Here in the Bay Area we’re blessed with extremely mild temperatures year round. That said, if you want to protect your little one’s feet on chilly, rainy days, you’ll need to invest in a good pair of boots. Now that the winter sports season has officially begun, if you’re looking to make a day or weekend trip with the family out to Bear Valley, Sugar Bowl, Kirkwood, or Squaw Valley, you’ll need to invest in a good pair of winter boots. Keep some things in mind when fitting boots on your child.

First, sizing. Boot sizes usually don’t precisely match sizes on your everyday sneakers—particularly winter boots, which feature a thick liner and often have to fit over heavy socks (or an extra pair). When fitting boots in the store, make sure your child is wearing the same kind of socks she might wear up in the mountains on a frigid day. It can also be helpful to remove the liner first and make sure that fits. Once the liner is on, put the boot back on over it (with your little one’s feet still inside) and have your child walk around. The fit should be comfortable, but firm enough that the boot doesn’t slide around. Often, the right fit will be around a size larger than your child’s regular shoes.

You want the entire boot to be fully waterproof and weatherproof to shut out snow, rain, moisture, and cold temperatures. Rubber soles and a tall upper made of a fully weatherproof material is a must. Make sure the soles have plenty of grooves, too—especially for little ones still unsure of their gait. Plenty of traction is mandatory for slippery conditions.

Boots are heavier and bulkier to get on and off than regular shoes, so if your child is still having trouble putting on shoes by himself, or need you to do it for him, you want to pick a style that gets on and off easily. Boots that can open wide and then close via Velcro strap, flap, or zipper will be much easier to pull onto a small, squirmy foot.

If you have any questions or concerns about your little one’s foot health or footwear, call (510) 483-3390 and have the experts at Foot Doctor of the East Bay take a look at your child’s feet. We want you and your whole family looking and feeling great this winter—wherever that winter takes you.

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Everything these days has an expiration date. From replacing your makeup and getting an oil change, to that spoiled milk in the refrigerator—even shoe inserts and orthotics need to be replaced after a certain time. So what exactly is the lifespan of an orthotic?

You'd think that with today's advanced technology, shoes would be made to provide your feet with adequate support. This isn't the case. Each individual has a unique foot structure for which a generic shoe cannot provide proper support. This is why we recommend custom orthotics for reducing and eliminating excessive stress and pressure.

Okay, podiatric-prescribed inserts are not as cost effective as over-the-counter versions, but you get what you pay for! Custom orthotics may cost more, but they are specially molded to fit your unique feet and work to correct your foot or ankle abnormalities or deformities—something store bought inserts don’t do. When you receive your custom inserts, you'll need to break them in for one to two weeks. You may feel some discomfort as you're getting used to them.

They will last for several years when cared for properly. When it comes to having to replace orthotics, there are a few things to keep in mind. Have you had your feet checked recently by your podiatrist? Has your foot pain gotten worse or has it gradually made its way back into your life?  

Take the stress off of your lower extremities with custom orthotics. Come in to the Foot Doctor of the East Bay in California today! Our orthotics can help with such conditions as bursitis, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot ulcers, tendonitis, and general foot and ankle discomfort. Give us a call, schedule your appointment online, or visit us in San Leandro, Pleasanton, or Los Gatos, CA. Whether you need to replace your orthotics, or you need new ones, we can help.

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Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the main event in the category of custom orthotics, here in San Leandro, California! Presiding over this match we have the referees, Dr. Michael Stein and Zeindelin Ahmad, DPM. Our first contender, from the red corner, hailing all the way from superstores near you and claiming all-day comfort for working feet, please welcome over-the-counter insert. His opponent in the blue corner, with professional experience and proven long term results, the foot and ankle care knockout, the expert in custom orthotics and provider of exceptional products and services, The Foot Doctor of the East Bay custom orthotic! Who will win this epic showdown? You be the judge!

Ding! Ding! Ding! Round one! Over-the-counter inserts can be helpful for a variety of foot and ankle conditions. They will provide you with comfort, cushion your feet, and support your arches, but they will not correct any biomechanical foot problems or cure your condition. The most common types of shoe inserts are: arch supports, insoles, heel liners, and foot cushions.

Prescription custom orthotics, on the other hand, are constructed from the mold of your unique foot shape— crafted for your feet and your feet alone.  They are specially made devices that work to correct your foot or ankle abnormalities or deformities. They provide your limbs with accurate support and cushioning, while correctly distributing your weight. Clinical research has proven that podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function unmatched by their convenience store counterparts.

Our expert staff will evaluate your feet and ankles and develop an orthotic that accommodates your needs. Our orthotics help the following: plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendonitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and general foot and ankle discomfort. For more information on how an orthotic could serve you and your condition, contact our office today! With three locations to serve you in San Leandro, Pleasanton, or Los Gatos, CA, we can be reached by phone or online! 

Happy feet are healthy feet and yours are happiest when they aren't being crammed and suffocated in ill-fitting shoes. Be good to your feet. We understand that finding the right shoe can be difficult, but it's not impossible.

Your feet will continue to change as you age. They will change in shape, as well as size, which is why you should have them measured before purchasing a new pair of shoes. The majority of us even have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoes to the larger one. Your toes should always have wiggle room. There should be 3/8" - 1/2" of room for you longest toe at the end of each shoe when standing. The ball of your foot should also fit comfortably at the shoes widest point.

Don't get hung up on size. It's only a number. Fit your feet to the feel, not the number on the box. If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn't, back to the shelves! It's not healthy to assume that the shoe will stretch with wear and tear. There should be minimal slipping—the shoe should not slip up and down your heel while walking.

To reduce the risk of skin irritations, it's best to have shoes made of leather and soft, flexible upper materials to match the unique shape of your foot. Keep the heels low for optimum comfort and choose a pair with thick soles for considerable cushioning. 

Wearing the right shoes that fit well can prevent injury and unwanted foot ailments. We're hard enough on our feet already. Cut them a break and give them a little T.L.C. If you have a deformity that makes finding the right shoes difficult, contact Foot Doctor of the East Bay, in San Leandro, Pleasanton, or Los Gatos, CA. Call our office at (510) 483-3390, or schedule your appointment online.

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