Mistake to Avoid When Choosing Shoes to Wear

Mistake to Avoid When Choosing Shoes to Wear

Shoes are not only a fashion statement, but also a vital part of your health and well-being. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause foot pain, blisters, bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and even affect your posture and gait. To avoid these problems, you need to be careful when choosing shoes to wear. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid when buying and wearing shoes:

1 - Buying Shoes Without Trying Them On

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when buying shoes is to rely on the size label or the online description without trying them on. Shoe sizes can vary widely among different brands, styles, and countries. Even if you have a standard foot size, your feet may change over time due to factors such as age, weight, pregnancy, or injury. That's why you should always try on shoes before you buy them or at least once a year.

To measure your foot length, width, and arch type, you can use a foot scanner at a shoe store or a ruler and a paper at home. You can also trace your foot on a paper and compare it with different shoe models online¹. When trying on shoes, make sure to wear the same type of socks or hose that you intend to wear with the shoes. You should also try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen from walking¹.

2 - Choosing Shoes That Don't Fit Well

Another common mistake that people make when choosing shoes is to ignore the fit and comfort of the shoes. Some people may buy shoes that are too small or too narrow for their feet, hoping that they will stretch or break in over time. Others may buy shoes that are too big or too wide for their feet, thinking that they will provide more room or cushioning. Both scenarios can lead to foot problems and injuries.

When choosing shoes, you should look for shoes that fit well from the start and don't require any adjustment period¹. The shoes should have enough room at the toes and the balls of the feet, without pushing or curling them. The shoes should also fit snugly at the heels, without pinching or slipping off. You should be able to wiggle your toes and walk around comfortably in the shoes¹.

3 - Wearing Shoes That Don't Match Your Activity

Another mistake that people make when choosing shoes is to wear shoes that don't match their activity or purpose. For example, some people may wear running shoes for court sports, flip flops for long walks, or high heels for everyday use. These choices can compromise your performance, safety, and health.

When choosing shoes, you should consider the type of activity that you will be doing and the surface that you will be walking on². For example, if you are running, you should wear running shoes that are designed to absorb shock and provide stability and cushioning for your feet. Running shoes come in different types depending on your foot shape, arch type, and biomechanics². If you are playing court sports, such as tennis or basketball, you should wear sport-specific shoes that provide more side-to-side support and traction for your feet². If you are walking, you should wear walking shoes that are flexible and lightweight for your feet².

4 - Wearing Shoes That Are Worn Out or Damaged

The last mistake that people make when choosing shoes is to wear shoes that are worn out or damaged. Wearing old or broken shoes can reduce their effectiveness and cause more harm than good to your feet. For example, worn out shoes can lose their shape, support, cushioning, and traction over time. Damaged shoes can have holes, tears, cracks, or loose parts that can irritate or injure your feet.

When choosing shoes, you should inspect them regularly and replace them when they show signs of wear and tear³. For example, you should look at the heel of the shoe and see if it is worn out or angled. If it is, it can alter your gait and posture and cause pain in your leg or back³. You should also look at the sole of the shoe and see if it is sturdy enough to protect your feet from sharp objects and provide enough cushioning³. You should also check the inside of the shoe and see if there are any tags

Conclusion

Choosing shoes to wear is not a trivial matter. It can affect your health, comfort, and well-being. To avoid making mistakes when buying and wearing shoes, you should follow these tips :

• Try on shoes before you buy them and measure your feet regularly.

• Choose shoes that fit well and feel comfortable from the start.

• Match your shoes to your activity and purpose.

• Replace your shoes when they are worn out or damaged.

By following these tips, you can find the right shoes for your feet and enjoy the benefits of wearing good shoes. Remember, your feet deserve the best!