ICS Shoes

When it comes to footwear, comfort and proper fit are paramount for maintaining healthy feet. For individuals with certain foot conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or swollen feet, finding the right pair of shoes can be a challenge. This is where extra depth shoes come into play. In this blog, we will explore what extra depth shoes are, their unique features, benefits, and various footwear options available for those in need of extra space and comfort. What are Extra Depth Shoes? Extra depth shoes, also known as therapeutic shoes, are specially designed footwear that offers more room in the toe box and overall depth compared to regular shoes. They provide additional space to accommodate foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, edema, and various other foot deformities or medical conditions. Features of Extra Depth Shoes: Increased Toe Box Space: Extra depth shoes feature a wider and deeper toe box to provide ample room for toes to spread out natu...

Getting the Perfect Fit - More than Size & Width You have probably experienced trying on several shoes that are the same size and they all fit differently. One of the most misunderstood measurements is the width of shoes. Although shoe manufacturers try to standardize sizes and widths, due to several components of a shoe there may be significant differences from one Brand to another or within the same Brand. One of the biggest advances in shoes over the last few years have been the introduction of multiple widths for each size. Since our feet come in different sizes & widths, the shoes needed to accommodate both of these factors. In order to have a comfortable fit, the manufacturers have found that the width of a shoe is as important as the length. Trying to put a wide foot into a medium shoe is like putting a square peg in a round hole - it simply doesn't fit. Some manufacturers now provide their shoes in the Standard Widths below: Standard Widths of Shoes...

Our feet are the foundation of our body, supporting us through every step of our lives. Unfortunately, problems can develop in the foot and ankle due to various factors such as poor footwear, stress, or natural changes that occur as we age. These issues often lead to not only localized foot pain but can also have a significant impact on the knees, hips, and lower back. Among the numerous foot problems that individuals may encounter, heel pain is one of the most common and debilitating. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of heel pain, its effects on our overall well-being, and available treatments to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery. Causes of Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis: The leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This condition is often associated with heel spur syndrome, where a bony spur develops on the heel bone. Stress Fractures:...

Most Common Foot Issues There are many foot conditions that may cause someone to shop for orthopedic shoes. The most common issues the people contact our Personal Fitting Specialists are: Bunions, Hammertoes, Swelling, and Extra Width feet. Two of the most common issues that cause foot pain are bunions and hammertoes. Both of these issues affect the forefront of the foot. While each of these problems has its own characteristics, both require certain shoe profiles to find some relief and comfort. Bunions Bunions are one of the most common foot problems causing severe pain. A bunion is a pronounced bump on the side of the foot, most frequently on the big toe joint. The protrusion is caused by a bone protruding toward the inside of the foot. Bunions can also form on the outside of the foot, at the joint of the smallest toe. Bunions are more common in women than in men, generally due to the tight, narrow dress shoes that women tend to wear. By wearin...

Your shoes take a lot of abuse over their lifetime. You’ll walk an average of 5000 steps per day in your shoes, and when you consider the amount of force that’s exerted with each stop, it’s no wonder that shoes wear out over time. When your shoes begin to show signs that it’s time to replace them, take a look at where the most wear and tear happens on the sole of your shoe, as well as the sides and top. The way your shoe is wearing out can tell you a lot about the type of shoe you should be buying. Outer Side Of The Shoe Worn Out If you observe that your shoe is getting excessively worn out at the outer edge, more than it’s worn out in the other areas, it is probably because you have a supinated foot. Those who have a high foot arch tend to supinate. A normal walking pattern begins with the heel striking the ground, then the midfoot makes contact with the arch, which flattens to absorb shock, and finally the forefoot propels the body forward. Those who have su...

When summer's sizzling heat descends upon the city and gently laps at the sandy shores of our beaches, one staple of our wardrobe, the ubiquitous flip-flop, invariably signals the season's arrival. Despite its seemingly innocent and minimalistic design, could this no-frills footwear be a silent health saboteur? Research indicates that behind its carefree allure, the flip-flop, when worn as an everyday shoe, may be linked to a plethora of physical discomforts, including plantar fasciitis, muscle soreness, and even lower back pain - a far cry from the sun-soaked leisure we associate with this summer symbol. Understanding the Footwork Given that the average American logs around 5,117 steps daily, and the recommended step count hovers around a total of 10,000 steps, our choice of footwear is not a matter to be taken lightly. A recent survey revealed that a staggering 78 percent of American adults over the age of 21 have experienced some form of foot discomfort or pr...

Travel season is in full swing and your feet are ready to hit the road. But before you embark on your next journey, follow these tips to make sure your feet stay safe and healthy. Pack a Foot First-aid Kit Bring along a basic foot care kit that includes: saline solution – for cleaning minor foot scrapes or blisters; adhesive bandages or gauze; and some antifungal cream or powder – for preventing or treating athlete’s foot. If you suffer a serious foot injury, be sure to seek medical attention immediately and follow-up with an appointment with your regular foot doctor once you return from vacation. Alternate your shoes Wearing the same shoes on your vacation can quickly lead to foot issues. Moisture and bacteria can build up inside shoes if you don’t allow them time to air out between wearings. Pack along a pair of flip-flops or shower shoes to use in moist common areas like pools and locker rooms where it can be easy to pick up athlete’s foot or toenail fu...

Exercises to Help Keep Your Feet Healthy Exercising your feet on a regular basis not only improves overall foot health, but may also reduce your risk for injury. Walking is the best overall foot exercise. When you walk in supportive and well-fitting shoes, you put your foot through its full range of motion, from the time your heel hits the ground until you lift off with your toes. Moreover, walking is one of the best forms of exercise for your entire body. It improves your cardiovascular health and can help your circulation, muscle tone, and mood. In addition to walking, flexibility and resistance exercises can also help keep your feet healthy. These exercises will improve flexibility help keep your feet limber and may reduce your risk for injury. Don’t worry if your feet have grown stiff with age; studies show that no matter how old you are, you can still improve your flexibility. The easiest way to build flexibility is through slow and gentle daily stretches, focusi...

Most Common Foot Issues Aging takes its toll on your feet and ankles, just as it does with the rest of your body. Natural changes in foot structure and function happen as we age, which makes it especially important to pay closer attention to your foot health as you grow older. However, we usually don't think of our feet until something goes wrong. As you grow older, those years of walking, running and standing on your feet will start to catch up with you, so it comes as no surprise that your feet will begin to show signs of wear and tear. While everyone’s aging experience is different, some of the changes you may notice in your own or an aging loved one’s feet include: Changes in Shoe Size You may find that you’ve purchased the same shoe size that you’ve always worn, only to find that you’re now suffering from pain and irritation, redness and rubbing. The size or shape of our feet often change as we age , due to the gradual loosening of the ligaments and tendon...

How to Find the Perfect Fitting Shoes We ask a lot of our feet. With each step you take, your foot strikes the ground with more than three times your body weight, and you ask them to do this thousands of times per day. Your feet depend on you, too. It’s your job to keep your feet healthy and pain free. One of the most critical things you can do to care for your feet is to choose the right shoes - The perfect fit! Many people are wearing shoes that are too tight, too big, or don’t provide the best support. These shoes will lead to stress on your feet, ankles, legs, and all the way up your hips and spine. This stress will lead to pain, and that pain can be prevented by simply wearing the right shoes. We know a thing or two about helping you find the perfect fit in the right shoe. The ICS Personal Fitting Specialists have helped hundreds of people find the proper shoe for their needs. Finding the Perfect Width The area around your toes, called the toe box, sh...