All About Different Types Of Footwear

• What is your favourite footwear?

Everyone has a preference for the types of footwear they prefer to sport depending on the occasion. Perhaps you lounge around in comfy shoes regardless of the occasion, or like to up the notch by wearing flats, heels, and accessorized footwear. Having favourite footwear may simply come down to how comfortable it is to walk around it, its durability, and its appearance. Although heels are fun to wear, especially among the female population, it comes with a painful price for your leg. There is always room for improvement in such footwear, and customized orthotics can help you achieve durable, comfy, and classy shoes.

• Why do we wear shoes?

Have you ever tried walking barefoot on concrete in the ideal sunny weather? What do you think it feels like to walk barefoot on the uneven ground, where who-knows-what lies beyond what the eye can see? Taking all this into account, the obvious conclusion is that we wear shoes to protect our feet from many things. Within the house where you may sanitize the floors regularly and walk on a smooth surface, the reality outside is that maintenance of the ground is uncommon. All the germs outside accumulating on your feet as a result of walking barefoot can lead to foot deformities and bacterial infections. We can also depict fashion as a reason for wearing shoes, however, wearing shoes is more of a physiological need rather than an accessory.

• Is it bad to wear shoes that are longer than my feet?

Many people understand that footwear too small for our feet increases our chances of developing deformities on our feet, but what about shoes that are longer? Well, it turns out that they pose a problem, albeit, a different one. Wearing shoes that are longer than your feet force you to compromise your walking gait. Walking will pose a problem because it feels unnatural and can result in other foot problems.

• What types of boots are required for mountaineering?

Sometimes the requirements of boots for mountaineering may differ depending on an instructor or a group’s preference. However, within the range of options, having adequate footwear for mountaineering is extremely important. Some of these options include insulated, three-season, and plastic mountaineering boots. Depending on how the weather is, how far you need to climb if waterproof boots are needed, and if you need to use crampons, they will all factor into choosing the right footwear. If you’re worried about waterproof footwear, then insulated boots are the way to go. Consequently, the lightweight option is the three-season boots. In the long term, using plastic mountaineering boots can be uncomfortable and do not fit as nicely. Weigh the pros and cons of each boot depending on your trip plan, then rent or buy accordingly.

• What are the best orthopaedic shoes?

Defining what the best orthopaedic shoes are is not based on a brand, or how attractive the shoes are. The best shoes from an orthopaedic viewpoint are those which prevent foot deformities and fit the consumer. Some factors to consider are:

• • The breathability of the fabric or cloth
  • Good arch support
  • The weight distribution across the shoe
  • Wide toe box to avoid toe compression
  • Extra-depth
  • Soft lining inside the shoe to avoid friction
  • Good fit, shoes should not be too big or too small

• What happens when you wear shoes too big?

Wearing shoes too big for your feet will likely result in blisters, and can contribute to other foot deformities. This is because big shoes allow your feet to easily rub against the lining, which will create friction. Friction results in many foot deformities, including calluses and corns, which can hurt if the footwear is continuously worn. Similar to wearing shoes that are too long, they can affect your walking gait.

• Why is it important to wear orthopaedic shoes?

Orthopaedic shoes are long-lasting and can provide the comfort and support that non-customized shoes fail to provide at most times. Buying heels and footwear that strains your feet can lead to foot deformities. If your footwear does not provide proper support, then you are prone to foot problems and possible fractures. Orthopaedic shoes ensure you receive maximized support in all areas of your foot, which protects you from developing any unwanted conditions.

• What are some recent advancements in athletic shoes?

Athletic shoes have evolved over the years, and one common advancement made for field athletes was the use of cleats for better traction. Recently, shoes with shock absorption have been incorporated in sports such as basketball and track to avoid as much strain on the joints as possible. Additionally, you might have noticed that athletic footwear has higher sections for the back of the shoes. This is not a mere fashion advancement but is meant to provide support for the ankle, especially for sports that demand sharp movements.

• What kind of shoes do you prefer to wear in the winter?

In the wintertime, when we have snow, slush, and black ice, it is important to consider the footwear we are investing in this season. Firstly, you want to ensure that you are wearing waterproof boots or shoes. Not everyone can commute to work in the winter and find time to change from their indoor to outdoor shoes. It’s possible to wear comfortable shoes for both indoors and outdoors. Your shoes should also have a good grip for the ground beneath, especially if you’re going to be taking routes where ice is prevalent. Some boots or shoes provide insulation, which is vital in the wintertime. Nobody likes to walk around with cold and wet feet.

• Can I play football in my normal sports shoes?

Football requires a lot of turning, bending, blocking, dodging, and running. Normal sports shoes are not going to cut for a sport that is physically straining. As discussed in the section on athletic advancements, cleats are used for field players to allow for better traction. They are also designed to avoid strain on your joints and ankles. Ideally, you should be using cleats to play football and not your normal sports shoes. You can always get your cleats customized by an orthotic clinic to maximize comfort and durability.

Make an appointment and one of our clinicians will guide you on the correct footwear that will be best suitable to accommodate your foot-type and orthotics if you have them. Some insurance plans cover the cost of off-the-shelf orthopedic footwear. Additionally, we do offer footwear on sale in our sale section that is available for anyone to purchase at any time. Make an appointment today 289-245-6624.