Development and evaluation of a leaflet containing shoe advice: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Podiatry and Biomechanics
• Geriatric Health
• Consumer Health Education

Background:

• General Practitioners (GPs) advise patients on footwear for foot problems.
• Appropriate shoe fit and quality are crucial for foot health.
• Limited resources exist for GPs to provide detailed shoe advice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify key shoe characteristics for effective patient advice.
• Develop an informational leaflet for shoe selection guidance.
• Evaluate the leaflet's impact on women's shoe choices.

Main Methods:

• Literature search on shoe characteristics and foot health.
• Development of a shoe advice leaflet with expert input.
• Testing the leaflet's efficacy in women aged 50+.
• Blinded assessment of selected shoe characteristics by podiatrists.
• Statistical analysis using independent t-tests.

Main Results:

• The leaflet details nine essential shoe characteristics.
• 57 women (average age 69) participated in the study.
• Women using the leaflet selected significantly better shoes (P=0.049).

Conclusions:

• An evidence-based leaflet was developed for GPs.
• The leaflet aids women in choosing higher quality, better-fitting shoes.
• This tool can supplement oral advice and improve foot health management.