It seems that fashion is taking a turn for the better as people lean more toward comfortable clothing, giving rise to working clothes infused with loungewear elements. With that in mind, complementing such a trend with comfortable footwear is also being discussed more frequently, much to the satisfaction of podiatrists now that people put more priority on their feet’s comfort.
Here is a rundown of the public’s consensus:
1. Sandals
Sandals are your best bet on a casual day out, if not flip-flops which are basically the same but with no enclosure behind the ankles. Choosing yourself a pair is not solely about which one complements your go-to summer fits. Your feet’s comfort when you have a long day of strolling ahead is another primary consideration.
And so, you want a pair whose footbed has grooves that can house the protrusions of your toe digits, heels, and the balls of your feet. The sandal straps should be stitched with a garter strip, and holes punched onto them to accommodate your feet that expand through the day. Leather or its faux equivalent is an excellent material choice for the straps and the footbeds for their soft and stretchable properties.
Given the said elements in your pair, it is all up to you if you opt for pieces with height-boosting platforms or not. Platforms serve more than an aesthetic purpose; they also give you a more bouncy gait and enhance comfortable wear.
Since sandals provide minimal cover from external elements, your feet are bound to accumulate dirt, more so if they get sweaty. While dirt and sweat do not directly relate to your foot health, you know you don’t want to tread on a tacky surface. If you do, it affects your manner of walking, therefore increasing your chances of improperly maneuvering your feet and ultimately injuring them.
To counter that, you should choose breathable and weather-resistant materials that can effectively wick away moisture, which are things leather is also known for. A more economical option is rubber or flip-flops, which you can wear for days you expect to move a lot.
2. Slip-on Shoes
Slip-on shoes like espadrilles are another great footwear choices on those days you can’t decide how you will complete your look but need to hurry. Wearing a pair is a great way to look effortlessly presentable in settings that require more modest attires, such as the workplace and professional conventions. Its simple design and easy wear explain its versatility.
You can attest to a pair of slip-on shoes’ comfort if you get to wear them for long hours. But, to guide you on choosing them prior, go for those whose binding and elastic bands are flexible enough to allow your feet to comfortably slip into the shoe and snuggly cover your feet’s bridges once they are in. The inner components like the heel support and lining should be made of soft materials like cotton and felt that can mold into your feet’s shape, socked at that while maintaining the shoes’ aesthetic contours.
You don’t want heel or arch supports pushing against your ankles, which is common among substandard-manufactured slip-on shoes. Collar padding lined with a thin foam strip keeps your ankles comfortable. The insoles should provide enough cushion to your feet, so you don’t feel the more rigid material used for the lining that separates the insoles from the outsoles.
The fabric used for the shoes’ body has more than face value. It determines how comfortable it is to bend forward in a squatting position with the shoes on. Spun thread such as canvas is a classic choice. Still, lately, synthetic fabric that adheres better to the feet’s contours is becoming popular choices, especially for the elderly who want a comfortable pair they can rely on every day.
3. Accessories
The least you require of your socks is that they provide a soft cushion underneath not to hurt your soles when stepping on poorly soled shoes. Also, a good pair of socks can provide compression to your feet, shielding them from external shock, especially if you have to engage in sports or go to hard-hat zones. A great plus for socks is if they are manufactured with breathable material and odor-eliminating technology. Where there is odor, bacteria are feasting on your sweat, leading to infections if you cannot curb them.
Shoe horns seem like archaic but, otherwise, still super-intuitive tools up to this day. They help ease your feet into stiffer shoes like dress shoes without straining your fingers and your ankles. A more innovative way you can break in tight shoes is by freezing and then heating them.
Conclusion
When choosing shoes, you should consider comfortable wear and how easy they are to put on and slip out of. Keep in mind that you should never buy shoes only because their design is right up your alley. Any day, the proper fit comes first before style.
