Choosing an inappropriate pair of shoes can cause pain, calluses and blisters. Consider the shape of the foot at the time of the choice of footwear is key.

Blisters, calluses and pain can be the unintended consequences of walking with inadequate footwear. That it is lightweight, that it offers good absorption of impact and that, above all, it adapts to the characteristics of your foot, are key to consider when choosing between the varied offer of the market.

What type of footwear do you choose when you know that you will have a long day of walks from here to there? Surely some comfortable shoes to walk. A pair that you know does not touch you and with which the comfortable shoes exist, you will not end up with your feet destroyed at the end of the day.

But there always comes a time when comfortable footwear also wears out and no longer fulfils its function. And although we do not want to get rid of them, we have to buy new ones that provide us with comfort. For that reason, we are going to give you some tips on how to choose the comfortable walking shoes and the different options so that they fit our feet and also be able to go to fashion.

We should not confuse comfortable shoes to walk around town with hiking shoes. In this last case we should consider many more factors.  And what about fashion? Each foot is different and each brand has its style. So you can find footwear that suits you and that you are comfortable with them.

Specialists from clinics have compiled a series of tips to choose the right shoes. Knowing the basic parts of a walking shoe can help you choose between the many styles and brands.

Here at Happy Feet Pedorthics we’ll assist you in the selection of shoes for your daily routine. First of all, we will measure your feet in order to make your new shoes fir perfectly, then we will recommend the best and most comfortable design for you, ask for aesthetic preferences and present a brief view at what we will your new shoes look like.

Among the useful features you need to look for on your new pair of shoes, it must include:

• Notch for the heel. Reduces stress on the Achilles tendon.
• Ankle strap Acts as a pad around the ankle and ensures that it fits well.
• Upper part. It is usually made of leather or synthetic material. The mesh fabric allows better ventilation and is lighter.
• Support the foot and the arch. Shoe inserts that can be removed can be washed or removed to dry between walks.
• Midsole Offers comfort and cushioning
• Provides space for the toes. A spacious and rounded toe helps prevent corns.
• Other beneficial features that not all shoes have the gel pad (protects and reduces the impact when the foot makes contact with the ground) and the stabiliser bar (helps stabilise your foot if it tends to go in when stepping).
• Consider the shape of the foot
• To avoid pain, consider the shape and size of your feet when you buy a pair of walking shoes. Your feet should never be forced to conform to a pair of shoes.
• Shoes that are too narrow or too wide can cause blisters and calluses. In addition, a toe that is not high enough and, therefore, does not offer enough room for the fingers, can aggravate problems such as bunions and hammertoes.

Choose a pair of shoes that is suitable for your foot shape

Feet with neutral arch. They do not have a marked arch nor are they very flat. Look for shoes with firm midsole, right to semi-curved shape and moderate stability for the back of the foot.

Low arch or flat foot. It can contribute to muscle stress and joint problems in some people, although there is no direct correlation. If you have very flat feet, look for walking shoes with a right shape and movement control to help stabilise your feet.

Feet with high arch. They can promote excessive stress on the joints and muscles, especially if you do many high-impact or jumping activities. Look for a good padding. A curved last can also be useful in some cases.

If you are not sure what type of foot you have, put it in water and step on a piece of cardboard. Examine the footprint you left. If you can see it almost entirely, you probably have low arcs. On the contrary, if you can see very little, they are probably tall.

You can also look at your old shoes to find clues about the shape of your foot. Take your shoes or old shoes when you go to buy a new pair. Most professional shoemakers can give you advice based on how you spent the previous one.

More tips

• Buy the ones that fit you best, not the ones that you like the most.
• When you go shopping, take the socks you wear when walking.
• Buy shoes after walking for a while or in the afternoon, when your feet are more swollen.
• Buy in sports stores, or where you have many options.
• Always try the pair. I moved my toes. If you do not have at least 1.3 cm. -About the thickness of your finger- between the longest toe and the toe of the shoe, I asked for another number.
• Make sure it is wide enough. From side to side, you should fit, but you do not have to press.
• Before buying them, walk with shoes or slippers on. The shoes should fit you immediately.
• Make sure the heel does not slip when walking.
• Replace worn footwear to prevent injuries. Although it may still be comfortable for you, it may not be providing you with enough support or impact absorption. Pay attention to the condition it is in. If the soles are worn out, it’s time to buy another pair.

Here at Happy Feet Pedorthics we can help you find the best option for you, we’ll assist you in the selection of shoes for your daily routine. Today we will help you find proper shoes for each member of the family.