They say the right shoes can help you conquer the world. But I'd also add that comfortable shoes are crucial for enduring all that conquering. Having your feet in bad shoes all day long can be a real challenge; swollen ankles, painful heel and ball of foot, blisters and whatnot. That being said, it's good for your health to pay extra attention to what kind of footwear you wear.
If you are like millions of women who suffer from chronic foot pain, bunions, flat arches or a number of other foot-related problems, then you are probably looking for women's shoes that accommodate orthotics. Orthotics are medical devices worn inside your shoes for the purpose of correcting improper gait, foot problems or musculoskeletal issues. Today, the market offers a plethora of orthotics and orthotic-friendly footwear, so if you’re not precisely sure what you’re looking for, here are some things to consider.
Should You Use Orthotic Shoes?
If you’re a woman whose job requires standing for more than five hours a day, maybe it’s time to seek women's shoes that accommodate orthotics. Standing for an extended time can cause plantar fasciitis. This means that the plantar fascia (a ligament that extends from your heel to toes on the bottom of the foot) is injured which leads to serious pain.
If you wear worn-out shoes (especially on one side) and your foot tends to roll inward or outward, then it's time for orthotics. Women who have no arch or have a high arch in their foot are also advised to use orthotics. Having severe pain in your heels and foot is another alarm. Don’t believe that this is a temporary pain from wearing heels or other uncomfortable shoes. Constant foot pain is the first sign of plantar fasciitis.
Women's orthotic friendly shoes can be a lifesaver if you recently had an injury on your leg (ankle, knee, hip). The injury can affect the pressure you put on your feet, which leads to pain and problems with walking.
Different Types of Orthotics
Foot orthotics can be used for optimizing foot motion, for protection and a mix of protection and functional control. And depending on the materials they're made off, orthotics fall into three categories:
· Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotics are designed to control motion in two major foot joints. These joints lie right below the ankle joint. Rigid orthotics are designed to last and keep their shape (they’re very hard to damage). They're made of plastic or carbon fibre. They also don't need a lot of modification to your shoe size.
· Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics offer dynamic balance to your foot while walking or doing other activity (hiking or other sports). This is not a crutch but works as an aid to the muscles, joints, and tendons. Semi-rigid orthotics have several layers of soft material, enriched with rigid material.
· Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics work amazingly when you need something to absorb shock, improve your balance, and take the pressure off sore or painful spots. When you place them in your shoes, your foot will mould them as you walk. Soft orthotics are also used to treat diabetic foot, arthritis, and deformations.
How to Choose Good Shoes for Orthotics?
Once you get your orthotics, you should also get suitable shoes that can fit them. Orthotics are lightweight, so you might wonder why you need specialized shoes? It’s because, no matter the weight, this item takes a bit of extra space in the shoe. A regular model might not have enough space for your foot once you place the orthotics inside. The best models are flat or with a low heel. In most cases, the most suitable pair is larger for half or full size than the one you wear.
In order to make the right pick, I suggest you head to a specialised footwear store in the afternoon hours when your feet are a bit swollen. A specialised footwear store with orthotic-friendly women's shoes is the only place you can get the right pair. You can also conveniently shop online and get the right fit as long as the site provides a comprehensive sizing guide.
Don’t feel uncomfortable taking your orthotics with you when buying suitable shoes. Place the orthotics inside the shoe and try them on. The shoes should feel comfortable and you should be able to move your feet with ease. Don’t forget to wear socks when trying the shoes on. Try on many different shoes and wear them for a couple of minutes, walking around the store. You need to feel how the pair feels with the orthotics. Specialised stores have professionals who will recommend proper models. You can expect them to measure your feet so they can offer you the most appropriate size.
It's also important to make sure the heel feels comfortable; it shouldn’t be flimsy. When placing the orthotics in the shoe, the shoe should hold your heel and Achilles tendon securely in place (not rubbing it or slipping away). If it rubs this area, you’ll get painful friction blisters. If it’s slipping, you may lose the shoe while walking and trip.
When it comes to quality shoes for orthotics make sure you make a good investment. Spending a bit more money for a properly made pair is smart buying. These shoes would last longer and you will get rid of the persistent foot pain.
A Few More Tips
Make sure the shoes are not too flat (a low heel is just fine). The back of the shoe should be hard so it won’t lose its shape after a while. Press the heel with your finger; if it drops easily under the pressure, this is not the right model. Go for models that can be easily adjusted. This is possible if the shoe has a large opening (and a shoe tongue). Lightweight shoes might lose their shape after a while, so avoid them.
