As the official podiatrist for some of NZ’s elite sportspeople, including the NZ Breakers and the Football Ferns, Justin Chong of Big Foot Podiatry is one of the best in the business.

At Mikko Men’s we are passionate about finding the right fit for our customers and creating long lasting comfort. It’s why we make a concerted effort to offer a breadth of quality styles that tend to different needs, such as wide feet, orthotic friendly, and provide varied support. We have been fortunate to partner with Justin for many years and have sought his expert guidance along the way to aid us with professional fit training for our team and greater understanding of foot health.

We consulted with Justin to discuss the main causes of foot pain, some practical ways to get on top of issues, when to get help, and the importance of investing in quality made footwear.

This month, we are sharing some of Justin’s top tips and why investing in quality shoes makes all the difference.

What are the early signs that our feet might need some extra attention?

Pain is a great guide - it’s the body’s way of telling you there is something wrong. Most foot pain develops slowly and we often neglect the pain. Listen to your body. It’s best to get on top of any pain early and not ignore it (even the smallest pain), as this can lead to bigger issues.

Wearing a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable all day is likely to create an issue in time. If you spot redness and swelling as a result of uncomfortable shoes, seek urgent attention with a podiatrist or medical specialist, and if you develop corns, calluses, blisters or ingrown toenails, it’s also best to seek attention early and get advice on preventing future problems.

Mild aches that you might think are just ‘tight muscles’, or a small bruise on the heel are often signs the foot tissue cannot manage the load – this can develop into painful conditions later if not tended to early on.

What are some of the best ways to avoid these kinds of issues?

There are three tips:

●      Good footwear is vital, as it helps protect the foot, absorbs shock and supports the joints as we move. A well-fitting shoe goes a long way in making life more comfortable - nothing is worse than walking with a poorly fitted shoe.

●      If you have hardwood, tile or concrete floors at home, wearing a soft slip-on or supportive sneaker will soften the ongoing impact on tissues and joints. 

●      Regular foot exercises keep tissues loose and will strengthen the small muscles in the foot – try foot rollers or a small semi-soft ball to help loosen the tissues in the foot that have tightened over the day as we walk. Try calf raises and arch roll ups, or picking up marbles with your feet to help strengthen the small muscles in the foot.

You mention that footwear is vital, what are some tips to selecting the right shoes?

Observe your own foot and toe shape, and shop for shoes that reflect the shape of your foot. Shoes that suit your shape will provide comfort in the right places.

Ensure the sole of your shoe supports all joints, that it is fitted correctly – it’s important that it’s not too firm across the foot, as that puts pressure on the joints.

Finally, when you’re shoe shopping, it’s a good idea to ask for advice from someone who is familiar with the products available and is trained in fitting.

What should someone do if they start to feel pain, or notice changes in their feet?

Visit a podiatrist to get expert advice. As trained foot specialists, we are equipped to assess, diagnose, advise, treat and refer clients for appropriate specialists or imaging if required.

Most importantly, don’t delay. Once pain develops, resolving it can be challenging.

If someone has early signs of foot pain, what are some instant ways to help reduce the discomfort?

Avoid walking in bare feet, whether outside or at home. Instead, use a soft-soled sports shoe, or a supportive sneaker to help unload joints and tissues.

Immersing feet in warm water helps and depending on the level of pain, arch massaging with a soft ball and doing foot stretches can ease the pain. If it’s significant, try icing the area for 20 minutes every hour.

Can well-fitted shoes help to reduce foot pain?

A well-designed shoe that has been fitted by experienced, professional sales assistants will definitely help. Shoes with a firmer shank (inner support structure) and some arch support can help foot fatigue too.

Quality materials go a long way - especially materials that ease or stretch and can accommodate the foot shape reducing the likelihood of discomfort.

Justin and his team have three Auckland clinics; Northcote, Greenlane and Howick. If you’d like to find out more, visit his helpful website, Big Foot Podiatry. 

And if you’re looking for a well made pair of shoes that keep foot health and comfort at the forefront, visit us at Mikko Men’s, and let our professionally trained team help you to find the perfect fit.

By Michaela Longstaff
Mikko Shoes founder

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