How to choose comfortable shoes
How to choose comfortable shoes for your feet. Let’s be honest, we all love our tootsies but also be aware of the stress and strain we put them under every day that can lead them to tear or cause hardened skin that makes them sore.
As you are aware, disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails and wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can also cause long term damage to our feet.
So, we not only need to look after them but respect them too.
To be fair, they are the things that carry us around all day and get us from A to B. Trouble with our feet may also be an early warning sign of serious medical conditions like nerve and circulatory disorders and even arthritis and diabetes,
What can you do to prevent foot problems?
So before you all start to panic there are ways in which we can look after our feet to keep them and our health in tip top shape.
We have outlined a few things you can do as part of your routine to better feet to keep you and them in beautiful shape for years to come.
Correct size is key
- Always ensure that the shoes you choose are the correct size and design for your feet. Forcing your feet into shoes that are not right for your feet are the first steps to causing long term damage to your feet and body
- Get measured by a professional and know the correct sizes and shape of shoes that are right for your feet. See below for more tips on this.
- Always remove your shoes where possible and walk in your bare feet when it is safe to do so. This takes pressure off your feet and allows them to relax and get the blood flowing.
- You should regularly check them for Podiatrists. A family GP is qualified to treat most foot problems and can advise you if there are any affects or problems for concern, then he or she will refer you to a qualified orthopaedic surgeon or dermatologist but only if needed.
Allow the blood to flow
- Keep the blood flowing. Always circulate blood to your feet when possible. You can do this using simple steps like walking, stretching, massaging your feet as well as putting your feet in an upright position while watching telly or relaxing.
- A soak in the bath is always a good way to relax them anytime of the day or night! When possible, try not to expose them to cold temperatures.
How to choose comfortable shoes for your feet
As we mentioned at the start of this article, getting the right shoes for your feet is your number one priority.
While some shoes may look better than others, you cannot afford to force your feet into shoes that do not fit without causing strain and damage to both your feet and body.
Wearing nice comfortable shoes that fit you will go a long way in preventing many long term ailments to your feet.
Some tips to remember when buying shoes
- Did you know that the size of your feet changes as we grow older. It’s vital that you get your feet measured before buying shoes. It’s best you get your feet measured at the end of the day when they are largest.
- Did you know that most of us have one foot that is actually larger than the other. If this is the case then fit your shoe to your larger foot.
- Never pick shoes by the size marked inside of the shoe you look at. Choose the show size that is comfortable for you.
- Always select a shoe that is shaped like your own foot.
- While undergoing the fitting process, always make sure there is enough space (3/8″ to 1/2″) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up.
- Always ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe
- Never buy a shoe that feel too tight on and then expect them to stretch to fit later. This is a big no no!
- Your heel must fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping. The shoe should not ride up and down on your heel while walking.
Comfort is key
- Always ensure you walk around in both shoes to make sure they fit and feel comfortable. Whether buying from a store or on-line, spend time walking on a carpeted flooring (as not to damage the sole of the shoe) as this will give you an indication if they are the right fit for you.
- Foot specialists always recommend that the upper part of the shoe must be made of a soft, flexible material that matches the shape of your foot.
- Shoes manufactured from leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritation to the feet.
- The soles of your shoe must always provide you with a solid grip to stop you from slipping and causing damage to your feet and body.
- Thick cushioned soles offer great support for both your feet and body if you spend most the day walking on hardened surfaces.
- Low-heeled shoes are always the safer and more comfortable option and will cause less damage than high-heeled shoes.
These are just some tips you should really consider when choosing those next pair or working or night time shoes. We all want to look our best and with most of us spend at least half of the day on our feet and it’s our duty to look after them and treat them with the TLC that they deserve.
How to choose comfortable shoes for your feet
