You bought a pair of shoes that appeared to be beautiful at first glance and comfortable as you took your first steps in them. However, when you got home and put them on for an occasion, you soon realized they weren’t as good as they seemed. They start to blister you, your feet sweat in them, and they change shape quickly. After a few times, you give up, put them in the shoebox, and never wear them again. You come to terms with the fact that you have wasted money and start looking for another pair. Does this sound all too familiar? Enough of wasting money; it’s high time you learned how to recognize quality, comfortable footwear that you’ll be happy with. In the text below, we’ll give you some advice on how to make the right pick.
Necessary support for the arch
Many of us pay attention exclusively to the aesthetic side of the shoes we buy. However, the functional, practical side is also of great importance. Why do you think your legs, and often your back, hurt, sometimes even after just a few minutes of walking in bad shoes? Insufficient support for the arch of the foot means that your entire weight is unevenly distributed when stepping, which causes unfavorable pressure on the foot itself, which is transferred to the spine by wearing such footwear for a long time. The negative consequences of shoes without arch support are more likely to manifest in people who have flat feet. However, people with normal feet often feel the difference. If you don’t want your footwear to negatively affect your health, always choose anatomically designed footwear that provides support for the arches of your feet.
The importance of materials
In any shoe, your foot must breathe. This is the only way you can avoid unpleasant smells, sweating, and discomfort. Whether you are buying shoes for every day or for a specific occasion, it is essential to choose one that is made of quality materials. The most durable and comfortable footwear, as well as the most pleasant, turned out to be footwear made of natural leather. Artificial leather tends to change shape quickly and often breaks down. To that end, you can always visit this site to find the best possible deals and make sure you’re not wasting any money unnecessarily. You can tell the difference in the smell. Natural leather does not smell, while artificial or synthetic leather has a specific smell. In order not to make a mistake, always ask the seller to advise you and explain what material the footwear you are interested in is made of.
Details make the difference
The durability of footwear does not depend only on the quality of the material from which it is made. A big role is played by seams, joints, and small details on the shoes themselves. If the shoe is not well sewn, it can happen that during wearing, the joints loosen very quickly, the threads break, or the material distorts. It is also the fastest way to shorten the life of the shoes themselves. Also, these details affect the comfort of the shoe. Rough seams along the edges of shoes can make you uncomfortable when walking and cause a scratch or blister. To make sure everything is in place, take a close look at both shoes before buying. Pay attention to the details. Run your finger over the joints and seams and make sure they are soft.
Flexible is the way to go
Comfortable footwear and the comfort of a shoe largely depend on the flexibility of the material from which it is made, as well as on its sole. The easiest way to check the sole of the shoes you have chosen is to take a few steps in them. If the shoe bends with your foot, it means that the sole is elastic enough. It is very important that you feel comfortable in your shoes, that every part of the shoe fits nicely on your foot, and that the heel, toes, inside, and outside of the foot are in their proper places.
Bonus Tips
- Foot swelling during the day usually peaks in the early afternoon. That’s why it’s the best time to try out new shoes. If the shoes you buy fit you then, you will be able to wear them throughout the day.
- Don’t buy shoes in haste. Try them on several times, walk in them and only then make a decision.
- Measure your feet once a year because they change throughout your life. So maybe the number you wore a few years ago no longer suits you.
It’s said that the whole body suffers if the feet suffer, as they support the whole weight and provide the needed stability and comfort so we can walk and enjoy life freely. The newer trends have put more emphasis on the design of the footwear than on its practicality and usefulness, but with a bit of knowledge and the right advice, we can still make the right pick.