The Surprising Benefits of Wearing the Right Shoes for Your Feet and Your Activities
The Best Practices for Finding Shoes that Fit Well, Feel Good and Support Your Health
@sohsaid
5/5/20235 min read
The Surprising Benefits of Wearing the Right Shoes for Your Feet and Your Activities
Shoes are more than just accessories that complete our outfits. They are also essential tools that protect our feet, enable us to walk wherever we want and provide comfort when we are on our feet for long periods of time. But how do shoes affect our health and wellbeing? And what are the best practices for choosing and wearing shoes that suit our needs and preferences?
How Shoes Affect Your Health
Shoes can have a significant impact on our physical health, especially on our feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. Poorly fitting or designed shoes can cause a number of problems, such as:
Corns. These are hard, dead skin that form over a bony prominence, like a joint. They are often caused by prolonged pressure from tight or narrow shoes. They can be very painful and sometimes contain blood vessels or nerve fibers².
Bunions. These are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe. They are caused by wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together or force them into an unnatural position. They can cause inflammation, pain and difficulty walking².
Ingrown nails. These are nails that grow into the skin instead of over it. They are usually caused by trimming the nails too short or wearing shoes that press on the nails. They can cause infection, swelling and pain².
Shin pain. This is pain along the front of the lower leg. It is often caused by wearing shoes that lack cushioning or support, or by changing the intensity or frequency of physical activity. It can indicate inflammation of the muscles, tendons or bone tissue¹.
Achilles tendon pain. This is pain at the back of the heel or lower calf. It is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or have a high heel, or by increasing the duration or intensity of physical activity. It can indicate inflammation or injury of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone¹.
Postural issues. These are problems with the alignment of the spine and the balance of the body. They are often caused by wearing shoes that alter the natural position of the foot, such as high heels, flip-flops or flat shoes. They can cause lower back pain, neck pain, headaches and fatigue².
To prevent these problems, it is important to choose shoes that fit well, provide adequate support and cushioning, and match the type and level of physical activity you engage in.
How Shoes Affect Your Wellbeing
Shoes can also have an impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, as they can influence our mood, self-esteem and social interactions.
Some of the ways shoes can affect our wellbeing are:
Boosting confidence. Wearing shoes that make us feel good about ourselves can enhance our self-image and self-esteem. For example, wearing heels can make us feel taller, more attractive and more powerful⁴.
Expressing personality. Wearing shoes that reflect our personal style and preferences can help us communicate who we are and what we like to others. For example, wearing colorful sneakers can show that we are fun-loving and adventurous⁴.
Improving mood. Wearing shoes that make us happy can improve our emotional state and reduce stress. For example, wearing comfortable shoes can make us feel relaxed and calm⁴.
Promoting health. Wearing shoes that encourage us to be physically active can benefit our health and wellbeing in many ways. For example, wearing minimal shoes or going barefoot can help strengthen our feet and prevent injuries⁵.
To enjoy these benefits, it is important to choose shoes that suit our mood, personality and goals, and that allow us to express ourselves freely and comfortably.
How to Find the Perfect Fit
Finding the perfect fit for your shoes is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you find shoes that fit well and feel good:
Measure your feet. Your feet size and shape can change over time due to factors such as age, weight gain or loss, pregnancy or injury. Therefore, it is advisable to measure your feet at least once a year using a device called a Brannock device⁴. You should measure both feet and use the larger one as your reference.
Try on shoes in person. Online shopping may be convenient, but it is not the best way to find shoes that fit well. It is better to try on shoes in person, preferably in the afternoon or evening, when your feet are slightly swollen. You should also wear the same type of socks or stockings that you plan to wear with the shoes.
Check the fit. When trying on shoes, you should check the following aspects of the fit:
Length. There should be about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your toes should not feel cramped or curled up.
Width. The shoe should fit snugly but not tightly around your foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes and move your foot from side to side without feeling any pressure or rubbing.
Heel. The heel of the shoe should fit securely and comfortably around your heel. It should not slip off or dig into your skin.
Arch. The arch of the shoe should match the arch of your foot. It should provide adequate support and stability without being too high or too low.
Cushioning. The shoe should have enough cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact on your joints. It should also be flexible enough to allow your foot to bend and move naturally.
Choose the right type. Different types of shoes are designed for different purposes and activities. You should choose shoes that match the type and level of physical activity you engage in, as well as the surface and environment you walk on. For example, running shoes are made for running on flat and smooth surfaces, while hiking shoes are made for walking on rough and uneven terrain. You should also consider factors such as weather, season and fashion when choosing shoes.
Replace your shoes regularly. Shoes can wear out over time, losing their shape, support and cushioning. This can affect their performance and comfort, as well as increase the risk of injury. You should replace your shoes when they show signs of wear and tear, such as holes, cracks, uneven soles or faded colors. The frequency of replacement depends on how often and how intensely you use your shoes, but a general rule is to replace them every 300 to 500 miles for running shoes and every six months for walking shoes.
Conclusion
Shoes are more than just accessories that complete our outfits. They are also essential tools that affect our health and wellbeing in many ways. Choosing and wearing shoes that fit well, provide adequate support and cushioning, and match the type and level of physical activity we engage in can help us prevent injuries, improve our posture, boost our confidence, express our personality, improve our mood and promote our health. Finding the perfect fit for our shoes may not be easy, but it is worth the effort.