Footwear Choice
The comfort of a shoe can vary based on factors like material, fit, alignment, and style
A comfortable and well-fitting shoe is typically characterized by support from the upper, good foot-bed contact, and overall stability. Ill-fitting shoes are often linked to foot pain, especially in the toe area, and can lead to discomfort and pathology. Despite evidence of the negative effects of ill-fitting footwear, many people continue to wear them. Matching foot dimensions to suitable shoe styles can be challenging, especially for orthopaedic shoes. The impact of shoe styling and manufacturing on everyday comfort, especially for younger generations, is not well understood. Stability in footwear is a well-researched area, particularly in athletic and high-heeled shoes. The construction and material properties of the sole can influence stability and comfort. It’s important to prioritize good fitting shoes for everyday wear to minimize discomfort and potential harm.
Our Previous Work
Footwear choices made by young women and their potential impact on foot health
Branthwaite H, Chockalingam N, Grogan S, Jones M.. J Health Psychol 2012;18:1422–31.
Footwear choices for painful feet – an observational study exploring footwear and foot problems in women.
McRitchie M, Branthwaite H, Chockalingam N. J Foot Ankle Res 2018;11:23.
The effect of shoe toe box shape and volume on forefoot interdigital and plantar pressures in healthy females
Branthwaite H, Chockalingam N, Greenhalgh A. J Foot Ankle Res. 2013 Jul 25;6:28. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-6-28.
The impact of different footwear characteristics, of a ballet flat pump, on centre of pressure progression and perceived comfort.
Branthwaite H, Chockalingam N, Greenhalgh A, Chatzistergos P. Foot (Edinb). 2014 Sep;24(3):116-22. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2014.05.004.
Prof. Nachiappan Chockalingam
Professor of Clinical Biomechanics
Helen Branthwaite
Senior Lecturer Clinical Biomechanics
