From ancient Egyptian times down through the centuries, footwear has been designed to meet mankind's real and perceived needs protection, support, comfort, sturdiness, stylishness, and the rest.Today, there is an almost endless variety of styles and materials can pose a major dilemma when it's time to buy a pair of shoes. The dilemma can be minimized, however, if you concentrate on the health aspects of the modern shoe: well-fitting, well-made, and used properly, it has an inherent capacity to help reduce foot problems.Feet bear the tremendous pressures of daily living. An average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons to bear on the feet. They are subject to more injury than any other part of the body, highlighting the need to protect them with proper footwear.Children, women, men, and athletes all have different shoe requirements, and such requirements will vary considerably across a wide range of activities.Doctors of podiatric medicine are health care professionals trained in the care of the foot and ankle. They are fully qualified to recommend selection of the right pair of shoes, or address other aspects of foot health, for all members of the family.