Often, when we
purchase a new pair of shoes or any kind of footwear, we don't consider
the fact that shoes are our only protection from the pavement or ground
where we walk, stand and run every day. The last thing one wants is a
pair of shoes that cause your feet to hurt, but one spends far little
time in selecting footwear that will take care of your feet as style
and cost often take precedence.
It is important to
keep in mind a few basic points (eg. age of the person, activity etc.)
when selecting footwear, because you should be looking for foot care
when you buy foot wear.
Footwear
for children
When your
child begins
to walk or stand, it is time to go to a shoe store that specializes in
children's shoes, as it is best to buy footwear from a store that has
considerable experience and knowledge regarding the needs of growing
childrens' feet.
However, you should
be involved with the final selection of the shoe itself. Never try to
force a child's feet to fit a pair of shoes. The length of the shoe
should be just a bit longer than then child's foot to accommodate for
about 3 to 6 months growth. Sneakers are great because they are soft
and will conform to your child's foot.
Because a child's
foot grows quickly, check the feet for signs of blisters or calluses.
Also, set up a home measuring system that lets you periodically gauge
the growth of your child's foot. If it looks like your child is
uncomfortable in their shoes or has trouble walking in them, you may
need to consult an orthopedic specialist who can examine your child for
areas like arch support, and other foot support issues.
Shoes
for adults- men's and women's
The shoes
adults wear
are often a result of considerations for style, comfort, the
environment, the application and specific events and occasions.
Dress shoes for
work and social events are usually hard soled with laces. If you stand
a lot during the day, a thick soft soled shoe is the best. Work shoes
usually are made of thick leather with steel toes and rough soles for
tractions. Selection of athletic shoes is quite wide and a great number
of specialized shoes are available for applications such as jogging,
aerobics, cross country and more. The important aspect of athletic
shoes is that they must be able to protect the foot from the stress of
exercise.
Women's
shoes: ensuring long-term foot care
As with
men's shoes, low heels with plenty
of toe room provides the best comfort. Wearing high-heels and pointed
toe shoes often result in injury to the toes, ankles, leg and back.
High heels distribute your weight unevenly and place stress on the ball
of your foot and forefoot. The higher the heel, the more pressure
occurs at the bottom of the foot and on the toes. Such stress can lead
to sore feet and other foot care problems that may become permanent.
In all cases, the
shoe should not constrain but rather support the foot and provide
proper arch support. The shoes you choose should most of all protect
you from the environment you are in. Shoes that do not fit can cause
bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling foot
disorders.
If you wear shoes
that are too small, it can lead to permanent foot care problems that
may require you to consult an orthopedic specialist or use expensive
foot care orthotic products.
Recommendations
for selecting the right footwear
The American
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has developed tips to help people reduce
their risk of foot problems. Use this guide when you shop
for shoes.
If you would like a
non surgical
treatment for heal spurs, arch support, flat feet, sore feet or other
types of correctable foot problems, you should seriously consider a
foot care orthotic such as the Phase 4 orthotic shoe insert or orthotic
insole available from Walkfit. Every pair of Walkfit orthotic shoe
inserts fit both men and women in 11 sizes and comes with
