the correct footwear can help alleviate foot problems, so it’s essential that they fit correctly. Our feet change over time and shoes that don’t provide optimal support can cause considerable pain.
shoes made of too-tight or stiff materials place undue strain on your feet, ankles and lower legs – and can add unnecessary stress. By following these tips you can reduce this unnecessary pressure.
Toe Box
Shoes that do not fit properly can lead to numerous foot issues. Most often this stems from having shoes with narrow or pointed toe boxes which cause the toes to move into an uncomfortable position, leading to problems such as bunions, hammer toes and corns/calluses.
Shoes featuring wide toe boxes provide your toes with room to spread naturally when walking and running, providing optimal leverage during gait cycles and helping prevent your feet from becoming sore after long wear periods. This may help avoid soreness in the long run.
To determine whether your shoes provide enough toe space, stand barefoot on a piece of paper and trace around your feet. Next, put on each pair of shoes you own and compare their toe boxes with what was traced out earlier – narrow or too pointed boxes may prevent your toes from spreading and may act like tripods for your foot.
Toe Protectors
Footwear plays an essential part in maintaining foot health and wellness. It helps prevent and treat conditions like bunions and flat feet, while it may also impact posture, alignment and overall foot and leg health.
Everyday we put immense stress on our feet. They must bear the weight of our entire bodies, which can put strain on them if our shoes aren’t designed and fitted specifically to suit us.
No matter if your feet are healthy or injured, or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, finding shoes that fit comfortably is of utmost importance for rehabilitation and healing. Correct Toes is one such toe spacing device which offers major foot health benefits at a fraction of the price of traditional arch orthotics or motion control devices.
Heel Counter
The heel counter of a shoe is essential in providing support and stability to your feet. The back and side portion that cups your heel should be strong and firm without giving way too easily, helping control excessive pronation/supination of the foot, which in turn prevents injuries and promotes healthier feet.
Fit is also extremely important. Shoes should fit easily upon first put-on without needing any break-in period; ensure there is plenty of room for toes, with at least half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, ideally after shopping in later afternoon as your feet tend to swell during the day and shoes that are too tight may cause blisters while shoes that allow too much movement can lead to calluses and bunions developing over time.
Sole
Footwear isn’t simply fashion; it also plays a critical role in protecting against various foot conditions and injuries. If you are an athlete, work on your feet or have joined the standing desk craze, it is imperative that your footwear provides protection, comfort, and proper arch support.
Be sure to get your feet measured, as their size can change over time. Also wear the socks you intend to use when trying on shoes, and always leave about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe – this allows your toes to move freely while encouraging natural toe splay (ideally via Correct Toes), essential for healthy feet. Look for shoes which combine supportive materials with fashionable styles.