“Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she’ll conquer the world,” said Marilyn Monroe. There’s no lie in this statement but finding the right pair is easier said than done. We are all guilty of picking cute shoes over comfortable ones at some point or the other, but this could cause minor aches and later lead to serious injuries or chronic pain. To avoid this, we have made it easier for you to pick the right shoes.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Before picking your pair, know what you intend to do in your shoes.
Running
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For an activity like running or hiking, pick a shoe with comfortable soles and lots of room for your toes. Don’t pick shoes with largely unbalanced soles that claim to help you lose weight by making you work harder. They will throw you off balance and put you at risk for ankle injuries. “Pick something that feels lightweight and has a bouncy underfoot”, says Todd Falker, senior product line manager, Puma. He adds, “Learn the different ways to lace a shoe such as ‘runner’s loop’. This can help secure your foot should you ever have any heel slip.”
Gym
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If you’re weight training, you need to have maximum foot contact on the ground for good balance and better activation of muscles. Your best bet is minimalist and flatter soles such as barefoot shoes.
Office
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Pumps are great for everyday wear. You can add a bit of heel if your job doesn’t require too much walking around. But if your job demands you to be active and on your toes, then get cute lace-up oxfords instead.
Night Out
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Before you reach out for your heels, keep in mind how much time you will be on your feet. If the event is going to last for more than two hours, ditch your stilettos for a pair of platforms or wedges. Wearing heels and hard-soled shoes can lead to tight calves and pain in the shins. If you absolutely must wear heels for a long period, make sure you foam roll and stretch your calves regularly.
Daily Chores
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Opting for cute flats seems like a no-brainer for a trip to the supermarket, but opposed to the common belief that flats are good for you, give them a complete skip. Flat sandals and shoes don’t offer enough arch support and can cause knee, hip, back and heel problems. For daily use, make sure you get footwear with good cushioning to reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
The Right Time To Buy Shoes
The first step to picking the right shoe is picking the right size. And to do this, you need to get your foot measured every single time. Age, ailments, weight loss/ gain can all lead to changes in your foot size. When buying a new pair of shoes, try it out in the late afternoon or evening instead of the mornings. The logic behind this is that your feet are tired and larger in the evening. Walk around in them for a bit to see if they are comfortable and feel right. If it fits well, ignore the size; how you feel is more important.
Foot Tales
Avoid pointy heels as much as you can as that can restrict the natural shape of your foot and lead to toe crushing. Make sure your heels and soles are soft and cushioned to avoid bunions, corns and calluses. Choose shoes that let your skin breathe. Pick natural material over synthetic as far as possible. Wear silicone metatarsal pads if you’re going to spend hours on your feet. In short, always opt for comfort over vanity, as tough as it may seem.
