Did you know that your foot and ankle consist of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons? Feet are responsible for supporting your body weight and sustaining the impact of everything you do throughout the day, such as standing, walking, running, etc. When your body doesn’t get the support it needs, issues can start arising such as bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. Improper support is also known to cause pain beyond the feet, like in the knees or in the back, as other parts of the body have to overcompensate. But there is a way to help yourself!
Wearing walking shoes that are comfortable and fit your feet right can help prevent all these problems. When it comes to footwear, many women tend to sacrifice comfort for the sake of style. But with so many great choices of womens walking sneakers available today, it is really a shame to choose poorly. As beautiful high-heeled shoes may look, they are certainly not the best choice when you have a day full of running errands ahead of you. When buying, make sure to find the right fit and features for you. Here’s what to look for:
- Heel collar – cushions the ankle and ensures proper fit;
- Achilles tendon protection – locks the shoe around the heel to reduce the stress on the Achilles tendon;
- Upper – usually made of mesh, leather, or synthetic material, the upper holds the shoes on your foot. Mesh is lightweight and allows for a better ventilation;
- Toe box – provides space for the toes. A roomy and round toe box helps prevent calluses;
- Outsole – treads and grooves can help maintain traction;
- Insole – provides support and cushion for your foot and arch. Removable insoles are great as they can be taken out to dry out or laundered.
Width and Length
Too wide or too narrow sneakers may cause you painful blisters and calluses. Furthermore, a toe box that is not high enough or doesn’t provide enough room for your toes can cause foot disorders, like bunions and hammertoes.
Arch Type
The intricate alignments of tendons, muscles, bones and ligaments in your feet form side-to-side and lengthwise arches. As you walk, these flexible arches help distribute your body weight across your feet, playing an important role in how you adapt to different surfaces.
If you have neutral-arched feet, look for shoes with firm midsoles, straight to semi-curved lasts and moderate rear-foot stability. If you have low arches or flat feet, you will benefit most from walking sneakers with a straight last and motion control that will keep your feet more stable as you walk. If you have high-arched feet, cushioning is important to help compensate for your lack of natural shock absorption.
Keep in mind that even the best-designed womens walking sneakers in the world won’t do their job if they do not fit your feet properly. Follow the above-mentioned tips to find the right shoes for you.
