How to Choose Supportive Footwear
Your feet are an important aspect to proper posture. Wearing shoes that support your feet and body is essential to your health. Finding shoes that are supportive can be challenging, but here are a few tips to assist you in finding that perfect pair of shoes.
Visit a shoe store where your feet can be measured. If there is not one near you, you can measure your feet at home. It is important that the shoe that you choose fits your feet properly. If measuring yourself, take a piece of paper, mark where your heel hits and where your longest toe hits on the paper. Do not mark your big toe, but the longest toe.
Cut the paper into a strip from mark to mark. You can use this to place inside a shoe. At the heel of the shoe there should be around one-half of an inch between the end of the strip and the heel.
Another important fitting component is width. Make sure that the width of the shoe is the same as your foot. If your foot is narrow or wide, find a shoe that comes in various widths for better fit.
Shoes that have laces, buckles, Velcro or straps are more supportive than slip-ons.
Choose a shoe that is made from leather or cotton.
Shoes that cover the ankle offer more support. They can keep your leg in alignment with your ankle.
Choose shoes that have heels no more than an inch and a half.
Check the soles of the shoe. Supporting shoes should have soles that are flat, but arch toward the toes. Supporting your arch is important.
Standing on your feet for long hours require shoes that can support your feet. You want to make sure that they have a good arch support, laces and soft inserts and soles.