You have a surprisingly large number of choices when it comes to footwear. There are tennis shoes and basic flats. There are a range of heel sizes, ranging from the relatively minor to full-on stilettos that bring your foot far off the ground. There are platforms of varying sizes. There’s even a minimalist trend toward wearing no shoes or shoes that provide little to no cushion from the pavement.
What we’re saying is that choosing what kind of shoe that’s right for you is a decision that’s a lot harder than it sounds. Thankfully, there are certain paths to follow and things to avoid when you’re thinking about the purchase of a new set of shoes, be that for walking around your everyday life or for going through an intensive run.
A new report in the Chicago Tribune highlights some points of guidance that you’ll want to remember. Following these insights are important for preventing the types of foot injuries that can prove quite painful, especially if left untreated for an extended period of time. For more specific advice geared toward your particular situation, you should always speak with a doctor.
One thing that you’re looking for when picking a shoe is support. You may not realize it, but when you don’t get proper protection throughout your foot, you’re actually going to alter your gait in a way that could be deleterious to good health.
Sandals are a bad idea for this reason. Your foot is actually forced to pick up the shoe, which basically hangs off the front of your foot rather than conforming to the dimensions of your body. If your heart is set on wearing these for a day at the beach, then at the very least make sure to invest in the type of sandal that offers some kind of buckle around your heel. In most cases, though, sandals should be avoided on lengthier trips.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have heels, a form of shoe in which fashion is often traded for comfort. Most heels fail the safety test because they contort the foot into an unnatural position.
You can avoid a painful time by placing limits on how high the heel is. If you’re feeling an inordinate amount of pressure on your toes, it could be because the heel is too high or the front of the shoe is too narrow. Avoid such things, instead opting for the type of heel that gives room to your toes and raises you no more than a couple of inches off the ground.
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