Mumbai: When choosing the right shoes, it’s crucial to prioritise comfort, support, and functionality over style or brand name. The shoes you wear play a vital role in your overall foot health and can impact other parts of your body, including the lower legs, knees, hips, and lower back. Inappropriate footwear can even increase the risk of falls, which can be particularly dangerous for the elderly. Proper footwear not only prevents foot discomfort but also reduces the risk of long-term issues such as injuries and deformities. To ensure you’re making the best choice for your feet and body, here are some essential features to look for in shoes.
Adjustability: A good shoe should have features like laces or Velcro that allow for customisation based on individual needs.
Stability: The heel support or heel cup of the shoe should offer both softness and stability to prevent any unnecessary movement.
Perfect shoes for you: Tips to find the right footwear (Pic credit: Getty Images)
Adequate space: The shoe should provide ample room, both in width and depth, at the front to accommodate foot expansion during walking. Ideally, there should be space equivalent to the width of a thumb between the longest toe and the shoe.
Limited heel height: The heel of the shoe should not exceed 2.5 cm (1 inch) in height to maintain stability and reduce the risk of heel and ankle issues.
Wearable condition: It’s essential to regularly inspect footwear and replace worn-out shoes. For runners, shoes should typically be replaced every 500 to 650 kilometres (300-400 miles) to avoid overuse injuries.
Cushioning and shock absorption: Shoes should have adequate cushioning in the insole and midsole to absorb shock and reduce impact on joints during walking or running.
Breathability: Choose shoes made from breathable materials to allow for airflow and prevent excessive sweating and moisture build-up, which can lead to foot odour and fungal infections.
Flexibility: The shoe should bend easily at the ball of the foot, allowing for natural foot movement while walking.
Quality construction: Look for well-constructed shoes with durable materials and solid stitching. Quality footwear tends to last longer and provides better support and comfort.
Flip-flops: While popular, flip-flops lack adequate arch support, heel cushioning, and shock absorption, making them unsuitable for extended walking and potentially exacerbating foot issues.
High heels: High heels shift body weight to the forefoot, increasing pressure and often causing forefoot pain. They can also disrupt the balance, leading to discomfort in the back and legs.
Perfect shoes for you: Tips to find the right footwear (Canva)
Perfect shoes for you: Tips to find right footwear (Canva)
Crocs: Yes, you heard it right, though quite popular; footwear with extra room, like Crocs, lack stability due to the absence of an adjustable strap. This instability can result in foot and lower limb pain, making them unsuitable for extensive walking.
Flats: Flats offer minimal arch support and shock absorption. The thin soles can cause discomfort during prolonged walking, and there’s a higher risk of stepping on sharp objects due to the thin sole design.
Remember, the right shoes can make a significant difference in foot health, overall comfort, and posture. It’s advisable to try on shoes in the afternoon or evening when your feet are slightly larger due to natural swelling. This ensures a more accurate fit.
Perfect shoes for you: Tips to find right footwear
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28.03.2024
Mumbai: When choosing the right shoes, it’s crucial to prioritise comfort, support, and functionality over style or brand name. The shoes you wear play a vital role in your overall foot health and can impact other parts of your body, including the lower legs, knees, hips, and lower back. Inappropriate footwear can even increase the risk of falls, which can be particularly dangerous for the elderly. Proper footwear not only prevents foot discomfort but also reduces the risk of long-term issues such as injuries and deformities. To ensure you’re making the best choice for your feet and body, here are some essential features to look for in shoes.
Adjustability: A good shoe should have features like laces or Velcro that allow for customisation based on individual needs.
Stability: The heel support or heel cup of the shoe should offer both softness and stability to prevent........
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