Wider shoes for those crunchy autumn walks
AUTUMN is a wonderful time for walking. The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy beneath your feet and the British countryside comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colours. But what if you suffer with swollen feet and can’t find shoes to fit? Without the right footwear, getting out and about can become a challenge. People of all ages can be affected by swollen feet for all sorts of reasons. Medical conditions, poor circulation, foot and ankle injuries, pregnancy or even the side effects of medication can cause feet and legs to swell. It’s a problem that affects many people yet finding footwear to fit isn’t always easy. ‘I would recommend looking for shoes with a wide heel seat and increased depth,’ says orthopaedic footwear consultant, Gwenda Carter. ‘It’s also important that your footwear has an adjustable fastening, such as Velcro or a lace, so that you can adjust it if your feet tend to swell as the days goes on. And do choose the right time of day to try on footwear,’ she adds. ‘Early morning isn’t ideal as the feet may only have moderate swelling and later in the day they’re likely to be at their most swollen. ‘It’s best to try new footwear on sometime around the middle of the day to get the most accurate fit.’ If you can’t find suitable footwear on the High Street, it’s worth searching online for retailers that specialise in footwear for extra wide or swollen feet. You may also find that your doctor or podiatrist can recommend an appropriate retailer.