Fitting Tips on Specific Shoes

The following styles of Dr. Comfort footwear are the same between Men’s and Women’s (STYLE, not SIZING!!) and can therefore be interchangeable:  

a) Brian & Annie;  b) Robert & Patty;  c) William & Maggy;  d) David & Lindsey

The most accurate method for size conversions across genders is to measure the patient as the opposite gender on our Brannock – if the patient is not available, then use the following guidelines:

a)      To convert women’s sizes to men’s sizes, reduce the length ONE FULL SIZE and the width ONE FULL WIDTH –
 e.g. Annie Black 11W = Brian Black 10M

b)      To convert men’s sizes to women’s sizes, just reverse the equation –
 e.g. Robert White 7.5W = Patty White 8.5XW

KEY NOTES on specific shoe styles:

Men's Shoes

PATRICK & MIKE 
�� the Patrick and Mike shoes have lower heel counters than all of the other men's shoes and do not push the foot as far distally. Order this style a ½ size shorter or one width narrower to achieve a similar fit.

BRIAN
�� the Brian shoe has an upper made of Lycra® to fit patients with hammer toes, bunions, and other similar forefoot deformities. Lycra® is a stretchable material comprised of fibres which move easily with the body’s natural movements. In turn, this upper can make the shoe feel roomy. If you feel this shoe is too loose, order the Brian one width narrower to achieve a better fit.

DOUGLAS
�� the Douglas shoe has two Lycra® strips that run distally on the sides of the shoe. This shoe is designed to stretch from plantar to dorsal. The Douglas is great for patients that have thick, swollen feet, high insteps, or wear an internal brace. The throat of the shoe is more open to allow the foot easier entry. If you have a patient that likes this shoe but does not have any of the above criteria, order this shoe one width narrower to achieve a great fit.

CHAMPION, ENDURANCE, & PERFORMANCE
�� the fantastic new athletic shoes absolutely will not slip in the heel! Based on the same last as the rest of our product line, the new light-weight athletic shoes are lasted to fit full in the forefoot, but snug in the heel. The firm heel counter ensures that the back of the shoe will not break down like some counters used in lower quality footwear. In addition, the lightweight EVA and rubber outsole contains a composite shank and a stabilizer bar for extra plantar support and is sufficiently wide to provide stability on all surfaces.


Women’s Shoes

MERRY JANE
�� the Merry Jane is an open top shoe and can fit very roomy for the patient’s foot. It is very important to order the Merry Jane at least one width narrower and in some cases, depending on the foot, ½ size shorter. This shoe is not recommended if you think heel slippage is going to be a problem.

LULU
�� The Lulu shoe is another open top shoe that allows room for a high instep foot. It is important to order this shoe one width narrower to achieve proper fit in those patients who do not have a high instep. This shoe is NOT recommended for pes planus foot deformities.

BETSY, LILY, WALK, & MOVE
�� these three styles are more tapered in the toe box and should be ordered ½ size longer to achieve a fit similar to the other women’s shoes.

BETSY
�� The Betsy women’s dress shoe has a unique styling and functional design on the lateral side of the shoe called a gusset. This feature allows the shoe to flex and stretch dorsally by adding breadth, reduce metatarsal stress, and increase breathability. This gusset appears as a triangular “flap” and is a sewing technique used to reinforce the connection on the lateral border.

ANNIE
�� like the men’s Brian, this shoe has a Lycra® upper. Order the Annie one width narrower if you feel this shoe is too loose.

BETTY
�� highly similar to the men’s Douglas, the Betty also incorporates two distally running Lycra® strips. If your patient does not exhibit a swollen foot or high instep (for example), order the shoe one width narrower.

SPIRIT, VICTORY, & REFRESH
�� again, the new lightweight athletic shoes will not slip in the heel, as they are lasted to fit full in the forefoot, but snug in the heel. The firm heel counter ensures that the back of the shoe will not break down like some counters used in lower quality footwear. In addition, the lightweight EVA and rubber outsole contains a composite shank and a stabilizer bar for extra plantar support and is sufficiently wide to provide stability on all surfaces.

WAVE
�� the Wave is the women's version of the Mike, thus similarly has a lower heel counter and does not push the foot as far distally. Order this style a ½ size shorter or one width narrower to achieve a similar fit.