We walk thousands of miles in shoes over the course of our lifetime, and problems can develop if those shoes aren’t a perfect fit. But how do you know which shoes are best, and how can you prepare for growing feet? Here are some shoe buying choices for every age and style.
Picking The Best Shoes
Keep these tips in mind when choosing shoes for child, yourself or for certain activities.
Children
Here’s what to keep in mind when buying shoes for children:
- Have the shoe fit by a professional, and avoid buying shoes online or without your child, because they should try them on first.
- Don’t just assume hand-me-downs will fit, make sure the child has adequate room in the toe box.
- If between sizes, go with the bigger option because your child’s foot will continue to grow.
- Check the fit of your child’s shoe every month to ensure they haven’t become too small.
- Low cut sneakers are good options for young kids, as they provide protection, support, and aid in ankle ligament development.
Women’s Shoes
Women often opt for a more fashionable option, but here are some tips they should keep in mind when looking for that new pair of shoes.
- Choose a flat, comfortable option for every day use.
- Limit how much time is spent in high heels.
- Wider toe boxes are less likely to lead to problems like hammer toes or bunions.
- If you are choosing heels, consider one with a platform under the toe box, as this will limit overall stress on your foot.
- If the shoe you choose doesn’t have a comfortable sole, consider adding an orthotic insert.
Men’s Shoes
Men should keep these tips in mine when shopping for their next pair of kicks.
- The most important factor should be comfort.
- High rise shoes can provide more ankle joint stability.
- Leather soled shoes provide a good amount of durability and stability.
- Buy shoes based on the activities you’ll be performing in them.
- Sandals are fine in small periods, but like heels, they aren’t a great long-term option.
Athletic Shoes
Finally, if you’re opting for athletic shoes, consider these tips:
- Comfort, support and durability are key.
- Consider other factors like flexibility and breathability based on the activity.
- The cheapest options usually don’t provide the best support.
- Find a shoe with a good grip on the bottom to aid in quick movements.
- Replace athletic shoes when they wear down, because you are at a greater risk of a foot injury in a worn down athletic shoe than in a worn down every day shoe.
