, Dr. Michaels recommends a rigid sole,…

“I’ve heard people call shoes coffins for your feet,” says Dan Michaels, DPM. That may sound a little dramatic, but “when you wear shoes all day, your foot becomes very passive, and the muscles just don’t work as well.” Shoes will obviously protect your feet from rogue weights, but a minimalist shoe can also protect…

If you’re one of the 20″“30% of Americans with flat feet, meaning that when you stand straight, your arches touch the floor, you might need some more thoughtfully designed shoes. Whether or not your flat feet cause you pain, we can all agree that wearing the right shoes is vital. Slipping your feet into the…

For a pain-free experience while on your nature walk, it’s good to ensure your boots fit you properly. “Hiking boots should fit snugly in width, but not tight,” Dan Michaels, DPM says. “For length, there should be 3/8 inches from the tip of the longest toe to the end of the shoe.” Around the ankles,…

The material and structure of your insole are important factors, but there are plenty of other things to take into consideration when choosing a shoe insert. “You want to look for materials that are semi-resistant, materials that actually provide support,” Dr. Michaels says. “You want something that actually contours the arch and resists bending.”   …

Lighter and usually more comfortable than boots, waterproof sneakers are a smart option for keeping your feet dry in wet weather. Whether you want to wear them for trail running, walking on the beach, or running errands in the rain, waterproof sneakers should be durable and easy to wear.     When shopping, look for…