Taking Care of your Feet
Finding the right shoe for your feet is an individual process. What is comfortable and supportive to you might not be to someone else. Finding that right fit can mean the difference between feeling great and suffering foot and heel pain that can be permanent. When looking for new shoes, keep the following in mind:
Leather or canvas are the best materials as they move with the foot and “breathe”, allowing air flow around the foot to cool it and keep it dry. Leather stands up the best in the long run as it is tough enough to repel most scratches and rips and conforms to the foot over time, giving it customized support.
A cushioned heel is important as it will guard against any sudden shocks to the foot. Jarring of the foot can cause aches and pains all the way up the leg, and to the hips and back. A cushioned heel lets the heel sink into the material and be supported.
A built-in arch supports the curves of the foot and produces fewer pressure points than flat insole shoes. The supports distribute the weight of the foot evenly so that the body is better able to carry its weight.
Choose a shoe with a thick rubberized sole. Thin soles wear out quickly and can cause less cushioning of the foot. Thick soled shoes will have to be replaced less often and provide the most support.
Measure both of your feet for shoe size as feet can flatten out and spread over time, sometimes not at the same rate. Your shoes must fit the largest of your feet comfortably for the best fit. Do not just assume that all manufacturers produce similarly-sized shoes. If you have worn a size 8 for years, don’t just expect that a size 8 with a different manufacturer is the same. Try them on and make sure they feel comfortable.
The most important consideration when buying shoes is how they feel on your feet. Well-fitting shoes are comfortable. If a shoe is tight in the store, it will not get looser over time regardless of what the shoe salesperson says. Your shoes should feel great and not pinch anywhere from the first moment you put them on.
Because it can be a challenge to find the right shoe in the first place, it is important to look after your shoes well. Avoid getting the shoes wet as much as possible and use a shoe horn to put on your shoes without breaking down the heels. When a quality pair of shoes wears down its soles or needs other repairs, it is a far better idea to have them professionally repaired than to have to throw them out and buy another pair. Despite the current “throw away” attitude in society today, there are still skilled cobblers available to repair and renew shoes. Not only does it make sense from a dollar and cents point of view as well as keeps you in well-fitting shoes, it is also good for the environment to make the best use out of shoes before buying a new pair.