what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
terms are not standardized and the manufacturers use them at their
discretion, therefore it is necessary to know the measurements in relation
to the descriptors of the width measurement.
Heel seat
If this is too narrow then the heel will not sit properly on the seat of the
shoe and the heel counter may distort. If the dimensions of the foot in
this area are large enough to distort the shoe, referral for wider stock
footwear may be a good option. If the heel seat is too wide, as may be
the case with very narrow feet, the back of the shoe will slip off and there
may be side-to-side movement. A supplier of extra narrow retail footwear
should be found (for example, James Inglis; see
http://www.jamesinglis.
com
).
Heel counter
The it of the heel seat and heel counter are essential for the overall
it of the footwear and if these areas do not it, the whole it is
compromised. If the heel counter is too low or too soft then the foot
will feel unstable and this area will distort and wear out quickly. Once
the heel counter has collapsed, the upper and the sole unit will rapidly
wear out.
If the top-line of the heel counter is too hard, it will dig into the Achilles
tendon or the malleoli and may cause blisters.
Instep
There should be one inger width between the facings when the shoes
are laced up. If the instep is too loose with the laces fastened, there is
too much volume in this area. In this case often the facings overlap when
the shoes are fastened. Conversely, if the facings are pushed apart by
oedema or bandages, or if the arch of the foot is very high, it may be
necessary to refer for specialist therapeutic footwear to accommodate
these problems.
Entry to the footwear
If the entry is too wide or deep, the foot will slide forward in the shoe and
the heel will slip at the back. This can be compensated for in some
instances by putting a liner in the shoe or padding the tongue of the shoe
to prevent slippage forward.
