Proper footwear that improves posture is not a myth. In fact, ill-fitted footwear can cause foot pain. It can lead to reduced stability which is a common factor behind fall incidents among older women based on a study.
The study also indicates that different factors like toe box width, heel height, and sold hardness (or thickness) can have a significant impact on the wearer’s posture.
You will find a range of companies selling “best shoes for foot health”, but are they a reality? It turns out that some types of shoes can have multiple benefits for people.
For instance, there are custom-made posture shoes that help in improving musculoskeletal misalignment. Some promote natural foot function and so on. Let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits of footwear on posture and health to understand better.
What is Posture?
So, what is posture? It is the alignment of your body, particularly your spine which gives your body the structure and supports your posture. It refers to your body’s alignment while moving, sitting, or standing.
A good posture means proper alignment within the body where every muscle, joint, and ligament is in optimal position and health. This makes them less prone to biomechanical and health issues.
On the other hand, poor posture relates to misalignment of the spine with other body parts. The most common posture problems include backaches, neck pain, joint pain, and reduced mobility.
How Does It Relate to Foot Health and Footwear?
A scientific study indicates that orthotic shoes can be suitable for people with flat feet. They provide the necessary arch support to improve gait and foot pronation.
The wrong footwear can take away the arch support which often leads to either over-supination or pronation. As a result, it causes the hips and knees to misalign as you walk or engage in sporting activities.
And what most people don’t realize is that your body makes compensatory adjustments through the spine to account for such disbalances. In the long run, this often leads to issues like slouching, swayback, or forward head posture.
Moreover, the lack of proper cushioning in shoes can increase the impact sustained by the joints. Especially your knees, they tend to suffer due to an improperly cushioned shoe. Consequently, it can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. There are numerous studies that account for similar issues.
Different Types of Footwear and Their Effects
So, you’ll find a range of footwear in the market. However, many companies sell specially-designed footwear, touting them as the “best foot health shoes”. We went ahead and categorized them for you to help you find the right shoes based on the “type”.
You see, there are multiple footwear options that focus on improving foot health. They have special features like additional cushioning, arch support, and even adjustable elements.
Orthopedic Shoes
These are the types of shoes that help with posture. They support the structure of the foot by providing additional cushioning and adjustable elements. Furthermore, they also offer customizable arch support for various foot shapes and conditions. In fact, a study found that shoe orthotics (the primary component of orthopedic shoes) can significantly improve posture.
Posture Shoes
These are some of the best shoes for feet health. They come through the expertise of footwear designers who study natural foot movement and variations in gait. Their goal is to engineer posture shoes with built-in orthotics or ergonomic soles. The Masai Barefoot Technology is a great example of shoes that improve natural foot motion and posture.
Supportive Athletic Shoes
Next, we have supportive athletic shoes. The most common applications of these shoes are running, sprinting, going to the gym, and doing other indoor or outdoor activities. They have cushioned soles and arch support to reduce joint load. Moreover, they also reduce the impact forces on hips and knees to prevent injuries. They are suitable for both casual wear and athletic performance, though they could be relatively more expensive.
Platform Sneakers
We also have platform sneakers which became popular in the 1970s. They have a thick sole that adds height to the shoe. That way, the shoe offers better support and comfort than traditional sneakers. However, they aren’t always as effective as modern orthopedic options.
The Health Benefits of Proper Footwear
One of the main benefits of choosing the right footwear that improves posture is that it promotes overall foot health. These shoes provide optimal foot support to prevent issues like:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Calluses
The best shoes for posture have features like extra cushioning or ergonomic soles, as we discussed earlier. This provides additional support for the feet and most importantly, improves shock absorption.
As you run or engage in strenuous physical activity, additional cushioning and shock absorption features reduce the impact on knees and hips. Consequently, this prevents unnecessary strain on the lower limbs and spine which would otherwise lead to posture issues and/or chronic pain.
How to Choose the Right Shoes for a Good Posture?
But how do you find the best shoes for foot health? Well, there are several ways you can do that to maintain your posture and overall well-being in the long run. Here are some factors you can consider when shopping for such shoes:
- Arch Support — It helps with even weight distribution to prevent excessive supination or pronation in of feet.
- Cushioning — This helps with reducing strain on the feet and spine by improving shock absorption.
- Fit — This is essential for comfort as a well-fitted shoe can prevent calluses and blisters.
- Material and Construction — The best varieties of shoes for improving posture contain durable and supportive constructions using breathable and flexible materials.
Conclusion
And those are some of the reasons why choosing the right footwear is important. Footwear is as important for your health as for spicing up your outfit. That’s why, you should look for the best shoes for foot health to make sure you’re walking, sporting, or doing any activity without discomfort.
Over time, your investment in the right type and size of footwear can prevent foot pain. Moreover, it can also keep other health challenges at bay such as posture issues, spine misalignment, or even hyperkeratosis lesions.
But there’s always something interesting at Walking on a Cloud for footwear enthusiasts. Check out the shoes that help with posture while elevating your fashion game!