subject: Benefits You Should Expect From Comfortable Shoes [print this page] Benefits You Should Expect From Comfortable Shoes
In order to understand the importance of wearing comfortable shoes and their benefits, you should know what features and materials really add comfort value, and what features and materials don't. Why should you care? If you're thinking, "I can't take another step in these shoes," or, "I need to sit down," then your shoes are not doing the job, they are not comfort shoes.
Ask Yourself These Questions About Your Shoes Materials...
Your answers to the following questions, from your own daily walking or running experience on different surfaces, should determine if your shoes delivered the comfort and value that was advertised.
Did a little cushion or padding in the toe box area make your feet comfortable while sitting?
Did you have that same comfort when you became busy and started walking alot on different surfaces?
Remember how some advertisers demonstrate that their shoes are comfortable by pressing on the cushioning, and you can see an impression on the footbed where they pressed? How much more will just padding give way to body weight pushing down on it?
How did those shoes feel two hours after wearing them?
Are your hard manmade or leather soles as durable and comfortable as you expected?
Don't feel bad about the answers to the above questions. It's not your fault. We've all been there. So, wearing low heels with just padding and or cushioning is not enough to qualify shoes as comfortable shoes.
Choose Shoes That Meet Your Specific Needs
By choosing shoes that meet your specific needs, you are choosing comfortable shoes that provide the benefits of comfort, value, and protection.
If you overturn or twist your ankles, pronation issues, then high heels which have balancing issues are not for you. A lower heel shoe with a mid sole stabilizing bar may be more suitable. Also, a sports shoe with a good support ankle collar for athletic activity. There are also shoes that have springs in the soles to absorb shock while also providing better balance.
If you like high heels, then a nice alternative is a wedge heel. It adds height, while providing a wider outsole for better balance, which lessens slipping and or falling issues. Also, the platform should be 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the wedge heel, which makes the foot slant less pronounced and is better for posture and internal organs. The wedge mid sole and or outsole should be EVA, or polyurethane, or cork and latex/rubber to absorb the impact of shoe-to-surface contact. Think of two to three inches of shock absorbing materials under your feet versus one inch.
If you have leg fatigue, then lighter weight shoes may be for you. Shoes with EVA, polyurethane, rubber, cork and latex/rubber soles are lighter in weight than other shoes. These materials are lightweight so they don't drag you down and tire you. Tired legs can lead to accidents.
If you work in an environment where surfaces are slippery, then rubber traction lug sole boots with a stability bar mid sole, with a supportive but comfortable ankle collar, with a toe bar may be what you need.
If throughout the week you walk on many different surfaces, tiled floors, hard wood floors, gravel, concrete, it's essential to wear shock absorbing shoes to protect your joints and body, to prevent injuries and pain.
Shock Absorbing Materials
EVA, polyurethane, rubber, and cork in combination with any of the previous three materials, are shock absorbing materials. Any one of these materials should be a listed detail in the comfortable shoes description. When incorporated into the mid sole and or outsoles of shoes, they take the impact so your body doesn't have to. When you can enjoy walking throughout the day thinking about other things besides every step you're taking, then your comfortable shoes are providing the protection and the comfort you need.
