Shoe stability tests are important for everyone who wears shoes. If that describes you, you need to take some time to learn how to assess your shoes properly to make sure they are appropriately stable and that they fit properly.

Most of us are more concerned about how our shoes look than how well they fit, or whether they are appropriate for our feet. When we're young, our bodies accommodate to a lot of stresses we place on them. One of these stresses is inappropriate footwear. It may be a bit uncomfortable. A couple band aids will help alleviate blisters due to rubbing. The wear and tear on the muscles, ligaments and joints of our feet and legs is not immediately obvious. So we go on our way, oblivious to the potential damage we are causing...and the furthest thing from our minds are shoe stability tests.

A few years later, we start to suffer the consequences of our shoe choices. The unfortunate part is that even if the young person is willing to choose the appropriate shoes, they may not have the information available to make the right choices and perform the right shoe stability tests anyway.

Some of the potential problems with improper shoe stability and fit include things like bunions, hammer toes, claw toes and metatarsalgia (pain, numbness and tingling in the ball of foot and toes). The change in the way your feet move when they are either pinched by too-tight shoes, or fit in a shoe that offers no stability can also lead to other problems like plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, or heel spurs. It can affect the ankles, knees, hips, and even the lower back, and in some cases, higher up the spine.

Choosing the right shoe involves shoe stability tests and a good fitting evaluation.

The three main stability tests include:

1. The Bend Shoe Stability Test - to check sole stability by assessing where the shoe bends at the ball of the foot. Hold the heel and toes between your hands and bring the hands together to check where the shoe bends. It should be where your foot would bend at the ball.

2. The Twist Shoe Stability Test - assesses torsional stability by holding the heel and toes and twisting the sole of the shoe. Should twist slightly, but shouldn't be able to twist it like you are wringing out a wet rag.

3. The Heel Counter Shoe Stability Test - The heel counter is the cup around your heel that helps control the movement of your heel when you stand and walk. It should be stable enough that it doesn't collapse when you push it with your thumb.

At http://www.mackenzieorthotics.com under the "Shoe Stability and Fit" heading, you can find a video that shoes these tests, along with more information on shoe fitting.

This article is about stability tests rather than shoe fitting, but one major concern with shoe fitting that should be mentioned is the fact that shoes are not well standardized. A size 9 in one brand may be exactly the same as a size 10 in another brand. Do not decide that you are a specific size and that every shoe brand of that size will fit you. It won't. Try them on every time and don't be surprised if you range at least a full size from brand to brand for what fits you best...and don't forget to do the shoe stability tests!

Most people also fit their shoes too short, so one last tip on shoe fitting tests...make sure there is 1/4 to 1/2 inches of 'free space' between the end of your toes and the end of your shoes when you are standing up with your feet in them. The foot has to expand and will slide forward slightly when you walk...the shoe needs to accommodate for this expansion and movement.

So now you know what to look for regarding shoe stability tests. Follow up and use it when you are about to buy a new pair of shoes...and make sure you learn more about properly fitting your shoes re: size as well. A bit of education will go a long way to maintaining healthy and happy feet.