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Don't wait till your feet are in trouble. Treat them with respect and they will carry you wherever you need to go. If you take exercise seriously, you need to show the same attention to your footwear. Don't be stingy when you buy shoes for walking, running or jogging. Not every shoe is going to be a good fit for you. Make sure your shoes don't pinch your heels or crowd your toes. If they rub, they're the wrong shoes. If they're too small, accept the fact that you need a bigger size and get over it. Shoes that are too tight are the kiss of death to comfortable workouts.
Are your arches low, or high or neutral? This will influence your shoe choice. Protecting your arches is vital for foot health. Be aware that your feet may not both be the same size, or the same shape. Many people have one foot that is bigger than the other. Your feet may get wider as you get older, and pregnancy can leave some women with bigger feet than they had before pregnancy. Buy your shoes late in the day because your feet are going to swell as the day wears on. You need to make sure that your shoes can handle your feet when they're at the biggest.
Shoes that fit properly will mean you don't get blisters, bunions, calluses or misshapen toes. There's a complex array of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons in your feet. Crowding these delicate miracles into too small a space won't end well. It would be too bad to ruin your feet in your pursuit of improving your health. Take the time and spend the extra cash if need be, don't be swayed by what is fashionable, and provide your feet with safe and comfortable housing while you pursue your health goals. When your shoes start to wear, make the smart choice and when necessary, invest in yourself by investing in a new pair of shoes.
Jody Smith is a freelance writer for EmpowHER.com.
Sources:
Walking shoes: Features and fit that keep you moving
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ00885_D
How to Care for Your Feet
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/hygiene-tips/how-to-care-for-your-feet6.htm
