Wearing good shoes and maintaining proper foot health is essential because feet are how we get around. Comfortable, protected and well-supported feet aid in improved body posture and movement, and affect the body’s entire wellbeing.
Here are tips to get the best fit of footwear:
Shoe Basics
When out shoe shopping, make sure you test them out. How do they feel on your feet? Get shoes that support your calves, soles and stride. Good shoes fit snugly, do not pinch your toes and are comfortable to move around in.
Padded in-steps lend that extra support and protect the soles of your feet from sharp objects or rugged terrain. Get shoes that have a good grip and give excellent traction. Buy your shoes in the afternoon; this is when feet have expanded to their maximum size. Clean and air your shoes regularly. Only use them for their intended purpose.
Types of Shoes
- Athletic shoes – Running shoes should have plenty of padding to absorb the shock generated by feet hitting the ground at high velocity. Designed for forwarding motion, they protect the entire length of your foot.
A good pair of running shoes should protect you from strain and injury to the feet and lower back. Walking shoes are more lightweight and offer extra shock absorption to the heel and ball of your foot. Shoes with a rounded sole help shift weight more easily from the heels to the toes.
Sports shoes are uniquely designed for active sports. Ill-fitting shoes may result in back, knee and hip injuries, leg pain, and traumatised toes. So, make sure to research the best fit for your chosen activity and consult for expert advice.
- Boots – Boots cover not only the feet but also the calves and up to the lower leg and have practical as well as fashion uses. Whether they are for work or leisure, a good boot should protect your feet and calves, have good grip for those wet, snowy or muddy situations.
Boots should also have the right size and shape heel. This maintains the integrity of your posture and provides body support, especially if you walk or stand for long durations in the day.
Fashion boots come with variations such as spike heels, platform soles and pointed toes. Check out these women’s western boots to help narrow down your preference.
- Dress shoes – Dress shoes are worn at formal or smart casual events and also constitute part of office wear. Your stylish, sharp mules, flats, classic pumps, wedges and heels should provide safety, comfort and utility.
Unlike other types of shoes, heels do not absorb any shock and depending on height can cause callouses, lower back pain, sprained ankles and ingrown toenails. For those busy office, days choose to wear comfortable shoes with a decent heel, support and curvature.
- Dance shoes – Different shoes pair up with varying styles of dance be it jazz, ballroom, flamenco or tap. It also depends on the type of performance surface. Where applicable, they should offer shock absorption, foot and back support, durability and comfort. Seek advice from your trainer or an expert in your chosen dance field for best choices as these are specialty shoes.
- Orthopaedic shoes – Orthopaedic shoes differ from other footwear in that they are designed for people with medical issues such as accidental injuries, bone deformities or neurological conditions.
They are also recommended for problem feet. Issues such as bunions, corns and ingrown toenails. Since these shoes are designed for medical functionality and support, ensure that you follow your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to purchasing.
Shoe Accessories
Accessories complement, maintain shape and improve appearance, so take a minute to invest in suitable quality accessories that will extend the service life of your shoes. These include laces, brushes, horns, creams and fresheners.
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