Shoe and Footwear FAQs
Can my shoes be resoled?
Why are some shoes so expensive? Where do the $$$ come in?
Help! Why do I have sweaty feet?
Are loose fitting shoes good to wear at home to rest my feet?
I spend all day standing up and my feet get so tired? Any suggestions?
Are the fit of socks and stockings important?
Can my shoes be resoled?
In most cases, yes, provided the structure of the shoe is intact so that suitable
soling material can be attached.
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Why are some shoes so expensive? Where do the $$$ come in?
The construction of a shoe can be highly complex and within this construction,
a wide range of materials are used. For example, the 'uppers' or top part of
the shoe can be selected from leathers which vary according to type of animal,
quality, durability, softness and finish. The shoe can be unlined, or have waterproof,
wool, leather or synthetic lining. Other variables are:-
- Footbed type insoles - these are constructed from hi-tech shock absorbing, breathable materials which support the foot.
- Sole material - can be leather, dual density shock absorbing type, crepe, latex, vibram, rubber.
- Type of construction.
- Design.
Help! Why do I have sweaty feet?
This can be helped by trying the following remedies :-
- Wash feet daily, rinse and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Rub them with some surgical spirit and then lightly powder them with a foot powder to reduce the friction between the skin and foot coverings.
- Shoes should be aired after wearing as a large proportion of moisture is absorbed by them and they need to dry out. If possible, don't wear one pair of shoes for two consecutive days.
- Socks/stockings need to be changed every day and washed between wearings.
- A foot bath of potassium permanganate is a good remedy. But do not use too much! - six crystals to a bowl of water should be sufficient. ? Whenever possible, set you feet free in the fresh air and sunshine!
- Tight footwear should not be worn. ? If none of these measures prove effective, then seek advice from a foot care professional.
Are loose fitting shoes good to wear at home to rest my
feet?
Sloppy shoes will provide comfort in the short term, but if you wear them for
too long and too often, then your feet will spread and it will be difficult
to wear a well-fitting shoe.
I spend all day standing up and my feet get so tired? Any
suggestions?
- Any shoe that helps prevent the foot rolling inwards should be worn whenever a great deal of standing is required. Therefore a good pair of walking shoes will be better than soft, unsubstantial shoes.
- Try an old fashioned remedy by taking an alternate hot and cold foot bath at night, finishing with a final bath in hot water then drying your feet briskly with a rough towel. Your feet will love you for it!
- And taking half an hours break, once a day, to rest with your feet up is a very relaxing, not only for the feet, but for the whole body.
Are the fit of socks and stockings important?
Yes! Socks and stockings are in intimate contact with your foot and if short,
can exert a considerable backward force upon the toes. The important point to
remember is that if the foot is stretching the sock/stocking, then the sock/stocking
is compressing your foot. It is just as important that your toes should lie
flat in the sock as that they should lie flat in the shoe.