10 Mistakes We Make While Buying Shoes That Make Our Feet Suffer
indrani karmakarBA Hons Experience: 2.5 yearsIndrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
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Every person deserves a Cinderella moment when you place your feet in a shoe and it fits you perfectly! Whether you buy shoes online or offline, making sure you buy the right fit is a must. Unfortunately, most of us are concerned only with the shoe size when we purchase a shoe, but in reality, the shape, material, width, and even the time when you try the shoe on play a significant role in how the shoe will fit you. Read on to know them all!
In This Article
1. Purchasing Shoes In The Morning
Yes, we know it sounds ridiculously superstitious, but trust us, it has nothing to do with magic, omen, or superstition. It is stated that feet swell as much as 8% during the day (1). Of course, you wouldn’t have noticed it, but even a little expansion can cause discomfort if your shoe is too fitted. It is best to wait until the afternoon when your feet are in their optimal size to choose a shoe for the best fit.
2. Not Knowing Your Foot Type
Knowing your foot type might help you choose the perfect pair of shoes for your feet. It’s easy to find out by putting your foot in salt water and then stepping on a piece of cardboard. If your shoes leave a complete print when you walk on them, you likely have flat feet and should look for footwear with more outwardly angled bottoms. Conversely, if your arches are very prominent, your footprint will show a void in the middle, indicating that you should look for shoes with extra padding. Normal feet have a semi-empty circle in their center.
3. Not Getting Insoles
It is believed that insoles should only be used by those with foot injuries or problems. After all, gel pads may be a lifesaver if you spend all day on your feet. However, heel implants offer padding to your feet, which is especially helpful as you get older. So investing in insoles is a good idea if you stay on your feet all day.
4. Not Changing Shoes
We all have our go-to footwear, but just because they’re our favorites doesn’t mean we have to wear them every day. Despite how it may sound, that is not related to fashion. Shoes should be rotated daily to allow perspiration to evaporate. Another reason why it hurts to wear the same shoes over and again is because they wear out in the same places, most noticeably the insoles.
5. Not Remembering Your Foot Measurements
Finding the right pair of shoes is much easier if you know your exact foot size. Brands have different sizing systems, so it’s preferable to go by the actual length of the foot rather than the number on the box. It’s also crucial to remember that even as an adult, your foot size may alter due to pregnancy or weight gain. Because of this, it is important to have a recent foot measurement before shopping for the perfect pair of shoes.
6. Not Checking The Sole Material Before Purchasing
The sole is also crucial to our comfort and should be monitored closely. A rubber sole is ideal for sports shoes due to its flexibility and shock absorption, but it is not a good option during the winter. Shiny and supple, faux leather soles are a shoe wearer’s dream. As an added bonus, they produce a resounding noise when tapped with the index finger. Polyurethane soles are flexible and won’t cause your soles to slip if you run over them.
7. Trying On Just One Shoe
Our bodies are not symmetrical, so trying just one shoe and hoping it will fit the other one the same way won’t help. Shoes should be tried on both feet since many have one foot that is a tad bit larger than the other.
8. Considering Only The Heel Type
If you want to avoid foot pain while wearing high heels, look for shoes with thicker soles. Look for footwear with thick soles to alleviate some of the stress placed on the feet’s plantar surfaces.
9. Disregarding The Lifespan Of Tennis Shoes
It’s important to replace your tennis shoes regularly. Most footwear is destined for 300 miles. However, injuries can be caused by normal wear if not replaced in time. If we use our tennis shoes every day, they may wear out in just under half a year, as an adult walks from 2.4 and 3.2 kilometers every day.
10. Just Sticking To Flip Flops
While flip-flops might appear to be the natural summer footwear choice, experts warn that they should not be worn for too many hours at a time. Wearing flip-flops alters our gait because we actively engage our feet to hold them in place. As time goes on, this might become an issue. Instead, choose shoes with ankle straps with instep support to achieve the same summertime appearance without the risk of injury.
Who would have guessed that so much thought goes into choosing the right shoe for yourself? But of course, a little effort on your part will give way to years of comfort. Make sure you care for your shoes and place them in a shoebox after each use. So which of these mistakes are you guilty of making? Let us know in the comments section!
