DIET | DETECTIVE^®

The number one priority for shoes is that they  should be supportive. Try to wear shoes made of natural fibers, such as leather or cloth. These materials are breathable and also stretch a little. The shoes should have a shock-absorbing sole. Look for a shoe with a cushioned insole and arch support.

If possible, stay away from loafer-style shoes. Loafers do not have the ability to loosen like a lace-up shoe, so they tend to bind your foot and put pressure on the tops of your feet. 

The shape of the shoes is also important to your comfort. Avoid wearing pointed shoes; instead find a pair with a round or square toe box. The toe box should also be tall: In other words, the top of the shoe should not sit on the top of your toes. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes. Also, don't wear a shoe you need a crowbar to get your foot in. If you have wide feet, wear a wide shoe.

Heel height is another factor contributing to comfort, particularly for women. A chunky or wedge heel is best, and it should be no more than one-inch high if you are doing any walking. If your job requires you to be on your feet, but not moving too much, you can go up to about an inch and a half.  Higher than an inch and a half, you can put strain on your lower back and the ball of the foot. It can also cause crowding of the toes and irritate bunions, which is when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint juts out and forces the toe to bend toward the others. A similar problem called a bunionette can occur on the outside of the foot.

Some people actually should be wearing shoes with a little heel, so don't assume flats are best. If you have any questions about which shoes are right for you, there are good specialty shoe stores that can help you. You might also try to find brands such as Arche, Ecco, Clark, Aerosoles, Mephisto, Rockport and EasySpirit. They all specialize in comfortable shoes.

While many designers have come a long way in making supportive work shoes, athletic shoes are still the best for serious walking.  You might consider wearing your athletic shoes to walk to work and then change into your dress shoes once you arrive.

Bookmark:

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed