THE BEST SHOE- ONE FOO/ANKLE DOCTORS OPINION:

SO YOU WOULD LIKE TO REALLY KNOW THE MOST COMFORTABLE TYPE OF SHOE AND WHAT SHOE IS BEST FOR YOUR FEET.

In order to tell you what the best shoe is, I must describe the different areas of the shoe.
First, let us look at the SOLES of shoes.

Our parents always thought that thin leather soles are best.  Well, parents did not know best.  The best material for a shoe sole is actually thick soft rubber crepe soles or foam soles like the ones in running shoes.

The HEEL COUNTER, is the area on either side of the heel area.  Believe it or not, people are better off with a high top type heel area.  This could be in an athletic shoe or a standard shoe.  The reason is because the high top 'heel counter' gives you what we call better proprioception during walking or athletics.  This simply means that the brain has better control related to the foot, ankle and leg.
Also, the 'ankle sprain' is the most common foot injury.  The high top shoe helps afford more control of the ankle turning under or spraining.

The TOE BOX of the shoe, or the area where to toes sit, should be roomy and not tight.  Tight toeboxes of shoes can actually cause callouses or thick skin on the toes and even in the toenails.
A LACE shoe is also better than a slip on shoe.  The foot needs perfect compression around the forefoot and laces always adjust to that.

And finally, the UPPER MATERIAL of the shoe.  The softer the better in general.  Soft leathers and padded soft athletic shoes come to mind.

What to try what I consider the shoe of the future?
    Try the HOKA ONE ONE high top athletic shoes.  Let me know what you think...

DR ANDREW CARVER
FARRAGUT FOOT AND ANKLE
1040 17TH ST NW
WASHINGTON, DC
WWW.DRANDKREWCARVER.COM
202 296-2424

ARE YOUR BIG TOENAILS SORE OR A BIT TENDER ON THE SIDES? IT IS PROBABLY A CLASSIC "Ingrown Toenail"

Ingrown toenails happen when the edges of the large toenails are longer or curved into the skin.
They cause mild to moderate discomfort on the sides of the big toenails.
Nothing conservative like nail trimming on the sides, will actually cure the problem.
This problems can actually go on to a toe infection and even amputation is worse case scenarios.
The best treatment is a minor procedure in the office by a qualified podiatrist to numb the toe and remove the ingrown borders permanently.  Patients can get it wet the next day and athletics can resume within a few days.
Don't suffer with pain on the sides of your great toe!!

DR ANDREW CARVER
FARRAGUT FOOT AND ANKLE
1039 17TH ST NW
WASHINGTON DC 20036
WWW.DRANDREWCARVER.COM
202 296-2424