7 Footwear Mistakes That Could Cramp Your Arches!

Footwear choices are complicated and choosing the right footwear is not always about fashion or the ongoing trend. One needs to keep a lot of other factors in mind too. For example, good footwear keeps your feet healthy, makes physical activity easier and protects your feet from injury.

You will feel more comfortable in a shoe that fits you perfectly and aids in your activity type.

What can the right footwear do for your feet?

Cinderella wasn't only just lucky but she also had the right footwear too. 

The Right Shoe:

• Hugs and cushions your feet – They reduce the impact of the force while you are walking or running and therefore provide cushioning. Furthermore, give time to your body to adapt to the force.

• Aligns perfectly with the foot – They aid in the alignment of your foot when it touches the ground.

• Provides comfort – The right shoe makes you feel like walking on clouds from the first wear and like the shoes were custom made for you. 

• Fits well – They are neither too broad nor too long and are a perfect match for your feet. The shoe should feel snug but not tight.

How to choose the right footwear for your feet?

When it comes to deciding the right footwear specially designed for your feet, it becomes essential to match it with your daily lifestyle. Whether you're an athlete, a working professional, a globetrotter or a university student, your lifestyle significantly affects your footwear choices. Try to wear shoes that go easily with your daily activities and give your feet the comfort they deserve.

If you're a sportsperson, then it's a good idea to wear shoes designed according to your particular sport. Different activities such as tennis, golf, soccer, football, netball, running, cycling and other sports demand different types of shoes.

Here are some important points you should remember while finding the right size:

• Shop from stores that are well known for your shoe type. This benefits you in two ways: making the search easier and preventing wasted time.
• Whenever you buy shoes, always try them with socks that you will probably wear for the activity.
• Have the shop assistant measure your feet whenever you're buying shoes because as you age, your feet may become larger and wider. It's also common for one foot to be a bit bigger than the other.
• Check that the shoe fits well and gives enough space so that you can wiggle all your toes. Remember that your feet also need to breathe.
• Don't try to simply just put your feet in the shoes but make sure that they are comfortable as soon as you try them on. 
• Walk or take a few steps in your shoes to check their fit and to examine the soles.
• Make sure the shoes are gripping your heel and not slipping while moving.
• Check the inside of the shoes for tags, seams, or other material that might irritate your foot.

How does footwear affect your legs, feet, and arches?

Your footwear has a prominent impact on the way you walk. Shoes that are too tight, too loose or insufficiently supportive, stress your feet, ankles, lower legs and other joints. This ongoing pressure may lead to pain and injuries. Poor footwear choices can result in injuries that can be significantly harmful and limit or stop your daily chores.

Heels and sandals with tight straps can result in lesions and cause redness or rashes on your feet. Close heels can cause swelling in the feet, lasting up to even a week. They may even hinder the way you walk and can be really painful. Remember that the right shoes can help you avoid all of this and also reduce or eliminate foot pain. This always gets you going!

Common Footwear Mistakes That Could Cramp Your Arches

• Trying shoes on in the morning : When trying on shoes, it is better to wait until later in the day because the longer you're up and standing, the less your feet and legs tend to be swollen.
• Wearing the wrong size shoe : With our age, our feet also lengthen and our shoe size goes up. This happens due to the stretching of tendons and ligaments. Thus it becomes important to make sure your shoes have enough room for your feet and toenails.
• Not ditching those worn-down shoes : We understand that they are your favourite, but wearing worn-out shoes can lead to pain in the foot from plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress fractures and shin splints. This is because these shoes lack the required padding and support
• Walking around barefoot : Standing or walking barefoot on tiles and hardwood floors can result in undue stress on your feet making the pain worse over time. Instead, purchase slippers or wear flip-flops while indoors or in public places.
• Choosing improper footwear for your activity : Wearing shoes that are not right for the given activity results in problems like blisters and sunburn. Wearing the correct shoe will help you minimize these problems.
• Your high heels are too high : Stilettos or wedges might be in fashion but wearing them for longer durations can be great havoc. Pencil heels can affect your body posture and can heavily hurt your toes.
• Not wearing shoes with arch support : Most of us generally fall somewhere in this spectrum—we are either flat-footed or have high-arched feet. While for many this isn't a big issue, but as we age and experience other body-changing life events, it can be especially important to know.

How to Prevent Foot Pain in Your Arches?

If you have foot or ankle problems, it is always better to change the type of shoes you wear.

• Heel cup : A heel cup made of plastic, foam or rubber can reduce pain beneath the heel and provide support while relieving the pressure beneath.
• Arch supports (orthoses) : Arch supports ('orthoses') treat pain in the foot and other problems related to the foot and lower leg. They are made from different types of material and are worn inside the shoe. They may also aim to alter foot alignment and function.
• Metatarsal pad : A metatarsal pad relieves pressure or pain beneath the ball or toes. It is made from a range of materials and affixes to the insole behind the tender area to help distribute pressure.

Talk with healthcare experts regarding any problems with your feet or footwear. Remember that the right shoes can take you to the right places.