Footwear and Health: Picking the Proper Shoes
Footwear and Health: Picking the Proper Shoes

What kind of running shoes should you get for walking, especially long time? Next time you try on shoes, be sure to use these criteria as your evaluation:

The first thing to consider is shoe size. We've all said it before: shoes should neither be too big nor too small. How is that possible? You may check for heel space, but also check the toe box: Make sure your toes can move freely so the friction between either toe or toes and sole is minimized to prevent calluses. But it shouldn't be so loose that When the foot moves inside, slight resistance needs to be felt.

Second: Upper material. The upper must not be too stiff, and softness isn't always better. Lateral supports are essential for stabilizing the feet. The too-soft uppers (Only fabrics), although comfortable and do not hold the feet in place. Even a minor error in posture or small loss balance will easily cause ankle sprain.

Third: Cushioning function. There should be a defined collar in the shoe's heel with some hard material inside around Achilles tendon to feel comfortable and give shock absorption. Insoles and midsoles should be made from gel materials, memory foams or air-based systems to provide cushioning and arch support.

Fourth: Sole design. The sole should offer adequate grip. Major Differences: Go for high friction raised treads on mountain paths, whereas flat soles are sufficient for urban pavement.

When I was young, my mother would test shoes with their bending little—If the sole came together, she thought it flexible. But according to sports medicine studies, this method is incorrect. Overly flexible soles lack proper support and hurt the plantar fascia. What's the right way to choose? Place your shoe on the ground flat: A gentle curve of the forefoot should not fall below the arch line. This allows an ideal balance of flexibility and support.

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