Signs Your Shoes Are the Wrong Size
Pain and discomfort are some obvious signs that your shoes are the wrong size, but sometimes that is less clear. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to check your shoe size.
- Bruising on your toenails - Shoes that are laced too tight can compress the toenails as well, but conversely, a shoe that isn't laced tightly enough will allow your foot to slide too far forward, banging your nails against the front end of the shoe - ultimately leading to badly bruised toenails.
- Toenail loss or damage - Sliding feet can slide your toes right into the toe box of your shoes, hitting them harder than they would if your shoes were fitted. The trauma of this can sometimes cause your toenails to break the skin and become infected.
- Blisters - Shoes or boots that are too large allow the foot to move too much while running, tabbing or yomping which causes unnecessary rubbing on areas of the foot known as “hot-spots” these then can result in blisters forming.
- Calluses - Tight or ill-fitting shoes are thought to be the main cause of most corns and calluses. Sometimes a rough seam or stitching in a shoe may rub enough to cause a corn. The aim is to wear shoes that reduce pressure and rubbing on the toes and forefeet.
- Heel pain - If your feet hurt first thing in the morning plantar fasciitis may be to blame. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by the inflammation of your plantar fascia. It can be triggered by flat feet or by a sudden increase in your activity, such as training for a marathon. An excellent way to combat this would be adding suitable insoles/footbeds into your LOWA military boots.
- Bunions - A bunion looks like a bump at the base of your big toe, but it’s actually your joint jutting outward. When the big toe is pressed too much - like being crammed into a pair of narrow stilettos - pressure is placed on the joint, and it becomes red and tender. Bunions can develop from conditions like arthritis, but narrow shoes make the symptoms worse. If you already have bunions, avoid narrow or pointy shoes. Wearing appropriate footwear with a low heel is one of the best things you can do to manage mild bunions.
How To Ensure Your LOWA Military Boots Are The Perfect Fit
How many hours do you spend wearing your LOWA boots? Over time you will spend countless hours wearing your work boots - that is why it is imperative that these fit perfectly to avoid the above occurring! Whilst all of our LOWA boots are extremely comfortable, it is important that you are selecting the perfect size and shoes for you. Here are our 4 top tips on how to make your LOWA boots fit perfectly for you.
- Wiggle room is key - To avoid issues such as ingrown toenails, you need to make sure that your LOWA Military Boots (or safety boots) have a slight bit of room in the front of the boots to enable you to move your toes around. The main reason your toes need adequate room is that your feet swell up over the course of any workday – this is a fact that most personnel and even employers choose to ignore.
- Securing your heel is essential - When purchasing work boots always ensure that your heel, ankle, and forefront are securely in place with ‘minimal slippage’ and also some wiggle room for your toes. They should never feel too tight; they must give your feet a snugly feel across the width of the boot. Sticking by this tip will mean that you will not face painful blisters.
- Have a walk around - You would not buy a car before taking it for a test drive first, therefore why would you buy shoes and not take a small walk in them? When having a ‘walk around’ test, always ensure you do so on a carpet, just in case you need to return or replace them. As you walk, pay close attention to the bending of the boot and look out for any hotspots or rubbing. If you feel them right away, then they will most likely get worse over time and even cause blistering.
- Always try boots on with a pair of socks - You need to make sure that when trying out a new pair of work boots you have your socks on for the most comfortable fit. Boot socks are thicker than athletic socks, and they offer you additional padding in the heel and toe areas. The padding helps by reducing the chances of having any hot spots or blisters.
