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Foot pain can keep you from moving through your daily routine, let alone doing the extra things you love. Luckily, your life doesn't need to be dictated by your feet. And one of the easiest ways to keep foot pain from getting in your way is to rethink the shoes you're wearing and what you put in them.
We spend about 235 days of our lives on our feet, so it’s no surprise that 80% of us have experienced foot pain. While the cause of your foot pain may be unique to you, there are some very common foot issues that could be an explanation:
If you have persistent foot pain, of course you should consult with your doctor. But while you're waiting for your appointment to roll around, there are two other things to do that will help.
Start with your shoes. Find footwear that is designed for comfort and support. Then add firm arch support insoles that match the contours of your feet.
When you're on the hunt for shoes, sometimes you can tell if a pair of shoes will be comfortable just by looking at them. You can judge them by how they're constructed, what materials they're made of, if they're narrow, and how thick the soles are. Shoes that don’t give your feet enough room, support or cushioning won't feel good.
Shopping for shoes when you have foot pain ups the stakes. You want to make sure you're spending your money on comfortable footwear that makes your feet feel better, not worse.
Before you buy a pair of shoes that promises to “cure back and foot pain,” do some research to make sure you’re getting the greatest comfort for your feet and lifestyle.
It’s always better to try on shoes before you buy them, especially if it’s a brand you’ve never worn before. Spending some time walking around in a pair of shoes to see how your feet feel gives you an idea of how well they'll work for you long-term.
Harvard Medical School offers some helpful advice for shoe shopping:
Most shoes don't have built-in arch support. When you're trying on shoes, if it feels roomy under your arch, there's not enough support. You can also tell how much support the shoe offers by pulling out the factory insert, reaching in and feeling along the arch. Does it feel flat? Probably.
The best way to make shoes more comfortable is to make them more supportive by adding firm insoles. When you're shopping for an insole, consider:
Sonoma Women’s Flats from SoftWalk
If you have plantar fasciitis or bunions, shoes that are comfortable and stretch to conform to your feet are important. Sonoma offers half sizes as well as a choice between wide, narrow, and even extra wide fits.
Most of Softwalk’s shoes have removable inserts so you can add your own orthotic insoles for added support. Some shoes even add stabilizing features to ensure your walk is as soft as possible and doesn’t add strain to the rest of your body.
DresSports Men’s Shoes from Rockport
Some of the most popular men’s dress shoes that get a thumbs-up for comfort are Rockport’s DresSports collection. They’re so comfortable that Rockport once sent a team of marathoners to run 26.2 miles in them.
Rockport ensures comfort in this series with a padded collar and tongue to help prevent blisters and lace bruising, a polyurethane outsole that reduces foot and leg fatigue through shock absorption, and shock-absorbing heel cushioning.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080V9
New Balance shoes are often cited as great for people suffering from foot pain. The Fresh Foam 1080V9 Running Shoes for men and women are stylish and comfortable with their mesh uppers. They have a wide toe box that helps to stabilize your feet and their ample cushioning helps with shock absorption.
Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS
Brooks generally get good reviews for being a good option for people with foot pain. The Adrenaline GTS has a 12mm drop from heel to toe which helps direct your weight to your forefoot rather than your heel.
Hoka One One Clifton
Hoka One One running shoes may be shaped a bit different from what you're used to, but that's why people find them good for foot pain. They use a maximal design which creates a rocker motion in your stride, along with a wide toe box and soft sole.
Allbirds Tree Runners
Called the “world’s most comfortable shoe” by TIME magazine, Allbirds are beloved not only for feeling great on your feet, but also for their attention to using materials that are eco-friendly. With a focus on renewable and recyclable materials, Allbirds has styles for both men and women.
While you’ll probably need to add arch support insoles to your Allbirds, the flexibility of the fabric will be a relief for anyone suffering from bunions or hammertoes.
It can be so tempting to throw on a pair of flip-flops when the weather is warm, but if you already have foot pain, they’re not going to help. Having used almost the same sole design for almost 250 years, Birkenstock (and the millions of people who wear them) swear by the simple science behind their shoes.
These sandals are designed with an arch support that molds to your foot over time, providing a natural and comfortable walk that prevents foot pain.
No matter the footwear you end up with, the most important thing your shoes can do is keep your feet comfortable and pain-free. You'll probably need to add arch support insoles to get them perfect for your feet but once you figure out what works best for you, you'll be amazed at how far you can go when your feet feel great.
Questions? Drop us a line at hello@treadlabs.com. We're here to help.
