Before putting on your shoes, take a quick look inside. Check that the liner is flat and that nothing loose, rough or unexpected is waiting for your foot.
Why it matters to you
A pebble, folded liner or rough area can be easy to miss. That matters even more when feeling in the feet is reduced. A short shoe check adds awareness before your foot begins carrying the day.
Your ten-second check
- Look inside the shoe.
- Turn it over and remove anything loose.
- Confirm that the liner is flat, smooth and dry.
- Notice whether the shoe feels different from yesterday.
- After wearing new or adjusted footwear, check your feet again.
What to ask
If the shoe repeatedly rubs, feels different, or leaves a new pressure mark, ask your licensed care team or footwear professional what should be evaluated. A repeated change is useful information.
Put the shoe check before the foot check in your morning routine: look, clear, flatten, then wear.
This Field Note is educational and does not diagnose or treat a medical condition. Follow the plan provided by your licensed care team and seek timely professional guidance for a wound, skin change or other concern.
Verified source
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises checking inside shoes before putting them on and making sure the lining is smooth and free of pebbles or other objects.