What to look for when buying shoes
What to look for in a pair of shoes.
Does your posture need some help? Perhaps it’s time to find a new pair of shoes!
You might not think that your choice of shoes is significant, but they’re one of the essential items you will ever buy.
Your feet are your “landing gear.” They’re what takes the brunt of all your walking, running, jumping, and standing. We all know that good posture is essential for good health, and that poor footwear is a common cause of posture issues.
If you’re not careful, wearing uncomfortable shoes can lead to foot pain and other injuries! Therefore, there are several things you should consider before buying a pair of shoes that will help you make an informed decision about what type of shoe will suit you best.
WHAT ARE SOME ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN TRYING ON SHOES IN THE STORE?
If you will be wearing them long-term, you should look for shoes that offer support in the areas where posture is most likely to change due to shoe pressure.
Take note of any changes or issues that may arise after wearing new shoes for a short period. If you seek shoes for everyday use, you should look for shoes that offer support in the areas where posture is most likely to change due to shoe pressure.
These include the tripod of the foot:
- ball of the foot,
- frontal arch, and
- heel.
Try to find shoes with a wide toe box. Your posture can be affected by the position of your feet and how they rest in the shoe, so make sure there’s enough space for them to move around.
You should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably! And don’t forget about arch support- if you’re flat-footed, choose shoes with adequate arch support and if you have high arches, opt for less support.
SHOE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING SHOES.
Support for your foot can come from many places, including rigid structures that cup the arch of your foot, providing a cradle-like shape underneath the arches of your feet.
In addition, springiness found in the heel of lower density foam shoe soles may soften under pressure and return to their original form when relieved of weight.
It’s also important to pay attention to your footwear’s effect on the rest of your body. Changes can affect your posture and impact your feet, ankles, knees, and hips.
Your foot position can also be improved by wearing supportive sandals or orthotics that fit correctly and alleviate pressure on specific problem areas. Of course, it never hurts to investigate adjusting your posture through other means as well, such as found from a posture-focused health profession!
WHEN SHOULD I BUY A NEW PAIR OF SHOES?
Even if posture is not your biggest problem, buying a new pair of shoes ensures you have the best support possible for the health and wellness of your feet.
What are some posture-related problems that may develop if I continue to wear my current shoes?
- If you don’t replace your worn-out footwear, the problem could worsen over time. Shoes with poor support can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis and other complications due to foot pain stemming from muscle tension or tendons associated posture.
- Notice the amount of loss at the heel of your shoes.
- Is it worn unevenly?
- Do you find yourself walking through a ‘groove’ formed by worn-out shoes?
Foot pain, knee pain, and other foot and posture-related issues can be an indicator that you should look into the state of your shoes.
This is the perfect opportunity to look supportive shoes to help you achieve the posture support you need with less stress on troublesome areas.
Even if posture is not your biggest problem, buying a new pair of shoes ensures you have the best support possible for the health and wellness of your feet.
FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
What posture-supportive shoes should I look for?
- To help relieve any discomfort associated with poor support, you’ll want to find footwear made with stability in mind. This means choosing a shoe that offers support when standing or walking. You may even consider insoles to replace those that came with your shoes.
- Shoes made with stability and posture control in mind are often considered “orthotic” footwear, but don’t let this scare you! Orthotics can be helpful even when they’re not custom ordered from a doctor’s office. Posture-supportive shoes are a great everyday alternative to custom orthotics because they’re comfortable, affordable, and work just as well!
Is there anything else I should consider when picking out new posture supportive shoes?
- Your feet change over time, so it’s necessary to measure them every few years.
What are “stability” shoes?
- Stability shoes are designed to help correct posture problems. They often have features like arch support and a rigid structure that helps to keep your foot in the correct position. This can be helpful for conditions like plantar fasciitis and degenerative disc disease.
What posture-supportive shoes should I avoid?
- Be sure to avoid overly “cushioned” shoes as they may not provide adequate stability or posture support. The lack of control can lead to serious injury like tendonitis and other issues that may develop over time! They’re also not great for your feet, which is why it’s good to find supportive shoes.
FINALLY
Quite often the issue at hand is not necessarily the area that may be presenting symptomatically.
PLEASE NOTE
The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into posture care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider.