Comfort, functionality, and proper hygiene are the three main factors to consider when choosing this type of footwear. Choosing the wrong footwear can cause problems both in the short and long term.
Three vital factors to take into account
Before you start looking for shoes, you need to determine:
User type
Women have joint mobility and elasticity, have shorter and thinner legs than men. Due to cultural problems year after year, narrow and heeled shoes are more tolerated by women, can be much more uncomfortable for men.
Aesthetics
One of the most sought-after items is aesthetics, especially for women. Comfortable, healthy, and functional footwear is not synonymous with ugly footwear. More and more major footwear brands are choosing more attractive shoes without neglecting health and comfort.
Age
It is vital when choosing footwear for the elderly. As we age, the skin becomes dry and stiff, mobility decreases, and the size of the feet increases and becomes distorted.
How to be suitable foot shoes
Street footwear should be protected from the aggression of the urban environment. At the same time, the feet should be kept at a sufficient temperature so that they are not injured or damaged. Generally speaking, the correct footwear must meet the following criteria:
- It can surely adapt perfectly to the foot shape and natural movement, avoiding potential stains and distortions.
- It can, of course, bind the foot effect against the soil so that the footprint is smooth.
- The inside of the footwear should be well finished to prevent potential skin problems by removing the annoying seams.
- They should be given thermal comfort to keep your feet warm in winter and to avoid sweating in summer.
- They must give a correct grip to the ground to prevent slip and fall.
Considering these aspects allows you to define a series of steps to follow in choosing footwear, to pick the right boot or shoe for you:
Select the correct size
The footwear must match the shape of the foot and not the other way around. Choosing a suitable size will comprehensively ensure the success of our selection. Try shoes on both feet, and especially with socks that you are going to use them.
What should you do to make sure it is your size?
- The longest toe should be approximately one centimeter from the toe of the shoe, although this measurement can be reduced in the case of women.
- Moving forward with the foot as far as possible, the toes should not touch the top of the toe box.
- Look at the width. If small obstacles come out, the shoes are too tight.
- It is not very convenient that it is too wide. If you have curves and many wrinkles or can easily pinch the leather shoe, try smaller sizes.
- Confirm the heel of the shoe is stable, preventing it from sliding forward.
Shoe structure
Throughout the life of a shoe, we can walk hundreds or thousands of kilometers. Therefore, it is not a question of putting something on your feet. Proper footwear will prevent the appearance of many foot diseases in the future.
What should you consider when choosing a functional shoe?
- Footwear should be as flexible and light as possible. Ensure when you bend your foot forward as if you are taking a step, the shoe forms do not bother you.
- Regarding the design, the ideal is a closed shoe that is instantly elevated, with either laced or elastic bands.
- The back should be closed and attached to the ankle. In the case of open shoes, it is advisable to keep the back straps to make the shoes more comfortable. These strips should be placed under the ankles to avoid stains and inflammation.
The outsole
The part of contact against the ground is the soles. A large part of the comfort of the footwear relies on it. We must take into account that its drawing provides a correct grip on the ground. The shoe must deliver, both wet and dry, have sufficient grip to resist falls, and allow efficient progress.
What should the drawing of the sole look like?
- The only way to disperse the liquid material in the soil is to have a proper channel of depth.
- The profile should be square and well defined.
- The front should have studs of different sizes and should flow in different directions.
- It is not recommended that they have solid and smooth materials in the ankle with round profiles. Wedge-shaped studs or long continuous ridges.
Template
The insole has an ample impact on the foot comfort because it determines the different pressures that the foot will get when it comes in contact with the ground and is responsible for keeping the foot alone sweat-free.
How to choose the correct template?
- Soft materials are preferred, especially on the front, especially in high-heeled shoes.
- If the sole is too thin and you feel soil irregularities, a slightly thicker insole is recommended to improve the insulation.
- Perforated insoles and arches under the toes keep your feet sweat-free.
Finishing of footwear
Thermal comfort is a very significant aspect. Depending on the geographical area and the season of the year, we would like to see specific features inside the shoe. Another important aspect is the termination of the seams that must be well-finished to avoid potential blister wounds.
What should I consider?
- In general, wool or similar interior linings are ideal for acute warm and cold conditions. If we keep looking for a little more freshness, a coating that absorbs sweat would be the right thing to do.
- The material should be as flexible and breathable as possible.
- The cushioned cuff design fits over the ankle and gives warm shoes by reducing ventilation.
- Seams must be well finished. Strengthening of the toes and the place of lacing should be carefully monitored as they can be nailed during the step.
In conclusion, each person should choose comfortable and appropriate footwear before aesthetics to avoid possible problems and illness in the future. Today, aesthetic comfort is increasingly combined to create comfortable and cozy footwear that improves our quality of life.
