Do you think it’s time to wear comfortable shoes? Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect pair
Are the shoes you frequently wear comfortable and good for your feet? According to data from the American Pediatric Medical Association, an estimated 50% of Americans between the age range of 18 to 60 are dealing with some foot ailment, many of which are linked to wearing wrong or harmful footwear.
Bear in mind that you don’t have to suffer pain or feel any discomfort for the sake of fashion. Consider a few important factors while selecting shoes at a shoe store and look for comfortable features to find a shoe that takes care of your feet.
Know your arch type
There are three categories of foot arches. You must know which type of arch you have prior to shopping around for footwear. The shoes you consider must accommodate the shape of your arch to achieve the best fit. If you are unsure about your foot’s shape, examine your footprint. If you can see most of the print of your foot, you likely have a low arch. But if you see very little, you have a high arch.
Firm midsoles are best for neutral arched feet
Feet with neutral arch stand at the middle and are neither too arched nor under arched. People with neutral arch can wear any footwear of their choice since there is no need to compensate for limitations associated with extreme arches. For comfort and durability, choose shoes with firm midsoles. It helps sustain the foot’s natural stride.
Flexibility is also a critical factor for comfort and essential in shoes for walking and jogging. Running shoes must be firmer since they support a person’s weight and running force.
You can test the flexibility of a shoe by bending the toe upward. The shoe must bend under the ball of the foot and not halfway through the arch.
To test for support, you can twist the shoe. There should only be minimal resistance from the shoe when you twist it.
Choose a lightweight shoe
It is more difficult to move and walk in heavy shoes. These types of shoes are typically made of less comfortable material. Moreover, heavy shoes are less flexible, thus limiting your natural stride.
Shoes of lightweight material are terrific for hiking and warm weather. It enables optimal breathability in such climates.
Choose a small and wide heel
A shoe with a wide heel near the ground provides the best support for your ankles and heel. This is crucial for sandals or dress shoes. Heels over two inches leave you vulnerable to the risk of ankle sprains. A shoe with a sharper incline places great strain on your feet.
Comfortable cushioning
A shoe’s cushioning will vary depending on the kind of shoe. A running shoe will have more cushioning on the heel, whereas a walking shoe will have more padding on the ball area. It is recommended to purchase a shoe designed for the specific activity you intend to wear it for.
Try on the shoe on different surfaces
Before purchasing a shoe, try it on different surfaces, from hard to soft ones. At a shoe store you wouldn’t get the opportunity to walk on different surfaces. But when you walk on different surfaces you understand the real comfort the shoe offers. The cushioning the shoe provides may differ when walking on harder surfaces. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure the toe box has sufficient room for your toes.
Make sure the shoe fits
A shoe must have sufficient room and comfort for your feet to rest on. This includes the ball and toe areas of your foot.
You might want to consider shoes designed with false fronts. These shoes are longer at the toe area providing your toes with enough room to keep them from being squeezed and cramped.
