No two feet are created equally. Finding the shoe that is right for you can be a daunting task. With so many shoes on the market, how are you to know what would be best for your foot?
The feet are comprised of bones, joints, muscles and soft tissue that must be nurtured to stay strong and healthy over a lifetime. Our feet help give us proper posture, balance, and stability. Wearing a proper fitting shoe is especially important. Wearing the wrong shoe can result in debilitating injuries and deformities.
Let’s look at a few things you should consider when determining what shoe will be best for you.
1. Get The Correct Size
Many people choose their footwear because of style, availability, and pricing. This often leads to wearing the incorrect size. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to falls, corns, calluses and impede mobility. Don’t buy a shoe because of the size labelled on it. I normally wear a size 8 ½ but have had to purchase a 9 in certain styles to get the correct fit. Invest in pair of proper fitting shoes that will not lead to foot issues.
2. Get A Shoe That Is Shaped For Your Foot
Don’t buy a tight pair of shoes and expect them to stretch to fit. Buy a pair that is suited for your foot. If you have a wide foot, choose a shoe with a wide toe box. If you have a narrow fit, buy a shoe that has a snug fit. Some shoes have advanced technology that include expandable woven uppers that conform to most foot types. Make sure there is enough room to wiggle your toes!
3. What Type Of Support Do You Need?
We have been led to believe that the more support in the shoe the better. Although this is true for some foot issues, did you know that it may be more beneficial to wear a minimalist shoe? It is thought that wearing a shoe with little to no support, a thin flexible sole and expandable upper is better in helping to build strong, healthy feet. Shoes with excess support may actually cause the feet to become weak and immobile. You eventually depend on this extra cushion and padding to maintain some sort of comfort. Having been a waitress for years and on my feet all day, I believed the more cushioning the better. I still ended up relying on orthotics because of recurring plantar fasciitis. I wish I had known then that these overprotective shoes may have been causing my feet and back issues. Years later, after slowly transitioning to minimalist shoes, I no longer suffer from planter fasciitis or low back issues. I believe wearing these shoes has allowed my feet to strengthen and my posture to improve. My choice is Leguano Barefoot Shoes. I have a painful bunion on my big toe and a bonus is that the expandable upper knit fabric does not put extra pressure on it. It expands to fit my foot properly giving me superior comfort.
4. Pick A Shoe That Fits Your Lifestyle
Different shoes have been designed for different activities. Basketball shoes are generally high tops to prevent ankle injuries. Golfers need a shoe with a good grip. But is this just a marketing ploy? You do not necessarily need a different shoe for every activity. I wear my Leguanos when hiking, walking, weightlifting, and swimming. They have a thin flexible sole that allows for natural foot movement, are slip-resistant and protect my feet from sharp objects and hot pavement. Because they are so comfortable and I feel like I am barefoot, I even wear them around the house instead of slippery slippers. 😊
Our feet take a beating over a lifetime. Proper fitting shoes can make a huge difference. If you have had the misfortune of foot injuries, you will know what a luxury it is to have healthy feet! Take care of your tootsie and choose the right shoe for you.
Leguano Barefoot Shoes offers a full range of styles and colors that are high quality, premium shoes for men, women and children. Click Here to go to the website and see the amazing selection that they have today.
