Shoe-lovers rejoice! NYC podiatrist tells why it is so important to go shoe shopping!

With job losses heading toward record numbers, the unemployed are stepping out for job interviews more and more each day. With so many men and women pounding the pavement each day in search of a new job, New York City podiatrist Dr. Johanna Youner is beginning to see countless patients developing foot pain due over-wearing their dress shoes or overusing the same shoes they are re-soling to save money.

Is It Time for New Shoes?

In a city of walkers, Dr. Youner is seeing epidemic proportions of men and women hurting their feet in worn out shoes.  According to Dr. Youner, men are the biggest offenders. "I see a lot of men buying expensive shoes and then re-soling them year after year," says Dr. Youner. "When they do that, the integrity of the shoe is gone; it does not maintain its support after a certain amount of wear."

• Dr. Youner notes that a shoe loses support after a certain amount of time. The support and control of a shoe comes from the heel area, and the forefoot of the shoe needs shock absorption and support. "If you put your shoes on a table and see the that shoe itself is slated away from the sole, it's time for new shoes," says Dr. Youner, "you will save a ton in medical bills by investing in a new pair of shoes."

Dr. Youner recommends wearing dress shoes for as little time possible, opting for sneakers when walking to and from job interviews. "If you need new shoes for an interview, but cannot afford to buy a good pair, look for good, cheaper brands like Rockport," says Dr. Youner, "or buy Payless and wear sneakers while walking long distances."  Dr. Youner warns there can be dire consequences for those who refuse to pay attention to their feet. "Walking on concrete is damaging as it is," says Dr. Youner, "three times your body weight is going through your feet with every step. Without proper shock absorption, the shock on your knees and back is tremendous and can cause major health problems."