Researchers at the National Institutes of Health report that foot health can provide information about the body's overall health in general. The feet provide clues to conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Maintaining foot health should be a primary concern, of which good shoes play a major role. Children's shoes According to doctors at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), children should be regularly fitted for new shoes as their feet grow. A stiff material should surround the heels, and foot size should be measured while the child is standing. Children's shoes should have adequate arch support and be able to bend naturally as the child moves. A half-inch space should be left between the child's toes and the ends of the shoes, leaving enough room for her to wriggle her toes. High-top shoes or boots are recommended for children who have weak ankles. Shoes should not slip off the back of the foot. Men's shoes The APMA reports that Oxfords are the best shoes for good foot health in men. The styles, typically available in wing-tip or cap-toe models also can be purchased as dressy loafers, slip-ons or boots. Men's shoes should be suited to the type of use they receive as well. Men who work on their feet should have shoes with adequate cushioning inside to ease pressure on the feet. Safety shoes with steel toes that are waterproof or water resistant are essential for men who work with heavy machinery or in industrial situations. Women's shoes Doctors at the APMA report that women should minimize the amount of time spent in high heels for optimum foot health and correct posture. The best shoes for foot health in women are laced walking shoes with backs that are not slip-ons. The best shoes have a polymerized composite sole and a heel that is wide and padded. The ideal heel height for women's shoes is no more than three-quarters of an inch. Walking pumps fashioned after athletic shoes with wide toes and reinforced heels also are healthier options for women's foot health. Athletic shoes Shoes made specifically for various sports are the best choices for athletic shoes. Serious athletes especially should invest in sports-specific shoes that bend naturally with the feet. For example, running shoes should absorb impact with additional padding in the sole, while tennis shoes provide additional support for sudden stops and starts. Cross-trainers are good choices for weekend athletes and children's physical education classes. The most important consideration in athletic footwear is that it's in good condition and not worn out.
