Do you know how shoes can influence your foot health? Your shoes can make or break your foot health. Good-quality, supportive shoes, in the correct size, will help keep you from getting hurt and lower your chances of experiencing pain. They might even help prevent pain in other areas of your body like your back and shoulders. Every time you stand, your feet carry all your weight. Give your feet the support they need. In this article, you will learn how shoes can influence your foot health, about shoe brands that are good for your feet, and about podiatrist-recommended shoe brands.
Podiatrist Recommended Shoes
There are many qualities that a podiatrist looks for when declaring whether or not a show is good for your feet or not. They look at how shoes can influence your foot health. A podiatrist recognizes that shoes serve many purposes beyond holding up our weight. Sometimes they need to look professional, sometimes they need to be able to run, and sometimes they are needed for physical labor.
For whatever purpose your shoes serve, they should be an investment. With all the ways, as you’re learning, how shoes can influence your foot health choosing a shoe that will properly support your foot is important.
Before you buy a shoe, measure your foot. You want to make sure you are buying the right size. Shoes that are too big can cause bunions and hammertoes as you scrunch your toes to keep your shoes on your feet. You’ll also be prone to accidents. Feet sliding around in your shoes is never a good idea. You’re bound to lose your balance and topple over. Shoes that are too small can cause blisters, bunions, corns, and more. Only a properly fit shoe can offer you proper support. That is one way that shoes can influence your foot health.
Your shoes also need to be the right width. Everyone’s feet are built differently. Some people have wider feet than others. Even if the shoe fits lengthwise, if it is too small widthwise, you will find yourself facing many of the same issues that come with wearing shoes that are generally too small.
Although shoes can get expensive, if you are passionate about your foot health, you need to replace your shoes as they wear out. If you are buying high-quality shoes from the beginning, you can put off buying new ones for quite a while, but even the best shoes will wear out eventually. A lot of people will wear their shoes until they physically can not wear them anymore, but if you would be better off barefoot in terms of support, it is time to get new shoes.
Your shoes need to fit your arches and support your foot without squishing it. If you overpronate, you should look for shoes that will help that. If you struggle with bunions or calluses, look for shoes that will not exacerbate the problem. High heels are a horrible offender. They might be high fashion, but they are known to cause calluses, bunions, hammertoes, numbness, and more. If you are looking for a dressy shoe, opt for a flat or nice sandals. Although men do not usually wear heels, they should also look for dress shoes that support the foot.
With all footwear, it is a good idea to invest in orthotics. You can buy over-the-counter orthotics, but if you want something made to support your feet and your feet only, consider visiting a podiatrist and getting prescription orthotics. These can help alleviate pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, overpronation, hammer toes, arthritis, heel spurs, and many others.
Shoe Brands That Are Good for Your Feet
Are you looking for shoe brands that are good for your feet? Now that you know how shoes can influence your foot health both for the better and for the worse, you can explore different shoe brands and find the shoe that works best for your feet.
Allbirds
Allbirds provide enough support for day-to-day activities. Their shoes run from about $40 to $160.
Vionic
If you are looking for a variety of styles fit for most occasions, the Vionic brand has you covered. With built-in arch support, you can have both comfort and style. Vionic shoes run from around $100 to $200
Brooks
Brooks produces supportive athletic shoes. This is the shoe of choice for many professional runners because of its fantastic arch support and sturdy midsoles. Their shoes are expensive running from around $65 to $250.
New Balance
Many of New Balance’s shoes are great for helping with overpronation and provide runners with an extra supportive toe cap and a soft heel. New Balance shoes run from $40 to $250.
Podiatrist Recommended Shoe Brands
Sometimes mainstream brands won’t cut it. Your feet need the help of a podiatrist-recommended shoe brand. All the shoes listed below are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Chaco
This brand of American Podiatric Medical Association-approved casual shoes and sandals tout amazing arch support and adjustable width. Chacos run from about $50 to about $150.
ABEO
ABEO shoes are specially made to accommodate bunions, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs. These orthopedic shoes look no different from regular shoes, but they offer the support people struggling with foot issues need. Their shoes run from about $40 to about $500.
Ecco
Ecco brand is a premium shoe brand with shoes made of quality leather. They come with removable insoles and their orthopedic shoes look just like any other sneaker or dress shoe. They have shoes ranging from $20 to $240.
Hoka One One
Hoka One One specializes in running shoes. Their oversized insoles offer a greater cushion not offered by many other brands. Their shoes cost between $100 and $150.
Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois
If you need advice on what shoes will be best for your feet, are looking for custom orthotics, want to know how your shoes influence your foot health, or need to address any other foot and ankle concerns, contact the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois. Our Algonquin doctors will evaluate your feet and educate you on how shoes can influence your foot health. After your appointment you will know what steps you need to take, including finding the right shoes, to improve your foot health.
