If you have a unique foot or feet, custom shoes would be something that you possibly would consider. As a foot doctor, several of my patients have problems being able to fit the standard shoes sold in shoe stores. What is one to do? This is where custom shoes can come to the rescue. Where can you find custom shoes in Phoenix? Continue to read below.
Why Would Someone Need Custom Shoes?
For people with certain conditions or foot sizes and shapes that aren't addressed in mainstream shoe construction, custom shoes are needed.
Some of the most common reasons why someone benefits from custom shoes include:
People with a very large or very small shoe size
For those who have a very small foot, that cannot fit even children's sizes, custom shoes are an option. For those with a very large shoe size as well, custom shoes are also an option.
Those with a very wide foot
Someone can have a wide foot due to genetics, or due to certain health conditions like lymphedema, obesity, or edema. It will be very difficult, if not impossible for people in these groups to find shoes that fit well, especially as these health conditions progress. Custom shoes offer people with these conditions a way to wear shoes that fit well, instead of being either barefoot or forced to wear socks only.
Diabetics
Diabetes can change feet in many different ways. From damaging the nerves and blood vessels in your feet, causing changes to the shape of your feet from weak muscles which can lead to hammertoes, bunions, a flat foot, or a high arched foot, which all can increase your risk of developing a special type of sore, called a foot ulcer. Custom shoes for diabetic feet are one way to lower your risk of developing an ulcer.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy, as mentioned above can be caused by diabetes, but also has many other causes like previous chemotherapy treatment, vitamin deficiencies, or trauma. Neuropathy can cause muscle atrophy or weakness, which can lead to changes in your foot shape, making it harder to fit standard shoes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA can be a debilitating and potentially debilitating form of arthritis that attacks joints across the body, including the feet. This can lead to severe foot deformities making it impossible to wear regular shoes.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, commonly known as arthritis also, if severe enough, can cause extreme foot deformities.
Charcot
Charcot or Charcot foot can cause a total collapse of the arch of the foot, leading to something called a rocker bottom foot. This can be disabling. Custom shoes are critical for people impacted by Charcot to have well-fitting shoes.
Spinal Bifida
For people born with spinal bifida, foot development could be impacted to varying degrees. Because of this, finding a good pair of shoes for someone dealing with spinal bifida can be very difficult.
Where to Get Custom Shoes in Phoenix
GK Custom Footwear - Mesa, AZ
GK Custom Footwear makes its shoes and custom inserts on-site. The shoes that they offer vary from tennis shoes to slippers.
GK Custom Footwear is a family-run team whose goal is to make custom shoes at an affordable price. Feel free to swing by their store in the East Valley
Key Takeaways
Trying to find custom shoes in Phoenix can be very daunting, but there are shoe stores available to help you on your journey.
Schedule Your Appointment at Direct Podiatry Arizona
Are you looking for a podiatrist in Phoenix? My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe. To view my available appointment times, click here.
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