By Marné Amoguis
How to Choose the Right Shoes for your Needs
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Wearing the wrong shoes can make your feet hurt no matter how good they make you look and feel. For example, high heels can make your legs look long, but you'll likely experience foot pain and swelling from wearing them all night. Even if you don't wear heels, you've likely experienced pain from wearing the wrong shoes, such as when you worked a long shift on your feet wearing shoes with no arch support. Wearing shoes that don't fit well can also result in injury. Also, if you have an increase in sugar or high blood pressure, it can lead to foot pain, so it’s best to stick to a natural ingredient sweetener.
Luckily, you can find shoes that prevent foot pain and allow you to move around as much as you need without feeling uncomfortable. Here's how to choose the right shoes for your needs.
Consider the Fit
No matter which style of shoes you're shopping for, you must have a proper fit. You can have your feet measured by a salesman or use a foot measurement tool available to you in any shoe store. Once you know the length and width of your feet, you can find supportive and comfortable styles.
You can also shop for shoes online if you know your correct size. Many stores allow you to try items on and return them at no cost if they don't fit. Before buying a pair of shoes online, see if they allow you to try them on before buying or have a fair return policy if the shoes don't fit. It's always best to walk around in shoes before you spend too much money or pay for shipping twice.
When shopping online, always read the reviews. While a shoe might say it's your size, many brands are either smaller or larger than the size listed online. By reading reviews, you can determine if the shoes will fit properly.
Importance of Shoe Fit
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Shoes that don't fit well can cause health problems, including pain and discomfort. But, they can also cause long-lasting conditions, such as:
Capsulitis happens when ligaments around the joint become swollen at the base of your toe. This condition is typically caused by too much pressure on your foot by standing or moving around in your shoes, which can be painful.
Metatarsalgia is a type of overuse injury that results in pain and swelling in the foot. This condition is caused by shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Plantar Fasciitis is a condition caused by shoes that aren't supportive and causes heel pain due to swelling in the tissue on the bottom of your foot.
Athlete's Foot is a fungal infection caused by excessive sweating due to tight shoes.
Corns are thick, hard skin build-up on your feet that can be painful due to your skin rubbing against the shoes.
Ingrown Toenails occur when your toenail cuts into your skin because the toes are being pushed together by your shoes.
Buying Athletic Shoes
Athletic shoes are just like tennis shoes, but they're tailored for individual sports to provide players with the best protection during activities such as soccer and football. In addition, athletic shoes should provide comfort and flexibility without being too soft.
To be more comfortable while running and jumping, look for shoes with a soft upper area and minimal design accents. If you're unsure what brand to buy, stick with a brand you know as they have built up their reputations for being quality athletic shoes.
Learn Your Foot Shape
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Not every foot is shaped the same; there are three different types of arches alone. These include:
Neutral
A neutral arch is the most common foot shape, and most running shoes are created for these arches.
Low
Low arches are also known as flat feet, and they're the second most common foot shape. Low arches are linked to pain in the feet, especially when your shoes don't have enough arch support.
High
High arches are rare, but they require the proper amount of support.
Determining your foot shape is easy enough to do at home; you just need a tray that can hold water or a bathtub and a piece of paper. First, you'll get your foot wet and shake off the excess water. Then, you'll put your foot down on the paper and hold it for a few seconds. Once you're done, you can lift your foot and see its shape.
If you have a low arch, your entire footprint will show the bottom of your foot. If you have a high arch, the inner side of your footprint will appear thin. Regular arches won't show your entire foot, but they'll show most of the inner side of your foot.
Consider the Occasion
Sometimes, it's not appropriate to wear running shoes, and you may have to opt for something more fashionable. For example, if you're attending a fancy event, such as a wedding, fashion event, or work party, you still might be able to find shoes with adequate support that won't leave you rubbing your feet at the end of the night.
Decide Based on the Surface
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The surface you'll be running and walking on should also be a factor in the type of shoes you wear. For example, walking around on pavement is much different than walking around at work on carpet. Either way, you'll need a shoe built for what you'll be walking on and for how long. Most tennis shoes should be able to support your feet indoors, but if you plan on running outside, you should factor in the terrain. For example, road running shoes may not have the support to protect your feet while running on the uneven terrain of a trail.
Finding the Right Shoes
Try them on and walk around in the shoes before investing your hard-earned money into a nice pair. While you shouldn't go for a run to test them out since they could get dirty, you can jog around your home to see if they fit well and can keep your arches supported and feet comfortable. Finding the right shoes isn't easy, but knowing your foot size and shape can help you find something comfortable that won't rub against your skin or cause pain.
About The Author
Marné Amoguis holds a B.A. in International Business from UC San Diego. She is a contributing writer at 365businesstips.com where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing. Outside of writing, she loves traveling, playing music, and hiking.
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