Welcome to Sacred Musings, a space where I share reflections from the heart on love, life, caregiving, and the lessons that shape us into who we are. My hope is that these words bring comfort, perspective, and inspiration to anyone walking their own path of healing and growth.
By Kimberly | Registered Nurse & Founder, Sacred Heart Nursing Services
I've spent nearly two years transforming my health, losing weight, exercising, and discovering a genuine love for running. But there's one important thing I've overlooked along the way: making sure my athletic shoes actually fit my feet and support the way I move.
Today, I'm finally doing something about that.
I'm heading to Road Runner Sports in Berkeley, California, to have my feet professionally measured, my gait evaluated, and my athletic shoes properly fitted.
And quite frankly, I'm wondering why I didn't do this sooner!
My Feet Have Been Carrying Me Through a Major Transformation
Over the past two years, I've made significant changes to my lifestyle. I've lost more than 100 pounds, become much more conscious of my health, and developed a consistent exercise routine that includes walking, jogging, running, and strength training.
My feet have carried me through every single step of that journey.
But somewhere along the way, I started experiencing significant discomfort in my feet, particularly around my great toe joint.
Recently, the pain became difficult to ignore.
As a nurse, I understand the importance of proper foot care, but like many people, I haven't always applied that knowledge to myself as consistently as I should.
Now that I'm establishing my own foot and nail care business, Sacred Heart Nursing Services, the irony isn't lost on me. I'm encouraging others to take better care of their feet while finally making time to address my own footwear needs.
Sometimes we need a reminder to practice what we preach!
The Shoes That Worked — Until They Didn't
When I first started exercising regularly, I wore Adidas athletic shoes. They were comfortable, supportive, and served me well for approximately a year.
When it was time to replace them, I decided to try another brand. I thought I was upgrading to something better.
Initially, the new shoes felt wonderful. They were comfortable, cushioned, and seemed like a great choice.
Unfortunately, that comfort didn't last nearly as long as I expected.
Over time, I began noticing something unusual about the way my foot was striking the ground. It felt almost as though I was bouncing or pushing excessively through my great toe.
That sensation, combined with increasing discomfort in the joint, made me question whether my shoes were providing the support and stability I needed.
I can't say for certain that my footwear caused my discomfort. Arthritis, running mechanics, training intensity, and other factors can all contribute to joint pain.
But I do know that continuing to exercise in shoes that don't feel right isn't a sensible long-term strategy.
So today, I'm taking a more informed approach.
Why Professional Athletic Shoe Fitting Matters
Most of us purchase athletic shoes based on brand familiarity, appearance, comfort when trying them on, or recommendations from friends.
But our feet are unique.
Two people wearing the same shoe size may have completely different foot shapes, arch structures, walking patterns, and support needs.
A professional athletic shoe fitting can help identify characteristics that influence comfort and performance.
1. Understanding Your True Foot Size
Our feet can change over time due to aging, weight changes, pregnancy, changes in activity, and other factors.
A proper fitting evaluates more than shoe length. It also considers width, foot shape, and the amount of space available for your toes.
Shoes that are too narrow or short can place unnecessary pressure on the toes and joints.
2. Evaluating Your Gait
Your gait is simply the way you walk or run.
A gait assessment may reveal how your feet contact the ground, how your weight shifts during movement, and whether your running mechanics suggest a need for further evaluation.
For someone like me, who has been experiencing discomfort around the great toe joint, understanding how my foot moves during exercise is especially interesting.
It's important to remember that a retail gait assessment is a footwear-selection tool, not a medical diagnosis. It also cannot reliably determine the cause of arthritis or joint pain.
3. Improving Comfort During Exercise
Properly fitted athletic shoes can help reduce friction, pressure points, and unnecessary irritation.
Adequate toe room is particularly important because the toes need space to move naturally during walking and running.
For people with bunions, arthritis, hammertoes, or other structural foot concerns, shoe shape can make a meaningful difference in daily comfort.
4. Supporting Healthy Movement
Different activities place different demands on our feet.
Running shoes are designed for repetitive forward movement, while walking, cross-training, and strength-training shoes may have different structural features.
Choosing footwear appropriate for your activity can improve comfort and help you feel more stable.
However, no particular shoe type can guarantee injury prevention. The goal is to find footwear that fits your feet, feels comfortable, and works with your individual movement patterns.
5. Recognizing When Shoes Need Replacing
One lesson I've learned is that athletic shoes don't last forever, even when they still look relatively new.
Running shoes are often replaced after approximately 300–500 miles, although their actual lifespan varies depending on the shoe, the runner, and the surfaces used.
Signs that replacement may be necessary include:
Uneven or excessive outsole wear
Noticeable loss of cushioning or stability
Changes in how the shoes feel during exercise
New rubbing, pressure points, or discomfort
Persistent foot soreness that seems associated with the shoes
For those of us who exercise frequently, keeping track of mileage and paying attention to changes in comfort can be helpful.
A Special Consideration for People With Arthritis
Because I've been experiencing discomfort in my great toe joint, I'm particularly interested in learning about footwear features that may reduce painful motion or pressure in that area.
Depending on the individual, shoes with a roomy toe box, appropriate forefoot stiffness, or a rocker-style sole may improve comfort.
However, what works for one person may not work for another.
A shoe that feels wonderfully cushioned may not necessarily provide the best support for someone experiencing pain in the great toe joint.
This is why I believe it's worth seeking individualized guidance rather than simply purchasing the latest popular athletic shoe.
And if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or difficulty bearing weight, a medical evaluation is important. A shoe fitting is not a substitute for assessment by a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional.
What I Hope to Learn at My Appointment
I'm looking forward to having someone take a closer look at how I walk and run, measure my feet accurately, and help me explore footwear options that make sense for my body and activity level.
I'm especially curious about whether my shoe size or width has changed following my significant weight loss.
I also want to understand whether the sensation I'm experiencing around my great toe has anything to do with the way my shoes fit or how they interact with my natural movement.
I may leave with a new pair of shoes, or I may leave with some useful information about what to look for.
Either way, I consider that a worthwhile investment.
Your Feet Deserve the Same Attention as the Rest of Your Body
As I begin this new chapter with Sacred Heart Nursing Services, I'm becoming even more mindful of how much we ask of our feet.
They support our body weight, absorb forces during movement, help maintain balance, and allow us to participate in the activities that make life enjoyable.
Yet many of us spend considerable time thinking about nutrition, exercise routines, and overall fitness without giving much thought to our footwear.
I want to encourage you to consider having your feet measured and your athletic shoes professionally fitted, especially if you walk or run regularly, have experienced significant weight changes, or are noticing discomfort during exercise.
You don't have to be a marathon runner to benefit from wearing shoes that fit properly.
And you don't necessarily need the most expensive shoes on the market.
You need shoes that work for your feet.
My Final Thoughts: It's Never Too Late to Make an Adjustment
Nearly two years into my fitness journey, I'm still learning.
I've learned how to nourish my body differently, how to make exercise part of my daily routine, and how to appreciate what my body is capable of accomplishing.
Now I'm learning to pay closer attention to the foundation that makes so much of that movement possible.
My feet.
Today is about more than buying running shoes. It's about listening to my body and making thoughtful adjustments that may help me continue doing the things I love.
I'll share what I learn from my fitting, whether I discover anything surprising about my gait, and which shoes I ultimately choose.
Because taking care of our feet isn't just about keeping them looking good. It's about protecting our mobility, maintaining our independence, and supporting the active lives we want to live.
And after everything my feet have carried me through, I think they deserve a little extra attention.
About Sacred Heart Nursing Services
At Sacred Heart Nursing Services, we believe preventive foot care is an important part of healthy aging, mobility, and overall well-being.
Our RN-led foot and nail care services focus on routine foot health assessments, noninvasive nail and skin care, education, and early recognition of concerns that may require medical attention.
Whether you're an active adult, a senior, or someone managing a chronic health condition, caring for your feet is an investment in your quality of life.
Visit www.sacredheartnursingservices.net to learn more about our foot and nail care services.
Medical disclaimer: This article shares personal experiences and general educational information. It is not intended to diagnose or treat foot conditions. Persistent or severe foot pain should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.