Looking for good walking shoes should not be a stressful experience. Are you someone when window shopping at shoes you decline entering shoe stores based on not knowing what to look out for or feel silly asking, or you may be someone who goes in tries on the shoes.....oh that feels and looks good.....I will take these please. This blog is a must read for you both.
Foot profiles to consider when looking at walking shoes
Flat footed or pronated foot posture
High arched foot or supinated foot posture
Neutral foot shape
You may be thinking.....how would my foot profile influence the shoe I decide on or if I am choosing the correct shoe for my foot. That is a good question.....quite a bit. Basically, shoes have different last options and for walking/runners have three options of lasts straight, semi curved and curved lasts.
What is a last? - a last is a foot mould used to create shoes. If you want to learn further about lasts please click thew button below.
When considering the ideal walking shoe for your foot type
High arched foot type look at a curved last shoe
Flat feet look at straight lasts shoe
Neutral foot look at semi curved last
Again, if you want to learn more about lasts please click the button above to learn more.
Foot pathology
What I mean by foot pathology is different foot pain can greatly affect what walking shoe best suits your need, for example I will discuss a few common conditions
if you had a corn on the outside little toe you would need shoe with a wider toe box region to accomodate the increase pressure in that area.
Bunions and digital deformities would need something with a wider toe box and a deeper toe box and making sure the length of the shoes are suitable.
Narrow feet with slim heels would need something that fastens onto the feet better and padded heel counter to avoid blisters in the back of the heels
Higher arch foot would need a shoe with slightly more depth around the circumference of the feet so the feet are restricted on the top and this can cause nerve impingement and neuromas etc.
Further to the above, it's important to always try your shoes on and walk around at home for about an hour to see if any rubbing or discomfort develops after some times.
It's often hard to determine if the shoes are comfortable at the shop when you purchase them. It can be such a waste of money to find out that a shoe is not suitable after you've worn them out and it's rubbing or uncomfortable. As such, we have a policy that if you have tried your shoes on at home and provided that you haven't walked outside to mark the outsole, you can return or exchange them if they don't feel right.
If you have any further concerns about your feet, check in with us in Podiatry at Foot Body Sole: 108 Bridport Street, Albert Park or send us a message! Additionally, our fully trained front of service footwear fitters are happy to assist you in finding the best shoe for your foot.