Shoes are literally the basis of any wardrobe. And while they can help you express your sense of style, they provide far more than a fashion statement. Choosing shoes that fit well, suit your lifestyle, and support your feet and body can go a long way toward promoting and sustaining your overall health.
An experienced podiatrist, Francine Rhinehart, DPM can help you determine your ideal footwear and address any foot-related symptoms or conditions you may have. Read on to learn about shoes that may best suit your daily life.
If you work in an environment that requires some amount of dressing up, or you simply prefer a dressier look, go for elegant yet supportive flats.
Women’s dress shoes often have a high heel, which is the biggest culprit of problems from a shoewear and health perspective. The leading cause of foot pain in women, high heels can also contribute to osteoarthritis, muscle spasms, fractures, and chronic tendon pain. If you feel you must wear heels, go for a lower option for limited amounts of time.
Mens’ and unisex dress shoes may be flat, but they aren’t all supportive. So regardless of your gender, choose classy flats that fit well and support your unique foot needs.
Whether you’re an athlete or desire superior comfort and support, it’s tough to go wrong with well-fitting athletic shoes. If you engage in a particular activity, such as running or basketball, you may be best off with shoes specifically designed for that sport.
Otherwise, cross-trainers may work especially well. These hybrid shoes blend several types of athletic footwear, providing the cushioning of a running shoe, the forefront support of a volleyball shoe, and the lateral stability of a tennis sneaker.
During warmer months, consider a supportive walking sandal.
If you’re more of a homebody, athletic shoes and supportive sandals can provide the comfort and care your feet need, too. Resist the urge to make flimsy slip-ons or flip flops — which offer little, if any, support — a mainstay. Flip flops can also cause blisters and balance problems.
Even slippers vary as far as how much non-slip traction and support they provide. All shoes you wear around the house should support your feet and stay safely on.
Even with the highest-end, top-quality shoes, many people benefit from customized shoe inserts. They help stabilize your feet and ankles, guarding against potential injury and pain.
Dr. Rhinehart may recommend inserts if you have:
To learn more about your unique foot needs, call our office in Dallas, Texas, or schedule an appointment using our online scheduler.
