1 Foot 2 Foot

The Shoe Fits is Suffolk’s first and only comfort fashion shoe store featuring footwear and related products for the entire family. Our fit specialists ensure that your feet are matched to footwear designed to maximize your foot function and comfort. With a focus on care rather than profit, you can be assured that no shoe will be sold that doesn’t fit appropriately. Respect, honesty, integrity and kindness - it’s how Dr. Dairman treats his patients and it’s how we treat our customers.

We will spend on average 30-45 minutes with each guest to perform a thorough foot-fitting evaluation.  We will help you find the best shoe and arch support combination that can put your feet in balance, and thereby improve the alignment of the rest of your body.  Our inventory is hand selected and approved by the physicians of 1Foot 2Foot.

 We employ a 3-Step Fitting System:

1. Measure both feet on a Brannock device
2. Evaluate your gait cycle as you walk
3. Scan your feet with the Aetrex iStep

The iStep by Aetrex Worldwide is a groundbreaking advance in digital foot scanning technology. Using 1,024 barometric sensors and the patented Footwear Integration Technology, the iStep will capture your digital foot scan and identify all pressure points along with providing an accurate foot measurement. This state-of-the-art technology will also help select the ideal footwear and foot orthotics for your specific foot care needs.

What is the best shoe for me?

Choosing the right athletic shoe for a sport can be confusing. Each sport has shoes designed for specific demands. Athletic shoes protect the feet from the stresses of a given sport. If you take part in a sport three or more times per week, it is likely you need a shoe designed for that sport.

Differences in weight, width, soles, materials, lacing patterns, and cushioning are needed for each sport.

• Running shoes: Running shoes should be lightweight and have cushioning to absorb the impact of each stride. Running should also be fitted to how your foot is shaped. See our Running Shoe Guide.
• Walking shoes: Walking shoes are more rigid then running shoes and designed to roll from heel to toe.
• Basketball shoes: Basketball shoes have a thick stiff sole and must provide more side to side ankle support for sudden starts and stops. Basketball shoes need support on the inside and the outside of your foot and ankle.
• Tennis and other racquet sport shoes: These must also allow for the quick side-to-side movements and support on the inside and outside of the foot.
• Field sport shoes: These usually have cleats, spikes, or studs. Track and field shoes need to meet the needs of the person, as do other specialty sport shoes such as those for golf and bicycling.

Select a sport-specific shoe based on comfort, fit, and cost. Brand name, special features, and price mean nothing if the shoe does not fit comfortably. Shoes that fit right decrease the chance for injury. This is particularly true for walkers and runners. What about cross-training shoes?

Cross trainers combine several features of the above shoes such as flexibility and lateral control. Cross-training shoes may be good enough in some cases. Sport-specific athletic shoes are generally better. Be sure the shoes have good cushioning and shock absorption for the heel and the ball of the foot. Learn about the size and shape of your feet. Know where the soles of your other shoes wear down fastest. Shoe manufactures make shoes specific not only for the demands of the sport, but also for the different foot types.

What should I do when trying on shoes?

Follow these guidelines when trying on shoes:

• Try on shoes at the end of the day or after a workout because feet have a tendency to swell.
• Have both feet measured, being sure to stand and having your weight evenly divided on both feet. Feet get larger as you grow older.
• Wear the same type of sock you will be wearing most often.
• Try on both shoes and walk or jog in them.
• Make sure there is one-half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Make sure your heel does not slip.
• Make sure the shoe is comfortable right away. There should be no "breaking in" period.

Consider taking a pair of worn shoes when purchasing new ones. The salesclerk can then see your pattern of wear on the shoes. The arch of your foot falls into one of three categories: Low-arched, neutral-arched, or high-arched. The type of arch determines whether your foot has a tendency to roll in or out during sports activities. If you have a low arch, your ankle rolls inward when you walk, and your shoe shows more wear on the inside that means you may over-pronate. If you have a high arch , have a tendency to walk on the outside of your foot, and your shoe shows more wear on the outside, then you probably over-supinate. Some people just slightly pronate or supinate. If you can't tell if you pronate or supinate, you probably have a fairly neutral foot. People who pronate need shoes with more stability. Supinators need more cushion and flexibility.

Also, women with wide feet may want to consider men's shoes which are wider through the heel and the ball of the foot. If you have a bunion or hammertoe, look for shoes with a wide toe box so your toes may move freely.

How often do I need to replace athletic shoes?

And finally, remember that athletic shoes wear out. Even though they may still feel comfortable, they may not be giving you good support. You may not be able to see the wear and tear. Replace them if the soles are worn or you get new aches and pains.

The midsoles (bottom cushiony part of the shoe) tend to lose their effectiveness after 600 miles or 600 hours of use, depending on how much you weigh and the material used in the shoe. Some runners buy two pair of shoes at a time and alternate them from day to day. This method is fine, but it's also important to note that shoes have a "shelf-life." The midsole will eventually lose its ability to absorb shock, even if the shoes haven't been worn for several years.

Remember, brands and styles change every year, so the shoe that works for you this year might not be the best shoe for you next year.

Child shoes... with so many children's shoes out there, exactly what should parents buy? Should we only put our children in brand name shoes?

These are the commonly asked questions coming from concerned parents when looking to purchase their child shoes. In essence the brand of shoe is irrelevant. By keeping a few points in mind, shoes can be found that will not only be appropriate and supportive for your child, but also cost effective.

Here are just a few things to keep in mind when purchasing your child shoes. If you have any concerns regarding shoe suitability, then consult you Podiatrist:

• The most important factor for children’s shoes is that they fit properly.
  This means always having them fitted professionally by someone trained in fitting child shoes.
  
  Children should also be measured for shoes every three months or so. This does not necessarily mean they need new shoes, but if they are measured every three months we can be assured that the current shoes are still fitting correctly. A correctly fitted shoe should have a thumb space clearance at the end of the longest toe, and should not compress either side of the foot at any point, especially not the front of the foot.


• The last (sole) of your child's shoe should be relatively straight. The sole of the shoe should appear straight, not curving towards the inside of the shoe. This is because a child's foot is very straight and does not often curve towards the inside as with many adults.


• Laces, buckles and velcro fasteners help to keep the foot back in the heel of the shoe.
  This allows the forefoot to function properly and efficiently and also reduces forward pressure onto the toes. If purchasing sandals look for two adjusting straps, one across the forefoot and one to secure the rear of the foot back in the shoe.


• Childrens shoes should bend only at the ball of the foot where the toes bend and not through the arch.


• The heel counter should be firm and feel snug as this helps to keep the heel stable.


• Leather uppers are preferred for its durability and its ability to breathe.
  When purchasing your child shoes, avoid synthetic man made materials unless the upper is an open weave fabric.


• Soft, cushioning non-slip soles are preferred.
  This helps to decrease jarring through the foot, leg and spine. Avoid hard sole materials (eg. leather soles).


• Torsional twisting motion should be minimal.
  Only a small amount of twisting motion should be available in a stable shoe.


• A shoe with a low heel is preferable.
  Increased heel height, ultimately affects the entire body as there is an increase in load and force placed on the forefoot. This causes the body's centre of gravity to shift forward, calf muscles shorten, muscles and ligaments fatigue as they are forced to work overtime to keep you balanced. This leads to an increase of stress placed on the lower back and thus body posture is affected. A heel height of less then one inch or 25mm is appropriate.


• The heel base of a shoe needs to be broad.
  The smaller and narrower the heel base is, the less contact your child has with the ground thereby affecting your child's stability.

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist, your Doctor or your foot specialist.

Diabetic shoes are available for all Medicare-qualified patients with compromised circulation. We can provide shoes in a variety of styles: all come with up to three pairs of custom inserts. Extra width and depth in the toe and forefoot area help prevent pressure on swollen feet bunions, hammertoes and other foot problems. Medicare and Medicare supplements generally cover the entire cost of these comfortable shoes that protect diabetics while they walk. For more information, please contact us.