Finding the Best Shoes for Your Feet
Let’s be honest. Choosing the best pair of shoes for you can be demanding and frustrating. There are shoes for different activities and events that happens in a persons daily life. Walking shoes, running shoes, house shoes, basketball shoes, work shoes, wedding shoes, etc… the list goes on and on. While I can’t exactly know what you want, lets talk about what is needed.
1. Size
Of course this is number one. Everyone should know the correct size of their feet. Do you know how painful it is to walk around in something that is too small or too narrow for your foot? Or how about when they are too big and when you walk all you hear is the shoe slapping against the ground like it’s a sandal. That is not good for anyone.
I always suggest people get proper measurements of their feet by going directly to a shoe store. They have the tools and can offer help when you need it. I especially suggest this when you are getting shoes for a special occasion. High heels or dressy shoes can run much smaller than a gym shoe or sneaker!
2. Try them on
Not as obvious as you think. With the way the world is now, many people are doing their shopping online. If you get the chance to do physical store shopping, its always best to try on anything before you leave. Put them on and walk around for a minute or two to try and get a feel of if they’re right for you.
It’s important to note, that when trying on different types of shoes, that you wear the appropriate sock or stocking. If you’re trying on a dress shoe, wear dress socks or stockings. If its a basketball shoe, wear gym socks. Make sure that socks and shoes correlate and work together to make sure you don’t have to go back to the store.
3. Sole of the Shoe
Lets get to the bottom of this… get it…bottom! The shoe sole. They have many sizes available now but its up to you to figure out witch is necessary for what you doing. Something that thick and hard to bend may not be good for walking or running. On the flip side, if you’re on a hike you will need something more sturdy and with a thicker sole to get through the rough terrain.
4. Cushion
This is just as important as the sole. Having enough cushion inside the shoe will reduce impact and help your feet stay healthy. Depending on what activity you are doing, you may have different levels of cushion in a shoe. Occasionally, there may be a shoe you like that doesn’t provide the proper cushion in your shoe and you have to use shoe inserts. These help with not only foot pain, but can help relieve leg, hip, and back pain as well.
5. Price
This usually comes up in all scenarios when you are making an important purchase. Its true that a higher price is not always better. In the case of shoes, paying a decent amount for a shoe that performs well on YOUR feet may not be out of the question. A good pair of hiking shoes can cost upwards of $150. That doesn’t they are the best for you though.
Always get what you can afford and what works well on your feet. Never break the bank unless you are able to do so. Foot health is very important, but so is financial health.
Like I mentioned before, there are shoes for every type of activity. Having to choose the correct type for whatever you are doing can be a long process just to make sure they fit well enough. Following the guidelines above should send you on your way and help with your decision making.