Finding Footwear That Will Keep You on Your Feet

Photo Credit: http://www.schulershoes.com/womens-earthies-by-earth-casella.html

From retail and health care to hospitality and industrial occupations many people spend an overwhelming amount of time at work on their feet. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists estimates that over an average lifetime you will travel the equivalent of about five times around the earth. Those who work on their feet face additional issues with the long-term health effects of repetitive stresses that can cause deterioration of spinal health, overall posture, and make feet feel constantly pained and cramped. Equipping yourself with the right footwear can help to keep you working quickly and effectively, prevent repetitive stress issues, and bring the joy back to your busy workday.

Protecting Your Arches

The bones of your feet form natural arches that are supported by an intricate system of ligaments and muscles. Maintaining this arch is essential to retaining your foot’s overall flexibility, strength, and stability. The arches of the foot act as shock absorbers while walking, running, jumping, and, crucially, even while simply standing. When your foot’s natural arch is compromised due to over-pronation, poorly-fitting shoes, or inherited flat feet, the loss or lack of proper shock absorption can eventually affect your knees, spine, and hips, as well as the feet themselves.

Choose Low-Heeled Shoes For Optimal Standing Support

While many people assume that flat shoes are the safest choice of footwear for standing and walking, completely flat shoes can actually be just as harmful. Shoes with a very slight heel, about a quarter of an inch or so, give a natural support to arches and can ease the normal rolling motion from heel to toe that allows for easy walking. Avoid shoes with a heel of more than 2 inches; high heels tend to put excessive pressure on the ball of your foot and can lead to arch deformation with extensive use.

Spacious Toe Boxes Give Feet Extra Breathing Room

In order to keep your feet comfortable all day, choose shoes with deep, wide toe boxes that allow for natural movement and can accommodate your feet for long periods of time. Since your feet are generally the largest in the late afternoon, it is a good idea to save your shoe-shopping trip for later in the day. Make sure there is plenty of wiggle room at the toes–this should prevent digits from becoming overly cramped and compressed. Remember, shoes that or too tight or pinch when you try them on will only worsen after a day on your feet.

Laces Provide Extra Forward Support

Backless and slip-on shoes can feel casual and comfortable, but can often cause issues when worn daily and continuously. Shoes with laces or a velcro strap can help to keep your foot from sliding forward as you stand and walk, preventing excessive slippage and protecting your feet from basic injuries.

The Right Equipment for the Job

For those who work on their feet poorly-fitting shoes are more than just an inconvenience–they can eventually compromise the positioning of knee, hip, foot, and spinal bones and ligature. In addition to slowing your workday, a bad pair of shoes can ultimately make you much more vulnerable to injury and fatigue. Choose shoes with plenty of toe space, low heels, and excellent arch support.

Please feel free to contact Ella Gray at ella.l.gray@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.