Choosing Footwear
Usually when we go to pick out footwear, we often make our decisions based on:
- Style
- The latest trends
- Price
Our feet take on a lot of stress all day long. We often don’t think about the impact our feet take until the end of the day when they are sore or achy. When selecting footwear, think about what you are going to be doing during the day. If you intend on doing a lot of walking or spending time on your feet, opt for a shoe that offers support and cushioning instead of sandals or flip flops that offer little to no support and cushioning for your foot.
When shopping for footwear, there are a few parts of the shoe that you want to look at before you buy.
- The toe box
- The toe break
- The midsole
- The heel cup
Toe Box
First, you will want to look at the front of the shoe or the toe box. This area is important to make sure there is plenty of room for your toes to sit. Ideally, you will want about ½ an inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. When shopping for shoes, it is ideal to wear the socks you will be wearing with the shoe and to shop at the end of the day when your feet are the largest they will be.
Toe Break
The toe break is the area of the shoe where it naturally bends. You can pick up the shoe and hold it at the heel and toes. Where ever the shoe bends is the toe break. This is the part of the shoe you want to bend where your foot and toes bend.
Midsole
Next, is the midsole. This is the middle of the shoe between the heel and the toes. This part of the shoe can either offer motion control or shock absorption. If you have flat feet, you will most likely be looking for a midsole that offers motion control and gives your foot more stability. If you are someone who has high arches, you will want a softer midsole that offers more shock absorption for your foot.
Heel Cup
Finally, let’s talk about the heel cup or the back of the shoe. This area is important to find a shoe that offers support as well as cushioning. As we walk, our heels often strike the ground first so it is important to give your heel cushioning to absorb the shock of walking. You will also want support to help you stabilize your foot and ankle as you walk.
How Physical Therapy can Help!
Physical Therapy can help you determine which shoe is more appropriate for your foot. Here, we can analyze your gait to help determine the best fit for you. We will also focus on foot and ankle stability and strengthening to prevent aches and pains and keep you walking and active all summer long.
By Alyssa Burke, PTA
Call LSTC today at 703-450-4300 for a detailed evaluation and get back to doing what you love!
More conditions we treat –> https://loudounsportstherapy.com/programs-services/conditions-we-treat
