I’m a podiatrist who has been practicing in the Financial District of San Francisco since 1990. At some point early in my career, I started to realize that many of the foot problems I encountered were directly related to improperly fitting or excessively worn shoes.
Seeing this, I felt both excited and worried at the same time, especially since shoes had never been a point of focus during podiatry school or my orthopedic residency.
So, I did what any shoe loving, problem solving, insatiably curious podiatrist would do – I let my patient’s feet and shoes teach and guide me toward a more comprehensive understanding of shoes, feet, fit and how when ignored, almost certainly leads to pain.
To date I have evaluated over 450,000 pair of shoes on my patient’s feet. Sometimes a person would bring in one or two pair, but usually the average was 10 or 15. My women’s record for the most shoes evaluated during one appointment is 48 pair, My men’s record is 37 pair. I spend up to an hour with each person, evaluating them in every pair of their shoes they have brought in and try on.
I measure people’s feet and check this measurement to their shoe size and fit. I twist, flex, loosen, buckle, tie and play with every component of every pair of shoes brought in. I evaluate wear patterns and compare this to the walking alignment I see. I have helped thousand of people find the right fitting shoe, ranging from a an Ultraman competitive elite athlete to a 17 year old girl with size 10 feet, trying to find a stylish, comfortable 3″ high heel to wear to Junior Senior Prom. I live, breathe and am constantly thinking about the form and function of shoes.
In a word, I am a zealot when it comes to shoes. I am on a mission to change the way Americans shop for shoes. So dust off those sneakers in the far reaches of your closet and put them on because I am going to take you on an interesting, fun, eye-opening adventure. And if we’re lucky, your feet and shoes, will never be the same again.
Welcome, the shoe doc is in…
p.s. For more about Team FDFAC, check out my post http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/shoes-on-the-brain-team-fdfac/
30 responses so far ↓
Ann Whittall // December 15, 2007 at 5:45 AM |
This is a really interesting, diverse and helpful blog. It enlightens by showing “how” and “why” shoes cause pain, and teaches the foot-weary how to become foot-happy. This blog is a wonderful gift to those of us who like shoes and want to wear different types and styles and can now learn how to avoid ill-fitting shoes . You are making us smile!!!!!!! Thank you.
Barbara Lewis // December 16, 2007 at 8:46 PM |
Lots of real-world practical wisdom here. Just like with Dr. Shoe herself, who restored me to the realm of the walking AND helped me find shoes that would keep me that way. The blog’s advice on how to get a shoe to accommodate a bunion is really helpful for me.
Jan // January 5, 2008 at 8:01 PM |
I wish you were in Boston! Have you ever heard of pain on the top of the foot from clogs? I’ve worn Dansko clogs almost exclusively for years and then one pair started to feel tight over the arch. It became painfull. I stopped wearing them but after six months, I still have pain when any shoe, even loose sneakers puts any pressure on that area. It even hurts when I walk in Uggs, or barefoot. Have you run across this before? Jan
The Crippler // January 28, 2008 at 8:43 AM |
Hi Dr. Sanders, I am a roller derby skater from Pittsburgh with some questions you might find interesting. As roller skaters who go almost exclusively counter-clockwise in a small oval at high speed, we have some interesting foot needs. The most popular skate for roller derby, the Riedell 265, creates the same painful problems for nearly all the skaters in our league and in other leagues. If I sent you photos and a detailed description of our foot complaints, would you be willing to make some suggestions? With a few posts to the national roller derby forums linking to your blog, your blog would get hundreds of hits from foot pained rollergirls seeking relief!
Thank you,
The Crippler
#58
Steel City Derby Demons
lynne // February 15, 2008 at 4:26 PM |
Love your site. Thank you!
Elle // February 20, 2008 at 2:26 PM |
Thanks for great info. Could you please provide recommendations for more shoes, both athletic & casual, for women with beginning bunions, wide forefeet, narrow heels. Saucony doesn’t work for me. I’d like to keep my bunions small & wear healthy shoes!
Also, do you know a good podiatrist in the New York City area?
Dr Mitch // March 1, 2008 at 8:48 AM |
I’m a flat footed family physician who stumbled upon your blog-while searching for shoes. I love all your pictures and stories that bring to life your podiatric practice. Plus, I learned so much valuable info that I’ll start sharing with my patients.
John Coté // May 1, 2008 at 8:48 PM |
Hey Dr. Sanders, I love your blog, and I frequent it often to check your new posts! I just heard about this, and knew that you would be interested. Have fun, John Coté – DPM Class 2010. Check it out:
http://byunews.byu.edu/archive08-MAR-capstone.aspx
Andrea // May 27, 2008 at 3:21 PM |
Could you please review the New Balance 767? I have a relatively narrow foot and wear orthotics for my high and collapsing arch. Thanks!
Andrea
Kristen // June 18, 2008 at 9:38 AM |
Very interesting information. I will definitely be linking on our blog about fitting shoes for the larger foot!
–Kristen
Matt Severin // July 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM |
Great blog!!! I truly believe that well-fitting shoes are really important and great contribute to one’s quality of life.
kevin // July 14, 2008 at 12:24 PM |
Just discovered this blog. awesome.
kevin beck // July 24, 2008 at 1:43 PM |
very helpful blog. thanks.
I have a soft tissue swelling (with pain) on the top of my left foot, beneath my ankle and toward my pinky toe. Can’t find any information on it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Peggy // July 30, 2008 at 9:03 AM |
Very interesting and helpful blog, especially for a person who lives in a country where shoes are an obsession!
workaholicrunner // September 1, 2008 at 10:46 AM |
This is the most impressive blog I have read this year. Dr. Sanders please keep up the good work.
Lawsden Walton // September 2, 2008 at 8:47 PM |
Estatic to have found you., thank you! With the exception of sporadic time behind a computer, I am on my feet all day. Dr. Martens loafers and boots are a favorite. Your guidelines are oh so helpful. Keep up the great work!
Ward Sullivan // September 7, 2008 at 9:04 AM |
Jenny, what a great website! As a marathon runner, you have helped with many of my foot and shoe issues I’ve encountered.
One suggestion: Is it possible to add a search feature to quickly find specific topics on your site? For example, my mom wanted to find info on Morton’s neuroma.
Thank you,
Eva Young // September 24, 2008 at 7:25 PM |
Hi Jenny,
I am a physiatrist in Seattle and spend a lot of time on my feet doing procedures. I have worn Danskos for years since residency, but have never been satisfied with them. I have a very shallow foot (but regular width) and have nearly sprained my ankles multiple times from the excessively loose fit. Can you recommend any brands that make a more snug-fitting clog for shallow feet?
Thanks much and great website – I will definitely refer patients to it!
Eva
girl_geek // October 21, 2008 at 12:31 PM |
Excellent website! I was wondering if it would be possible for you to recommend some shoes with extra depth that don’t look like like the traditional orthopedic shoe? I have very high arches and just bought my first custom orthotics but have not yet found a pair of shoes that work with them. To make it more complicated, my forefoot seems to be an average or maybe slightly wide width, but my heels are very narrow! Most shoes I’ve tried that have enough depth in the arch are much too wide for my heel so my heel slips out of the shoe, while shoes that fit in the heel tend to be tight in the toes or instep. I also have slightly curved toes (like a very mild case of hammertoes) so I need some depth in the forefoot too.
Thanks!
Mike // October 29, 2008 at 10:33 PM |
I was recently diagnosed with functional hallux limitus after developing a strong interest in hiking (and having never done any other long distance running, or walking type things before that) Do you have any recommendations for a good hiking boot/shoe? I’m currently using Montrail CTC.. Thanks,
Mike
bards // November 9, 2008 at 10:26 PM |
Great blog! Im about to get myself another pair and your reviews are very helpful.
Deb // November 14, 2008 at 11:33 AM |
Thank you so much for this brilliant website. Has anybody ever asked you this question: DonT you think the majority shoes are built just plain wrong? Most of my adult life I’ve been the equivalent of 9.5WWW and not a big or high foot either, just wide – including MY TOES, like the inverted triangle you so cleverly drew elsewhere. Except for the occasional Croc or Birkie, I don’t even SEE shoes (including orthopedic) that remotely resemble my FEET! I’m wondering what you think! Deb
Kent Basson // November 21, 2008 at 12:39 PM |
Hello, Dr. Jenny. I thought you might want to know about my site, OddShoeFinder.com, that allows users to buy and sell mismatched pairs of shoes. It was created for the millions of people who must wear a different sized shoe on each foot. I wish you were here in the DC area because I have trouble finding shoes that fit. Thanks!
Kent
Paula // December 1, 2008 at 9:47 AM |
Hello, Dr. Jenny. I appreciate your blog and find it very useful. I was wondering if you could advise me on how to find a good podiatrist and shoe store. I had a great podiatrist years ago when I was living in another state. Since I moved, I can’t seem to find one that knows or cares about fitting shoes. The one I have now just tells me to go to the local athletic shoe store, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone at the store who knows how to fit running shoes (or any other shoes). They just bring out the shoe boxes, leave me to try on the shoes myself, and then ask me how the shoes feel. I have narrow, shallow feet and pronate when I run, so I need help fitting shoes. What can I do in this situation?
Aurelia // January 5, 2009 at 8:04 AM |
This is a great work and a great blog! I discovered today that I have high-arched feet and was wondering what kind of shoes are good for my type of foot. I hope to find an answer here!
Larry Golob // January 30, 2009 at 11:01 AM |
Dr. Jenny,
As a patient, I fully appreciate your advice and expertise. As you suggest your dedication to finding the right shoe is unmatched. Today, I am faced with a dilemma. After trying on multiple pairs of running shoes I found the Saucony Stabil 6 to fit the best. Unfortunately, as I train for the Avenue of the Giants marathon I find the Stabil 6 discontinued. Saucony suggests the ProGrid Stabil CS as the best replacement. Can you comment on the differences between the models? Thanks
Charlie // February 17, 2009 at 7:46 PM |
Dr. Jenny,
Thank you for your shoe advice!
rich cieresewski // May 30, 2009 at 9:00 PM |
Dr Jenny, I work in a great running store in Kalamazoo mi and we do all the stuff FLeet Feet does and have been one of the top independent stores for the last three years. I found your sight by luck and it is my go to site for real shoe info. I LOVE IT.keep up the work. I find so many runners so uninformed about shoe footwear and how important the proper FIT is
Joy // June 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM |
I wish you were in Texas!
I have experienced years of unsatisfactory treatment, advice, shoe-fitting, etc. I have extremely flat feet, bunions and narrow heel. I just spent a few hours staying up late, reading every post and looking at Zappos. I have a few running shoes in the cart, but I also modified my Brooks infiniti (cut out the trim to reveal mesh only where it hits my bunions). I can’t wait to try them out tomorrow.
I have learned more reading this blog than I have in the past 2 years trying to figure out my increasingly painful feet and knees (due to my overpronation, I believe). I never knew the difference b/n the types of rubber used for the soles in athletic shoes – now I know to look for the dark grey where I need it. Also, the lacing tricks seem so simple, what a great idea!
This blog is a tremendous resource. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being so generous with your expertise. My pre-teen daughter inherited my feet, unfortunately, and I hope to also be able to help her avoid the problems I have using the recommendations from this blog.
Ken // June 20, 2009 at 7:32 PM |
Hi Dr. Sanders!
Great blog. I live on the east coast, or I’d come in directly to be evaluated. I read in one of your reviews that you don’t like the Nimbus 1o from Asics. This shoe was recommended to me as a neutral runner with high arches and problems with shin splints and IT band soreness. Can you elaborate on your problems with the Nimbus 10?
Thank you so much!