The Importance of Good Shoes

Choosing your next pair of shoes comes down to more than just picking out the trendiest option. These shoes will be the foundation every step you take, affecting your feet, ankles, back, and more! This is why it is vital that you pick the right pair.

Benefits of Proper Shoes

Wearing good shoes can prevent your feet and joints from experiencing pain. Other foot conditions you can avoid with good shoes include:

• Corns and calluses
• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal nail infections
• Athlete’s foot
• Bunions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Collapsing arches

Choosing the Right Shoe

Typically you should change your shoes every three months or 300 miles. If you feel that your shoes are wearing out their support faster, you can change out the inserts as a more cost-effective method.

When picking your shoes, choose a pair that will not wear down as quickly. Choose shoes that:

• The back of the shoe is stiff – If you press on the back of the shoe from top to bottom you will only be able to twist it slightly.
• You can slight twist the body of the shoe – If your shoe is inflexible or too flexible it can cause problems with your feet or become uncomfortable.
• The shoe has arch support – If your shoes do not have the proper arch support it can cause your arches to hurt or even fall

If your shoes do not meet these criteria, you won’t be able to count on them for the long haul.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Because no size fits all, finding the best fit can be a process. Here are few tips to keep in mind during your search:

1. Shop at the end of the day as your feet tend to swell and get a little bigger throughout the day
2. Wear the socks you plan to wear with your new shoes
3. Make sure the soles provide enough support. There should be support for your heel and the rest of your foot.
4. Consider orthotic inserts. Inserts can help your shoes properly support your feet and increase comfort levels.

We’ve long been told that shoes need to be broken in, but your shoes should feel comfortable as soon as you put them on. If you buy a pair of shoes that feel like they need to be broken in, it could cause pain or discomfort in your feet.

Understand Your Pronation

Pronation is how your foot lands when you walk or run. If while move you are overpronating or subpronating you may cause more stress on your feet than necessary. If you overpronate while walking or running motion controlled shoes or orthotics may be recommended to you. If you subpronate you should look for a flexible and cushioned shoe. If you are unsure if you are an overpronator, subpronator, or neutral consult your doctor or an athletic shoe expert. An athletic shoe expert has been trained to help you find the best type of shoe for your different walking and running styles.

Choosing good shoes is an easy way to provide your body with the support it needs. Your shoes need to be able to absorb shock while run or walk, or risk your body absorbing the shock instead. If you have further questions, ask your doctor about what kind of shoes you need. Activities like running and hiking will require different types of support.

To learn more about the foot and ankle physicians at Elite, click here.