In Memory of Noelene Mann
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Noelene Mann.
Noelene, Kirsti’s (managing director and founder of Highett Podiatry) mother, passed away peacefully after a short illness last month.
Noelene was Highett Podiatry’s first employee, dating back to 1997, when the clinic was established. She was personable and always up for a chat; she loved her time behind the desk. She loved it so much, she didn’t even get paid.
She’d answer the phone, make appointments, carry her mobile and a big A4 diary around Southland so we’d never miss out on an appointment in the early
days. She didn’t believe in an answering machine and never missed a call, wherever she was.
Later, you would see her being a model for our website and advertising, and she’d never miss a chance to promote the business to whoever would listen. Another wonderful thing she would do was be a volunteer “pin cushion”, allowing all of the new graduate and student podiatrists to practice their injection technique. By the way, this position has yet to be refilled if anyone is interested……… only joking.
Noelene was so proud of being part of Highett Podiatry’s business legacy.
Highett Podiatry wouldn’t be the place it is today without the unwavering support of Noely, not only to her daughter, Kirsti, but also to all the staff at Highett Podiatry. She loved popping her head in each Friday when she went for her weekly massage and hair appointment at the Spring Rd shops, and she also loved her weekly pizza from around the corner.
Kirsti and the team would like to thank you all for your well-wishes and support during this difficult time. We thank you for your patience and adaptability when your appointments needed to be rescheduled.
The Number One Cause of Foot Pain? Your Shoes.
— Kirstine Mann, Managing Director & Founder, Highett Podiatry
The most common cause of foot pain is poorly chosen footwear. As podiatrists, we regularly see patients whose discomfort stems from shoes that don’t provide adequate support, cushioning, or fit.
One of the biggest issues is fit. Shoes must be the correct length and width. Shoes that are too short can cause toenail trauma and ingrown nails, while shoes that are too narrow increase pressure on bunions and joints.
Conversely, shoes that are too long or wide allow excessive movement, leading to blisters and instability. A proper fit leaves about a thumb’s width in front of the toes and ensures the widest part of the shoe matches the ball of the foot.
The structure of footwear also matters. Podiatrists recommend the “twist test” when buying shoes: a supportive shoe should bend at the toe joints where the foot naturally flexes but remain firm through the midfoot, providing stability. Shoes that easily twist or fold in half often lack the structure needed to protect the foot during daily activity.
Another overlooked factor is the lifetime of a shoe. Even high-quality shoes wear out. Most footwear lasts 9–12 months of regular use, or approximately 600–800 kilometres for walking or running shoes. Once the midsole is compressed and the outsole is worn smooth, the shoe no longer supports the foot properly and can contribute to arch, heel, or knee pain.
Finally, inappropriate footwear choices—such as high heels, flimsy flats, or old sneakers worn for sport—place abnormal stresses on the feet and ankles. Over time, this can contribute to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, and forefoot overload.
In short, the right shoe—correctly fitted, supportive, and replaced when worn—remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent foot pain.
Please ask your podiatrist at your next appointment to assess the fit, structure, and lifetime of your footwear.