Feet and Footwear

Taking good care of your feet is very important, as issues like overgrown toenails, loss of sensation, and ill-fitting footwear can lead to discomfort, difficulty walking, and reduced stability.

Foot Care for Independence

Being aware of and keeping an eye out for possible foot health concerns can help you to identify problems earlier on, allowing you to seek support before they become a bigger issue. It’s important to wash and dry your feet well and regularly check for any new concerns, such as corns & calluses, overgrown or ingrown toenails, bunions, or sore areas. 

One simple step you can take to maintain your foot health is trimming your toenails. Doing so after bathing, when they are softer, can make the process more manageable. 

Professional Foot Care

If you are unsure about the best way to care for your feet or have specific foot concerns, consider consulting a podiatrist or chiropodist. They are trained professionals who can provide expert guidance on foot care and address any issues you may be experiencing. This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, as foot complications can be more severe in this group.

Choosing the Right Footwear

The type of footwear you choose can significantly impact your comfort and stability. Here are some recommendations:

• Choose shoes that provide protection and support for your feet. Look for non-slip soles that are not overly thick.
• Ideally Flat or low-heeled shoes with a broad, stable heel base.

Secure Fastening

• Ideally, shoes should have laces, Velcro straps, or buckle fastenings.
• The shoe should hold the foot firmly and prevent heel slippage.
• Avoid backless slippers, mules, and flip-flops.

Firm Heel Counter

• The hard part at the back of the shoe helps keep your foot straight and stable when you walk.  This is particularly important for patients with reduced balance or muscle weakness.

Skip-resistant Outsole

• Ideally, shoes should have a rubber sole with good tread pattern.
• Provides traction on wet and smooth surfaces.
• Worn or smooth soles should be replaced.

Appropriate Sole Stiffness

• Aim for a moderately firm sole rather than excessively soft cushioning.  This allows better sensory feedback from the ground while maintaining stability.

Adaquate width and fit

• Wide enough toe box to accommodate deformities such as hallux valgus, claw toes, or oedema.
• Shoes should not be too loose as this can increase instability.

High Collar Footwear/ Ankle Supportive Footwear

For patients with significant balance deficits, mild ankle instability, or proprioceptive loss, a shoe with a higher collar may improve stability.

Footwear to Avoid

• Slippers without a fastening
• Backless shoes or mules
• Flip-flops
• Socks alone on hard floors
• Soft, worn, or excessively cushioned footwear that allows excessive foot movement within the shoe
• Avoid high heels or wedge heels.
• Avoid backless or loose-fitting footwear, as they can increase the risk of tripping and cause instability.

If you have any concerns relating to footwear, you can seek further support from your healthcare professional or GP who can provide advice and support and may be able to refer you onto an orthotics service.

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Find local help and support

If you need advice, practical help, equipment, home support, care services or local activities and exercise classes, visit Help and Contacts to find services and support available in your area.

Find local support

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Further information and resources

You may also find the following organisations and resources useful for more information, advice and support related to this topic.

How to look after your feet - Age UK
Find podiatrists and chiropodists services - NHS

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