Andrew BernhardKent State University College of Podiatric MedicineSt. Joseph Medical Center – Houston, TX

• Shoes have been around since at least 7500 BCE

• Otzi the Iceman died around 3300 BCE with shoes on

• Romans wore sandals similar to todays around the beginning of the common era.

• Modern shoes, with sewn-on soles, have been produced since the 17th century

• This is the modern athletic shoe.• It’s composed of three major parts,

with variable components for each.

• Male Shoes• Oxfords or Balmorals• Derbys or Bluchers•Monk Shoe• Slip-On Shoes

• Female Shoes• High Heels•Mules• Slingbacks• Ballet Flats

• Very common footwear, especially down here.

• They extend up the leg and can be for men or women.

• Types:•Work boots• Cowboy boots• Hiking boots• Snow boots• Dress boots

• These do not really fit into any major category

• They are currently very common in the US, though• Clogs• Sandals• Boat Shoes• Slippers

• These shoes stand to offer the best in fit, comfort, and control

• Can sometimes not be worn due to restrictions at work or in social situations

• Can be easily modified with orthotic inserts

• Are designed to be sport-specific

• Determined by an individuals needs, including level of activity, appearance, and pathologies present.

• Some need more control while others need more support.

• Most people will do best in an athletic shoe, from the podiatry aspect.

• Shoes should be fit on two basic considerations: arch type and motion available

• Arch types include rectus, pes cavus, or pes planus

• Motions are generally described in regards to the subtalar joint:• Overpronators, Pronators,

and Underpronators• There are three basic

shoe constructs for these foot types:• Motion control, Stability,

and Cushioned shoes

• These shoes are best for patients with pes planus, those who overpronate, and those who are overweight.

• The shoes are more stable, rigid, and are bulkier.

• They may offer a medial post to provide suppor along the arch.

• These are best for a “normal” foot; a rectus foot that pronates normally.

• The shoe is moderately rigid, especially at toe-off, with adequate cushioning.

• It is not designed to control motion or provide cushioning, but simply walk the line.

• These shoes are probably the least used; a small percent of the population has a cavus foot.

• With a lack of pronation, there is more force on the plantar lateral foot.

• These shoes tend to have flexible outsoles and extensive shock absorption.

• By checking wear patterns, we can accurately and easily determine a patients gait pattern.

• Selecting the perfect shoe may not be important for everyone.

• Patients presenting to a podiatry clinic, however, will have benefit from proper shoegear.

• Diabetes, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and fat pad atrophy are just some conditions that highlight the need for specific shoes.

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• Gould N. “Shoes and Shoe Modification” Disorders of the Foot. Jahss MH Ed. Saunders. 1982: 1745-1782.

• McPoil TG. “Athletic footwear: Design, performance and selection issues” Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2000. Vol 3 (3): 260-267.

• Smith LS. “Athletic Footwear” Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 1986. Vol 3 (4): 637-647.

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• Yamashita MH. “Evaluation and Selection of Shoe Wear and Orthoses for the Runner” Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics. 2005. Vol 16: 801-829.