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Foot Care - Shoes For High Risk Feet Wearing new shoes is one of the commonest precipitating causes of developing foot ulceration. When you buy new shoes wear them at home for 20-30 minutes. Examine your feet for any red marks or abrasions. If they are present either have the shoe stretched or purchase another pair. Never wear new shoes all day. You will need to wear them for 1-2 hours a day and increase this over the week to make sure no problems arise. Check with the shop that you can get a refund if the shoe is not suitable. Take the shoes to the podiatrist before you wear them for advice if they are suitable. Check the inside of your shoes before wearing. There may be rough lining or foreign objects inside your shoe that could rub. Do not wear open toe sandals or thongs. Do not wear your shoes without socks or stockings. Features of a good shoe If you have nerve damage or damage to your blood supply you need to wear shoes that protect your feet and fit well. Shoes are often the cause of a lot of problems.A good shoe should: 
Be leather or a combination of vinyl and mesh. A runner style is often a cheap alternative.
Be deep and wide enough to accommodate the foot. A round toe is preferable.
Have a firm counter (the back of the shoe) which cannot be pushed flat 
Have laces or velcro fasteners to keep the shoe on the foot securely. Have flexible rubber soles approximately 1 cm thick. The inside of the shoe should be smooth and have no rough seems. Put your hands in and feel the lining. Avoid moccasin styles and heavily stitched shoes as the stitching does not stretch. Buy your shoes in the afternoon as feet often swell during the day. Shoes that fit in the morning may not fit in the afternoon. A cardboard outline of your foot can also help you decide if the shoe is wide enough. Put the cardboard in the shoe, if it rolls or creases the shoe is too narrow Features of a good sock
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