Picking The Right Shoes For Happy Feet

Training shoes come in all sorts of crazy colors, but the outstanding design and the way they boost your performance are the most important purchasing motivators. Picking the right ones is a crucial decision to make sure you can walk or train properly and have happy feet. Don’t be distracted by the pretty colors; pay attention to these tips from the experts.

What's your FOOT type?

1. The Normal Foot - It's also called the neutral foot. Having a neutral foot means there's efficient biomechanics in the body, feet, legs with equal weight distribution across the foot. Proper biomechanics also means the feet pronate to absorb the shock as the foot strikes the ground, then supinate to form a rigid lever for an even push-off. Pronation and supination happen the way they are supposed to, resulting in a neutral gait (or a normal walk, to be less formal.)


2. The Flat Foot - Having flat feet is one of the most common foot types, and the end result is over pronation. When the arches of the insides of the feet are flat, the entire sole of the foot touches the floor. It's usually painless but flat feet can be traced back to improper development during  childhood.


3. The High-arched Foot -  High arches lead to over supination, where the foot rolls outward instead of inward. This is the least common foot type and causes extra strain on the ankles and tendons. When feet are shaped this way, ankle flex and the ability to absorb shock decrease.

How to pick the right shoe for the right job

You're going to want to make sure you have the right shoes for whatever activity you're planning to do. Running shoes are designed with proper cushioning to support you from your heel to your toes for happy feet on a sprint or run. Walking shoes are equipped with shock absorbers at the heel and are most comfortable when they flex at the ball of the foot, making for an enjoyable walk in the streets or on the trails. Basketball shoes are designed to help protect the feet and add cushion and shock absorption, perfect for getting big air and executing epic dunks. Dress shoes are appropriate for a day at the office or a night on the town, and while they are often picked for looks, they should still have appropriate support. If you are exercising in water, you might consider aquatic shoes.

Aquatic Shoes

Aquatic shoes are used for aqua running or aqua jogging. Water running can happen in deep water (where feet won't touch the bottom of the pool) or in shallower water (where they do.) The level of impact varies between the two, but either way, training can cause knee pain if you don't have the right shoes.

Aquatic shoes have strategically placed fins and vents which allow you to increase your cardiovascular intensity by 2-3 times compared to exercising without. It's easier to get your heart rate up and keep it there because you have to pump your legs more. Aquatic shoes provide resistance, increase muscular recruitment and help you avoid knee pain.

Are they well put together?

Good shoe construction should consider the heel, instep, width, length and the overall feel. When fitting the shoe, the heel fit should be snug but you should still be able to slide your feet out when you take them off. To check the width, you should be able to move your foot inside the shoe from side-to-side without any discomfort. One way to tell the shoe is too narrow is when the base of the little toe is on the edge of the shoe - which is not ideal. To check for length, make sure there's a thumb’s width from the longest toe to the end of your shoes. When it comes to the instep, you should feel a little snugness on the upper side of the shoes.

On Solid Footing

When choosing shoes, stability is a key shoe construction component. You should feel stable and comfortable. They should have a cushioned heel, firm sole and should not easily be bent or twisted. A breathable material makes shoes more comfortable, especially for long wear. Comfort is particularly important for those with Plantar Fasciitis.

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is when the arch is under supported or the plantar fascia is overused. Heel pain happens when the arch of the foot collapses and the muscle in the plantar fascia tears from the stretching. Wearing appropriate shoes with proper arch support is very important and silicone heel cushions can also help relieve pain from standing for long periods. If you're shopping for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are some things you should keep in mind so you end up with the best shoes.

Shoe Shopping Mistakes

Time of day matters when it comes to shoe shopping. Feet start to swell in the morning and stay like that until 4 pm. That's why buying shoes after 5 pm will ensure a better fit. Also, don't buy on looks alone or based on what your friends and family post about on social media. A proper fit, good arch support, and overall comfort are more important than other people's opinions. Shoes aren't just a fashion statement, they are also remedies for problems with your feet.

Buying shoes are about comfort and making sure you have the right shoes for the job. Keep these things in mind so your money doesn't go to waste and so that you end your workout with happy feet.

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Author bio: Joel Cordle

Joel Cordle is a successful writer and loves to write well-researched and high-quality content on different topics related to foot care, nail care, and plantar fasciitis. He is currently writing for feetremedies.com. He is an expert advisor and keeps blogging about nail care tips and natural solutions for foot related problems.

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