How many pairs of shoes do you have? Many people have a selection of shoes for particular outfits but do not realise the importance of wearing different shoes for different activities. Failing to do so can do extensive damage to your feet. It is essential to wear the right shoes for your level of activity, such as for work or for exercising, and to ensure that these are supportive enough to protect your feet against injury and foot pain.
Here, we’ll take a look at the ideal types of shoes for different daily activities and how to choose the best options for your feet and your lifestyle. At Foot Solutions, we have well-designed comfortable footwear that will work well for your feet and your lifestyle.
Shoes for Work
Choosing the right shoes for work means taking a good look at the type of work you do and ensuring that your footwear is up to the challenge. If you’re on your feet all day and have a job that involves a lot of standing or walking around, such as shop assistant, teaching, or medical professional, it is likely to take a toll on your feet and lead to pain if your shoes are not supportive enough to protect them. Extended periods of standing can also lead to pain in the legs, hips and back, and to foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and hammertoe, which can be debilitating.
When you’re choosing shoes for work, you should consider comfort first and look for shoes that provide good support, and cushioning in all the right places. You should have your shoes fitted by a professional to ensure that they suit the unique shape of your feet. You may find that custom orthotics help to position your feet better inside the shoes and this could make a big difference to the way your feet feel all day.
Shoes for Casual Wear
When you’re relaxing in your leisure time, you want your shoes to add to be comfortable! Finding shoes, boots, or sandals that look great with your wardrobe may be important to you, but the health of your feet should be your priority. Look out for shoes that will support and protect your feet as well as looking good. Luckily, there is no need to abandon your sense of style to find comfortable shoes, and we have a great range to choose from.
If you’re looking for shoes for a night out or a holiday, take extra care making your choices. Don’t be tempted to compromise on comfort – you’ll put yourself at risk of foot pain and some foot conditions can even cause lasting damage to the feet, such as bunions and stress fractures. High-heeled shoes should only be worn for brief periods as they are not good for your long-term foot health. On the other scale very flat shoes that have little support (e.g. flip flops, ballet pumps, etc.) can also cause extensive problems such as Moreton’s Neuroma, where the unsupported foot develops a painful area around the nerve that can cause lasting damage.
Many people wear fashion trainers as an everyday choice, and this is not necessarily a problem as they usually have cushioned soles and are a comfortable choice. However, it’s important to ensure that your feet are properly supported and that you are not setting yourself up for foot pain. If you notice any discomfort or pain in your feet, it is well worth paying us a visit at Foot Solutions as our expert team may be able to help you with insoles or orthotics that can support your feet more effectively inside your shoes, resolving the foot pain and preventing further problems from developing.
Shoes for Exercise
Most forms of exercise put the delicate bones and joints of the feet under stress, and this means that you need shoes that can handle the pressure and provide a high level of support and comfort for the feet. For instance, if you are a runner, you will need shoes that suit your gait and provide cushioning in the right places to support the unique shape of your feet. Shoes for running are designed specifically for this purpose, so don’t be tempted to swap them out for tennis shoes or casual trainers, as these will not provide the support you need for exercise activities.
The risk of foot injury or damage is higher while you are running, due to the repetitive strikes of the feet on the ground. Good running shoes will protect the feet and prevent injuries, but they should be replaced as soon as they show any signs of wear or if they have been used to run 300-500km, depending on the way you run and how well your shoes hold up. Don’t forget that you will need plenty of time to break in your new running shoes, and that alternating your running shoes will extend the life of your shoes and prevent a buildup of bacteria, so it is a good idea to introduce your new running shoes to your routine well before your existing shoes wear out.
Other things to consider
When you’re shopping for new shoes, you’ll notice a world of difference when you visit a specialist shoe store such as Foot Solutions. This gives you the opportunity to find shoes that are designed to keep your feet healthy, as well as looking good, and to ensure that they will be well suited to the activities you are involved in. You should always aim to buy shoes at the end of the day, when your feet have naturally expanded, and you may find that a gait analysis is helpful in identifying the best options for your feet.
Don’t forget that the socks you wear can change the way your shoes feel on your feet and can also affect your foot health. For instance, socks that are designed for running will help to wick away sweat, preventing the buildup of bacteria, and may have inbuilt compression technology to improve blood flow and boost performance. You may find it helpful to experiment with different types of socks to find the best options for your activity level and the shoes you are wearing.
Find Supportive, Comfortable Shoes at Foot Solutions In Ireland
At Foot Solutions, we know that your footwear can make a big difference to your foot health, and this can influence your general health, too. Maintaining your foot health ensures that you are able to continue to exercise for longer, avoiding many of the common foot problems as you age, and good footwear can have a big impact here. Protecting your feet correctly can prevent many foot conditions and injuries, as well as preventing pain in the feet, legs, hips and back, which can limit mobility.
When you pop in and visit us in one of our stores across Ireland, we’ll be happy to show you sandals, boots, training shoes and workwear options that have been designed to optimise the health of your feet, and we can also offer custom orthotics and gait analysis. We are always here to help you find the best options for your feet, whatever you’re planning!
