By Gracia Chiang

FOOTNOTES

Children's shoes

* Must be wide over the toes to allow movement.
* Shoe size must be evaluated regularly.
* Avoid buying shoes that are a size bigger in order to save money.
* They should not be able to slide on and off easily.
* Should have devices such as laces, buckles or velcro straps that should be fastened properly.

Sports shoes

* Should be designed for a specific sporting activity as they are made to withstand and decelerate forces that the foot would be subjected to by that sport.
* Generally, those with high arches are encouraged to get cushioning sports shoes while those with flat feet would be better off in a stability shoe.

Shoes for seniors

* Should not be too heavy as the elderly tend to have weaker leg muscles.
* Should have more cushioning as the natural fat pad on the bottom of their feet may be worn out due to ageing due to ageing.
* Should have low heels.
* Should have wider base for more stability.
* Should have devices such as laces, buckles or velcro straps.

Shoes for problem feet such as flat feet or bunions

* Must be wide enough to accommodate the deformity across the ball of the foot with extra depth in the toe-box.
* Should have wider base for better support.
* Need firm heel counter to stabilise the heel.
* Should have devices such as laces, buckles or velcro straps.

Sensible shoes for a girls' night out

* Low heel (not more than 1 inch).
* Wide heel.
* Wider toe-box.
* Higher cut over the top of the foot.
* Covered backs or those with a strap around the ankle

Shoes for those who stand for long hours

* Low heel (not more than 1 inch).
* Good quality rubber sole instead of hard leather.
* Well-padded insole that provides cushioning.
* Good fit to allow for expansion and swelling of the feet
* Firm heel counter.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Dec 11, 2008.