UCalgary podiatrist advises against underestimating Calgary Stampede footwear choices
The city's iconic cowboy boots can work for a long day on the grounds, but a University of Calgary doctor says proper support and fit matter more than style.
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As Stampede season brings crowds to the grounds, a University of Calgary podiatrist is reminding attendees that footwear deserves serious thought — and that cowboy boots, Calgary's iconic festival wear, can work if they're well-made and properly broken in.
Dr. Karim Manji, a podiatrist at the Cumming School of Medicine, said that ill-fitting shoes can lead to sore, blistered feet or more severe conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon issues. "Function and fashion can be synonymous," he told LiveWire Calgary. Key features should include a well-constructed, stiff-soled shoe with good arch support and a modest heel. "We're trying to avoid those flat shoes that are not supportive and flimsy."
For cowboy boots specifically, Manji said comfort depends on construction and condition. "Sometimes when we're seeing that heel wear, it might be a sign that it's time to consider new boots," he said. That advice suited Stampeder Yza Bautista, who wears thrift-shop boots already broken in. "I can get through the day," she said, though she added she'd consider swapping for comfort if the vibe allowed.
Manji emphasized that there is no single "perfect" shoe. Quality, fit, arch support, and a stiff sole matter more than the style or type. "Not all sandals are bad, not all cowboy boots are bad," he said. He spent significant time choosing his own footwear — a pair of low-top sneakers that would give him the arch support and comfort he needed on the grounds.
