We often go for looks and trends when buying shoes. But are you aware that choosing the wrong type of shoes can largely affect the health of your feet and even cause serious levels of injury?
There are a vast variety of shoes available, but finding the perfect pair can be overwhelming. We are here with top tips that can help you find the right shoes that offer you comfort and support.
1. Understand Your Foot Type
Knowing your foot type can be of great help in sorting out a good pair from heaps of shoe options. You can determine what your foot type is by visiting a podiatrist. After knowing that you can easily choose the shoes you need.
- Flat Feet: If you have flat feet, look for shoes with good arch support and stability features. Motion-control shoes can help prevent overpronation, which is common in people with flat feet.
- High Arches: For high arches, cushioning is key. Look for shoes with a generous amount of padding to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury. Arch support is also crucial to prevent excessive strain on the arch.
- Neutral Arch: If you have a neutral arch, you're in luck as you can choose from a wide variety of orthopedic footwear. However, it's still important to ensure that the shoes provide adequate support and cushioning.
2. Prioritize Comfort and Fit
When it comes to choosing footwear, comfort should be the most important thing to consider. Shoes that are too tight or too loose may cause blisters, hammer toes, or other foot problems. Here are some tips to ensure a proper fit:
- Measure Your Feet: It’s good to seek professional help for the measurements of your feet especially if it’s been long since the last time you did it. The size and shape of feet get altered as time passes by.
- Try Shoes On Later in the Day: Since feet often swell during the day, it is advisable to try on shoes in the afternoon or evening for accurate fitting.
- Wear the Right Socks: When trying on shoes wear the socks you will be pairing your shoes with. This helps with finding the right fitting shoes as per their use.
- Check the Toe Box: Be sure that there is ample space in the toe box for your toes to move about freely. Your toes should not feel too cramped.
- Walk Around: Put on the shoes and walk around for a bit. Notice if there are parts that are too tight or painful.
3. Look for Supportive Features
Footwear with support functions offers a significant difference in increasing proper foot health and injury avoidance. Here are some key features to look for:
- Arch Support: Adequate arch support ensures even distribution of pressure on the feet thereby minimizing the chances of suffering from any swelling or pain.
- Cushioning: Appropriate cushioning takes in shock and decreases stress on your joints; therefore, it is less stressful to walk or jog.
- Heel Counter: A firm heel counter provides stability and prevents excessive movement of the heel.
- Breathability: The shoes made from breathable materials help in the prevention of blisters and also keep your feet dry. Fungal infections are less likely to occur.
4. Consider Your Activity Level
Diverse activities demand diverse kinds of shoes. The jogging sneakers that you have won’t perform well where hiking boots or basketball shoes are needed. Here's a quick guide to choosing shoes based on your activity level:
- Running: The right footwear for running should be well cushioned, providing good support with a snug fit. When choosing running shoes, look for breathable uppers and long-lasting outsoles on the shoe.
- Walking: Lightweight and flexible shoes that provide adequate arch support should be used for walking. Go for shoes that fit well and absorb shock well.
- Hiking: To give excellent support, traction and durability, hiking boots should do. For ankle injury prevention on uneven surfaces, look for sturdy boots with ankle support constructed within.
- Sports: Sports shoes should be designed specifically for the sport you play. Whether it's basketball, tennis, or soccer, choose shoes that provide the necessary support and cushioning for specific movements.
5. Replace Worn-Out Shoes
Wearing worn-out shoes can lead to foot pain and injuries. It's essential to replace your shoes regularly, especially if you use them frequently. Here are some signs that it's time to replace your shoes:
- Worn Outsoles: If the tread on the outsoles is worn down, it's time for a new pair.
- Decreased Cushioning: If you notice a significant decrease in cushioning, it's a sign that the shoes are no longer providing adequate support.
- Uneven Wear: If you notice uneven wear on the soles, it could indicate that the shoes are not supporting your feet properly.
- Increased Discomfort: If your shoes are causing discomfort or pain, it's time to replace them.
Care For Your Feet
A perfectly fit person can get orthopedic issues if they continue to wear ill-fitted shoes. There are companies like Aussie Soles, which focus on providing orthopedic footwear, designed for all sorts of feet. Aussie Soles’s orthos shoes and arch support slides and thongs are gaining popularity among people with ortho issues and people who want to prevent their feet from getting injured. Choosing the right footwear is very important for maintaining healthy feet and preventing injuries in the future. Understand what your foot type is, always keep an eye out for false-looking support, and ensure your shoes have supportive features. Considering the activities you will be doing, your shoes should be equipped to accommodate your movements.