It is finally the season for sandals here in Central New York! It may not seem important to invest in a pair of seasonal footwear, but the type of sandal you wear can greatly impact your foot health. Here are some tips to consider when going to buy your sandals.

• Look for shoes that have:
  • thick, non-flexible soles to prevent inflammation, joint pain, and injuries associated with excessive motion within the foot joints.
  • at least one strap at the back of the shoe to maximize heel control. Not having a strap to ground the back of the foot means your foot will be subjected to a lot of stress during walking.
  • supportive arches. Ideally, you can place a custom orthotic or arch support within the shoe to allow for proper foot movement.
  • a wide toe box to allow for plenty of room to avoid conditions like bunions or hammertoes.
• Although sandals can be easy to wear and tempting in hot temperatures, not everyone should wear them. People who have diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation, and those who require ankle-foot braces to prevent falls should avoid sandals.
• For recommendations on specific sandals, visit the American Podiatric Medical Association website to view the list of products with the APMA Seal of Acceptance/Approval.

Sandals are not as supportive as athletic footwear, so extra precaution should be taken to avoid injuries like ankle sprains. Visit our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico at Syracuse Podiatry for any discomfort or pain, whether it’s an injury, heel pain, toe deformities like bunions and hammertoes, or conditions related to diabetes or arthritis. Dr. D’Amico specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and sees patients of all ages, so no matter what your problem, he can help! Please contact us or call our Fayetteville office at (315) 446-3668 to schedule an appointment!