subject: If The Shoe Fits, Wear It- Protect Your Feet And Wear Proper Footwear [print this page] It is essential to determine the appropriate footwear. An average day of walking brings a force that is equal to several hundred tons on your feet and is subject to more injury than any other part of your body. This shows just how important the need to protect your feet with proper footwear is.
With a wide array of shoes available to you, be sure to consider variables such as foot type, durability and fit when making your selection. Whether you are looking for high-mileage training shoes or a recreational shoe, these choices will help you select a shoe that is tailored to your needs. Your podiatrist can help you determine the best shoes for your feet.
Women and Their Shoes
Women tend to inflict more punishment and pressure on their feet than anyone else. Improper footwear worn by many women can bring about unnecessary foot problems that could have easily been avoided. Many of the foot problems that are brought as a result of improper footwear are caused by high heels.
To relieve the harmful effects of wearing heels, women can limit the time that they wear them, or eliminate them altogether. If you must wear heels, it is important to alternate with supportive sneakers or flats for part of the day. Heel height can also be varied. There are comfortable and attractive walking pumps for work and other social activities. These will blend comfort with pleasure.
Most importantly, the activity in which you may be participating in is vital in choosing the proper shoe. Wearing the right shoe for a certain activity is the most important factor in your choice for shoes to wear. Experts suggest that women should wear shoes that:
Have ties (not a slip-on)
Have a vibram type composite sole
Have a relatively wider heel, no more than a half or three-quarters of an inch in height
Men's Footwear
The best shoes for men are an oxford style shoe, which are ordinarily associated with wing-tip or cap toe designs. Additionally, slip-ons, dressy loafers and low dress boots are also suitable shoes for men to wear. As you can see, though, the styles that men are capable of wearing are indeed different than those women should be wearing.
As with women, men should buy specific shoes for work, leisure, and special activities. Your shoes should match the intended activity. When buying shoes it is important to:
Have your feet measured while you're standing
Always try on both shoes, and walk around the store
Always buy for the larger foot; feet are seldom exactly the same size
Don't buy shoes that need a "break-in" period. Shoes should be comfortable immediately
Shop for shoes later in the day
Select a shoe with a leather upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.
Don't rely on the size of your last pair of shoes because your feet do tend to get larger
Your San Antonio podiatrist is specially trained and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all foot conditions. Protect your feet and properly buy appropriate shoes. Feet carry a lot of pressure, therefore keeping them well-maintained is important for vitality and life.
