Guidelines For Choosing Footwear (Home Economics)

Meaning Of Footwear

Foot wear includes articles of clothing worn on the foot, e.g. stockings, sandals, slippers, etc. They come in different shapes and designs. They are also made of leather, cloth, rubber, etc.

Uses Of Foot Wear

1. They can be used to protect the feet.

2. They help to enhance personal appearance.

3. They can be worn to correct deformed legs.

4.. They can be worn to support the feet.

Guidlines For Choosing Footwear

1. Choose footwear that fits your feet comfortably. Avoid ill-fitting shoes.

2. Choose the right type of shoes for the right type of occasion or activity. For instance, choose simple canvas shoes or flat-sandals for school. Dressy shoes are for parties and other social activities.

3. Choose your shoes to suit the season of the year. For instance, plastic shoes are good for rainy season.

4. Avoid high-heeled shoes. They strain the muscles of the leg.

5. Choose foot wear that matches your dress.

6. Choose shoes that allow for movement of your toes.

7. Choose strong shoes that are durable.

8. Choose shoes that are easy to lean. Different types of shoes require different types of care.

9. Choose the best footwear which your money can buy, that is, you can afford.

10. Avoid shoes with pointed soles and heels. Pointed heels lead to accidents. Pointed soles crowd the bones of the feet.

Care Of Footwear: Different types of footwear require different types of care. There are different types of shoe polish and brushes for cleaning shoes.

Common Problems Of The Feet

1. Corns: These are commonly caused by ill-fitting shoes. They form as small moulds of dead, hard and waxy skin. They can be prevented by wearing well-fitting shoes.

2. Calluses: These appear as thickened areas of skin around the heel. They can be removed by scrubbing with pumice stone.

3. Athlete’s Foot: If the foot is constantly wet, bacteria and fungi grow in the spaces between the toes and the soles of the feet. This results in athlete’s foot. For instance, wearing of heavy rubber boots for prolonged periods can make the feet wet. Air cannot get to the feet and sweat cannot evaporate. The athlete’s foot can be treated by:

i. Keeping the feet clean and dry.
ii. Application of dusting powder on the dry feet.

Care Of The Feet

1. Wash the feet thoroughly and as often as possible, and then dry them carefully. Always pay enough attention to the parts between the toes.

2. Remove any rough dry skin around the sole of the feet by rubbing a pumice stone.

3. Rinse properly and dry with a clean towel.

4. Apply a coating of cream, lotion or petroleum jelly on the feet after washing, to prevent dryness.

5. Keep the toe nails short and clean so that they do not harbour germs.

6. Avoid the habit of walking bare-footed especially on unpaved ground.

7. Wear good-fitting and comfortable shoes.

8. Keep your stockings clean. It is best to change stockings daily.

9. Always keep the feet clean and dry especially around the toes, to prevent the growth of fungus e.g. athlete’s foot. Germs flourish in wet dirty areas.

10. Wherever possible elevate or raise the feet by placing them on a small stool especially after standing or walking for a long time, to rest them.

11. Always check your posture to be sure you are walking tall.

12. Treat your feet to a regular pedicure.