National Shoe Fitting Week 2017 | Foot Solutions Plymouth

Shoe Fitting

Coco Chanel famously said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it’s not luxury.” In the world of footwear, we believe that this can be paraphrased to read: “Style without comfort isn’t style.”

Comfort has become a neglected value for shoes. Surveys regularly show that people believe that comfortable shoes must, by definition, be ugly, old-fashioned, or both. Here at Foot Solutions, we know that this is inaccurate and unfair. Leading brands like Ziera, Xsensible, and Finn Comfort provide fashionable and comfortable shoes at an affordable price.


But it's not just about the shoes. Measurement and shoe fitting are equally important. That's why we support National Shoe Fitting Week, which is run by the Society of Shoe Fitters (SSF) and, this year, starts on 8th April.

The Importance of Proper Shoe Fitting


Poorly constructed and ill-fitting shoes inevitably cause pain. To avoid this pain, people often adjust their gait and walk unnaturally. This wears out joints and tendons and leads to problems with knees, hips, backs, shoulders, and even necks. If untreated, these joint problems can lead to rheumatism and arthritis.

What most people don’t realise is that adult feet change in size and shape as a person grows older and experiences different life stages. Pregnancy, for example, can change a foot size dramatically.

But, because most adults have not had their feet properly fitted and measured for years, they assume the ‘usual’ shoe size and then cram their feet into footwear that appears to match that size. People have become used to self-service in shoe shops and being left to buy by trial and error with no advice or product information.

This is exactly why many people buy shoes on the internet. As the SSF regularly points out, footwear is the only item of clothing that can seriously damage your health, and your health is far more important than any pair of shoes.

Tips for Proper Footwear Selection


So, next time you need new footwear:

  • Visit a specialist and make sure your feet are properly measured for length and width with a full shoe fitting consultation.
  • Choose well-constructed shoes that fit properly and are appropriate to your lifestyle.

Here at Foot Solutions, we take your health and comfort seriously. Our fitting experts offer personal consultations to ensure you find the perfect shoe.

For more information or advice, please contact the Foot Solutions Richmond store. Our highly trained consultants will be happy to help.

A man is holding a pair of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
A man holding a pair of shoes in front of a foot solutions sign

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
A woman is holding two pairs of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”