by Unlike cardiologists who can help with heart health and optometrists for your eyes, podiatrists are the experts in foot health. And that’s why their shoe recommendations are worth heeding.
The podiatrist-approved shoes we’ve curated below prioritize both comfort and style. They’ll help you achieve your best feet ever. And your best life, too!
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Relieves Foot Pain
Working on your feet all day can take a toll on your foot health and lead to foot pain. The right shoes can alleviate the pain, and wearing them regularly is a great way to protect your feet from injury.
A study showed that those who wear supportive footwear feel less pain during long hours of standing. Wearing shoes with solid arch support, cushioning, and shock-absorbing soles is a good general rule of thumb. Slides are ideal as they offer excellent arch support and cushioning without being too bulky.
It is also a good idea to vary the footwear you wear on your feet. This may include keeping high heels for special occasions, as regular wear can cause damage to your feet. You can also use orthotics insoles customized to fit your feet to change the shape of your foot and help relieve pain. Talk to your podiatrist about finding the right pair of shoes for you, as they can adapt your orthotics to most shoe designs. Explore a range of footwear options, including those offering specialized support. Visit https://www.retailmenot.com/view/hoka.com to find innovative solutions to prioritize foot health and comfort.
Prevents Foot Injuries
Five years ago, podiatrists asked people to put away their patent leathers, ditch the dazzling docs, and hide those heels in the cupboard. But with a move in both podiatry shoe recommendations and footwear design, a wide range of shoes can help keep your feet healthy, even if you’re going for a long walk or running a marathon.
Podiatrists advise that when shopping for walking or running shoes, look for lightweight, breathable designs. They should have plenty of cushioning, support, and shock absorbency to help reduce foot pain from walking or running.
Also, when running, ensure your shoes have good ankle support to prevent injury, like sprains. Consider a shoe with a low heel and a broad toe box for walking comfort. This will help reduce pressure on your toes and provide stability and balance. Lastly, changing your shoes often is essential, especially when you start to see wear on the soles or heels.
Stabilizes Your Feet
Footwear provides several significant benefits to your feet and ankles. They protect your feet from harsh weather conditions and maintain alignment while cushioning and supporting your arches and heels.
In addition, podiatry-endorsed shoes are designed with your feet in mind, prioritizing stability and comfort. This can help prevent your feet from slipping within the shoe, leading to foot fatigue and skin abrasions.
For example, podiatrist-recommended boots like Vionic’s are comfortable and stylish and feature a lace-up design that ensures your shoes are snug around your ankles. They are an excellent option for anyone with plantar fasciitis or other foot issues since they offer ample arch support, shock absorption, and cushioning. The best part is that these shoes can be worn in warm and cold temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about your feet aching when the weather changes. You can even wear them while hiking or doing other strenuous activities. Just make sure you give your feet time to get used to them by wearing them for an hour the first day, then gradually increase the amount of time you wear them each day.
Reduces Stress on Your Arches
Podiatrists recommend shoes with good arch support, a soft insole, and a sturdy outer shell. They may also advise wearing orthotics or shoe inserts. The type of arch support you choose depends on your level of activity. For example, runners and sports players need a specific arch support that provides stability, shock absorption, and comfort.
On the other hand, nurses need shoes that will reduce foot pain and fatigue caused by standing for long periods while working. A podiatrist can help you find a pair of slippers or sneakers that provide the proper support and cushioning for your feet.
Over time, walking without appropriate support can cause the ligament that supports your arch to tighten or swell. Plantar fasciitis, or heel discomfort, may result from this. Wearing podiatry-endorsed shoes daily can help prevent and treat plantar fasciitis by reducing the stress on your arches. By strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles, you can also assist protect your arches. This will also improve your gait and relieve pressure on your lower extremities.
Reduces Stress on Your Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is the largest in your body and can be injured easily if overloaded. Wearing podiatry-endorsed shoes daily can help prevent this problem because they have extra cushioning and support in the heel area, reducing the peak stress on your arch and Achilles tendon.
In addition to wearing podiatry-endorsed footwear, you can also take steps to reduce the stress on your feet by doing exercises like stretching and icing. Stretching can help you increase the range of motion in your ankles and lower legs, reducing stress on the Achilles tendon. Stretching your ankles and legs a few times daily, especially after exercising, is essential. Ice can also reduce swelling and pain by numbing the area.
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, getting custom orthotics for your shoes rather than an over-the-counter insert is a good idea. Your podiatrist will recommend the best option for your foot and health needs. They’ll be able to find you a pair of supportive shoes that are stylish enough for beachside lounging or downtown shopping without sacrificing the health benefits you’re looking for.
