When choosing the right pair of shoes, it's best to know exactly what to look for.
When shopping for footwear, look for shoes that have a Vibram sole. This type of sole is well made and can withstand wear. Most Vibram shoes have a little yellow label on the bottom.
The sole of the shoe should have good shock support. When you walk, the impact of your weight gets transferred from your heel to the front of your foot-usually the big toe. If you have pain when your big toe moves, then never wear a shoe where the front bends excessively. A traditional leather bottom is never good, as it has terrible shock absorption. Instead, find a dress shoe with a thicker rubber sole which will provide much better shock absorption.
Lace up shoes are always preferable because they offer more control. Some people have arthritis in their hands which make tying laces more difficult. In that case, finding a shoe with velcro straps would be a good alternative. If you have pain on the top of your foot with shoes, you likely have a higher arch type, or may have a bone spur that causes nerve irritation. You need a shoe with a flexible "upper" that won't irritate the nerves. Try using elastic laces. These prevent the tongue of the shoe from rubbing on the nerve. Dress shoes should have an elastic material on top to allow the shoe tongue to stretch.
Women's shoes should have no more than a 2" heel.
Sandals should always have a strap on the back. Absolutely no Flip-flops!
Achilles tendon pain? Look for a small heel lift, and wear a half size larger shoe with a soft heel counter so the Achilles does not rub. Use 2 pairs of socks to secure your foot in the shoe.
If you have ankle pain or pain to the back of the foot, consider a "high top" or "low hiking shoe" with any prolonged activity/ yard work.
Examples of excellent shoes for use as a guideline:
Exercise/Walking:
On Cloud (Swift Road)
Hoka (One, Bondi)
Adidas (Ultraboost)
Brooks (Ghosts, Adrenaline)
New Balance (Fresh Foam 880 or 1080)
Altra (Olympus, Escalante)
Nike (Zoom X Invincible Run Flyknit)
Slip on Shoes (around the house)
Hoka One (recovery slides)
Oofos (recovery shoe)
Crocs
Any "Memory Foam" slipper
Sandals
Baretraps
Rockport Ridge Sling
Abeo/Teva
Crocs-LiteRide
Clarks "Cloudsteppers (with strap on the back)
Dress/Casual
SAS Freetime
Merrell (All Out Shine, Encore 2)
Easy Spirit "Romy"
Keen Sienna MJ
Clark (Ashland)
Rockport (XCS, Dressport)
ABEO
*Since each individual's foot issue may vary, these examples should be used as a guideline only. If you have serious concerns regarding a foot and/or an ankle issue, please consult with a medical professional.
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