The shoes you wear

WHAT style of shoe should I wear? Is this my correct size? How can I tell if the shoes are really well made? These questions and many more need to be answered each time a pair of shoes is selected and purchased.

It’s important to answer these questions wisely, as buying a new pair of shoes can have a profound effect on a person’s overall health and happiness. Ill-fitting footwear can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, even causing headaches, back pain, and leg cramps. To a large extent, painful foot ailments, such as corns, nail problems, toe deformities, and flat feet, can be avoided by careful shoe selection.

A person can walk more than 75,000 miles in his lifetime. ‘Why not walk those miles comfortably?

Don’t sacrifice comfort for style

So how do you go about buying shoes? Unfortunately, many choose shoes for style rather than comfort. Most of the time, this type of purchase comes with considerable pain. Also, the owner will probably take off his shoes and will no longer be able to endure this form of self-torture for the sake of fashion.

In some cases, serious foot problems and deformities can occur if fashion is the main factor in shoe selection. For example, a few years ago the style was pointy, and to this effect a letter was printed at the Cleveland Plain Dealer with the title “What Price Style? Girl Paid Too Much – Loss of Two Fingers.” The letter read:

“Like most girls, I wanted to be fashionable and bought the shoes that everyone wore. The pointed toes and high heels were uncomfortable, but I thought that was the price of the style. You can tell how surprised I was when I went to a doctor because my feet hurt and they told me they were going to have to amputate two fingers. This was a year ago, and since then I have heard of many other girls who have lost one or two fingers. “

So when shopping for shoes, don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Select shoes appropriate for the purpose for which they will be worn: walking, working, casual, special occasions, or constant wear.

Make sure the correct fit

You can buy good shoes but still end up with sore feet if you are not careful to fit them properly. In this regard, it is useful to check the time of day before buying a pair of shoes. Why? Because if it’s very early in the morning, you may not get the proper fit. Since the feet tend to swell a bit as the day progresses, it is advisable to buy shoes in the late afternoon. Remember also that hot weather will cause your feet to expand.

Many people find it desirable to have their feet measured when buying new shoes. For one thing, sizes can vary according to different shoe brands. Some have also found that standing while having their feet measured is advisable. The foot will expand and one is more likely to get a better overall fit. Also, since one foot is likely to be slightly larger than the other, please measure both feet and choose a size that will fit the larger foot.

Heels should be snug but not tight. It is also necessary to take into account the height and shape of the heel, especially in women’s shoes. Women generally have four times more foot problems than men, largely due to high-heeled shoes. The higher the heel, the more the body projects forward, and for balance the body bends back at the hips. This is unnatural and results in a variety of leg and back problems if excessively high heels are worn for a prolonged period. Generally speaking, heels should not measure more than an inch and a half and should produce a good wide base to stand on. Almost nail-shaped heels or so-called “heels” do not promote good posture and foot care.

The widest part of your foot should easily extend across the widest part of the shoe. There should be enough room for the toes to be straight and the shoe should be slightly longer than the longest toe. If you cannot move your toes to a certain extent, the shoe is too small. When shoes are too tight or too short, the toes can revert to an inverted V position called hammer toe, a common deformity. A shoe must be comfortable when you buy it; It is not wise to rely on a “fitting” process to ensure comfort.

After buying a pair of shoes, you can try them on again at home, but walk alone on a carpet. If you are in doubt about the fit, you may be able to change your purchase.

Kids shoes

Particular attention should be paid to the selection of children’s shoes. Ill-fitting shoes are the most common cause of foot problems among children and teens. The problem is often that their shoes become too small. In this regard, The World Book Encyclopedia notes:

“For children 2 to 6 years old, shoe sizes change every 4 to 8 weeks. For 6 to 10 years, sizes change every 2 to 3 months. Children 12 to 15 years old should check their shoe sizes every 4 months. Children over 15 years old should have their shoe size checked approximately every 6 months until their feet are fully developed. “

Many parents who have children who quickly outgrow their shoes rather than wear them out find that a cheap brand of shoes serves this purpose. When buying them, one can feel the inside of the shoes and check for rough edges that could cause discomfort.

Children’s feet are growing and need special attention to prevent deformities in adulthood. In the United States, the American Medical Association estimates that 50 to 80 percent of children have some foot defects. So it’s good to leave some “growing room” when selecting children’s shoes, possibly three-quarters of an inch of room in the toe area. Be on the lookout for signs of wear and tear that are constantly developing in one location, as this may indicate that the shoes are too small or poorly fitting and may lead to foot abnormalities. It is generally not a good policy to pass shoes from one child to another, as the shoes are tailored to the characteristics of the wearer’s foot.

Look for quality and workmanship

Especially when the shoes are for adults, quality and good workmanship are important, because you want them to last. Take a good look at the shoes you plan to buy. Watch for signs of poor and neglected construction. At the top, loose threads, seams with rough edges and excess bulk, enlarged needle holes, and noticeable traces of adhesive are factors to consider when shopping for shoes. Also check the stitch on the sole; if it is uneven and runs off the edge, it is a sign of poor workmanship.

Is the shoe lined? It should be, at least at the top opening, to avoid stretching and friction and to absorb perspiration.

Inexpensive shoes aren’t always a bargain when it comes to durability, looks, and comfort. Really comfortable shoes usually cost more. Don’t judge the durability of a shoe by the sheer thickness of the outer soles. Durability is more dependent on the quality of the workmanship and the leather.

Shoe care

Important for the life of the shoe is proper care. However, shoes are often one of the most neglected items in a person’s wardrobe. When buying a new pair of shoes, it is advisable to lubricate them with a good polish before wearing them; this will protect the finish.

The first few times you wear new shoes, it’s good to make sure the tongues and laces are smooth and straight. So they will likely stay that way for the life of the shoe, but if they start out crooked, they may stay that way.

A shoehorn helps to put the shoes on, and it is good to loosen the laces when removing them. This prevents the seams from tearing and the back from tearing.

If you have more than one pair of shoes, you can extend your life considerably by wearing one pair one day and a different pair the next. Ventilation between uses helps prevent perspiration from rotting the leather. When it comes to unused shoes, many people find it beneficial to put a mold or a hairpin on them. This prevents curls and wrinkles. However, the type of form used should not cut off the free circulation of air and therefore prevent the shoe from ventilating properly.

From time to time, the shoes should receive a cleaning. Wash with a damp cloth, sponge or brush, preferably with leather soap. This removes embedded foreign matter and allows the polisher to work more freely. Do not neglect the edge of the sole and the heel in the cleaning process. A vigorous rubbing with a cloth heats up the leather, making it more receptive to polish.

Apply a moderate amount of shoe polish and apply well with an applicator. A powder puff does a good job as an applicator and can often be kept inside an enamel can. Rub the shoe vigorously with a cleaning cloth. This works the wax into the leather, producing a hard, dry finish without leaving excess wax. The shine will last for some time and can be renewed with a brisk cloth. To maintain a good appearance, repeat this process as many times as necessary, possibly once a week if the shoes are worn consistently.

Be sure to change heels and soles as needed. In addition to looking shabby, run-over heels and out-of-shape shoes put pressure on your feet.

The shoes you wear definitely have a great effect on your health and your enjoyment of life. Therefore, it is prudent to choose your footwear carefully, avoiding the excesses of fashion, taking into account the need for comfort, durability and a pleasant appearance.

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