Whether running, walking to the office, hiking the foothills, or just chasing your kids in the backyard, the last thing you need is foot pain slowing you down. Footwear specially designed to support your foot’s natural biomechanics is actually what you need. Shoes that fit you perfectly and suit your activity type will keep your feet, joints, and legs free from injury.
Want to feel comfortable being active every single day? Read along for more information on the right shoes for pain-free feet.
Finding the Right Shoes
Like most people, one major factor that probably impacts your purchase decision is fashion. However, we cannot overemphasize the benefits of considering function and foot health. The best footwear:
- Fits perfectly: Ensure that your shoe is long enough and wide enough- it shouldn’t be tight but rather feel snug. When walking, your feet can lengthen and spread out in all directions. It would be best to choose a shoe that offers at least one-centimeter extra space.
- Offer maximum support: Foot alignment is crucial when running, sitting, or standing on your feet.
- Adjustable: The right shoe comes with an adjustable strap that allows you to tighten or loosen the grip depending on your needs- for instance, a Velcro or laces.
- Provide cushioning: The midsole should be in good condition to offer maximum cushioning.
- Stable: Soft and sturdy heel support prevent horizontal and vertical heel movement that could cause foot injury.
How to Pick the Right Shoes Depending on Your Foot Type
Typically, feet fall under three major categories: Low Arches, Neutrals Arches, and High Arches. Each type requires a unique kind of shoes.
1. Lower Arches
If you have lower arched feet, most if not all of your shoes’ inner edges are probably worn out since your feet move inwards as you run or walk. Therefore, you should go for stable and high motion control shoes for the much-needed support.
Footwear for flat feet comes with a supportive and dense arch for foot reinforcement. They are also stiff, flexible in the toe area, and feature a wedge below the arch. The shoe design ensures even force distribution while walking, running, or standing.
2. High Arches
Individuals with high arched feet often strain the outer edges of their shoes since the feet tend to collapse outward as they move. Typically, high arched feet feature-poor shock absorption at the center. If you have this type of foot, ensure that you choose shoes with a soft midsole and firm cushion.
Additionally, you might also need to check for flexible grooves and extra rubber, particularly if you are purchasing athletic shoes. A spacious toe box also reduces discomfort and enhances stability.
But how can you tell where your shoes are ideal for high arched feet? Use the tests below:
- The bend test: Shoes for high arched feet should be rigid; it’s not a good choice if it bends in half.
- The Squeeze Test: Shoes designed for high arched feet have a firm heel with extra padding. They can hardly compress when squeezed.
3. Normal Arches
Normal arched feet are the most stable; the body’s weight is evenly distributed over the feet. For maximum shock absorption and comfort, go for well-cushioned and sturdy shoes. Also, ensure that the sole is flat and even from toe to heel.
Choose shoes with traction and minimal instep strain to offer adequate support and balance as you move. You might also want to consider flexible and lightweight shoes, especially if you are looking for sports shoes.
Running and Walking Shoes
There is no perfect running or walking shoe; each individual is unique in their walking or running style. Typically, the best shoe depends on:
- The shape of your feet
- Activity level
- Your bio-mechanic
Your two feet have numerous bones that function together with tendons and muscles, among other elements, to enable movement. When running, your feet hit the surface and experiences pressure equal to three times your body weight. The right shoes can effectively handle all that weight without causing foot injury or pain.
Hitting the road in footwear that doesn’t suit your running style or feet needs can cause health issues like irritated nerves, shin splints, toenail loss, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, etc.
Remember also to consider terrain when choosing your running shoes. Your feet may respond differently on different surfaces, including dirt trails, asphalt, and treadmills. Therefore, the cushioning and tread should match the terrain.
Generally, when purchasing running shoes, pick those with good torsional strength and shock absorption qualities.
On the other hand, walking shoes should be lightweight with extra shock absorption. The shoe’s ability to absorb shock below the ball of the foot can help eliminate heel pain, tenderness, or burning. You can also go for walking shoes with a rocker or rounded bottom to evenly distribute the force from the heel to toe.
Barefoot shoes are also a great choice; wearing them almost feels like walking or running barefoot. In addition, they protect feet from harmful objects on the surface and offer grip. Minimalist shoes also come in handy when shifting from heel-first to barefoot-style running.
How Can Your Shoes Affect Ankles, Joints, or Feet?
Wearing shoes that lack support, are too tight, or are extremely loose can cause stress on your lower legs, ankles, or feet when you engage in any physical activity. In addition, prolonged or excess pressure can lead to injuries and pain.
Common injuries caused by poor shoe choice include tendon pain, lower back pain, corn & bunions, postural issues, Achilles tendon pain, and shin splints. Unless you see a podiatrist sooner, these injuries can stop or limit your physical activity. The wrong footwear can also worsen pre-existing medical conditions like arthritis in your ankles, feet, hips, or knees.
Even a few hours with the wrong footwear can be harmful to your joints, bones, or the soft tissues in your feet.
Get Recommendations on the Right Shoes From a Foot Doctor
While there is no one size fits all method for choosing the right shoe, there are significant factors that you should consider, including motion control, outsole, pitch, and cushioning. And, of course, your type of feet and level of comfort. Visit the Frankel Foot and Ankle Center for safe recommendations on the right shoes for pain-free feet.
Conclusion
Each foot is different, and each type of shoe can cause discomfort or pain. Fortunately, Dr. Frankel is an expert who can easily decipher which footwear is best. He can also offer custom orthotics to address specific ailments.
Looking for podiatrists in Milford, PA, Warwick, NY, and Middletown, NY? Contact Dr.Frankel to get recommendations on roper footwear and custom orthotics.
