Lacing up for painless feet.

Many people could avoid foot aches if they laced their sneakers and shoes properly from the start and always loosened the start and always loosened the ties before slipping a foot in, says Carol Frey of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Innovative shoe-tying patterns can also help, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society points out in its September newsletter.

People with narrow feet should thread wider-set eyelets for a snug fit (a), while those with wide feet should use eyelets closer to the tongue (b). Two sets of laces, one ending at the bottom, best suit a foot with a wide ball but narrow heel (c). Pull the laces at the top tight to fit the heel, and adjust those at the bottom to fit the ball.

Skip an eyelet if a bump on the top of the foot or a high arch causes pain (d), Frey advises. Also, people with high arches might want to lace shoes without a criss-cross pattern (e).

For hammertoes, corns, or other toe troubles, string one end of the lace from the toe eyelet to the top and pull that lace to lift the front end of the shoe (f). To avoid or relieve heel problems, thread the laces through each other at the top (g).