Years ago people were happy with a couple of pairs of shoes, everyday ones and the ones they wore "for best". Now there are shoes, boots and sandals for every occasion and activity and it is in our own interest to make sure the ones we choose are good for our feet.
Shoes to protect our feet from hazards, the surfaces we walk on the effects of the weather and to prevent injury and infection. The style issue is, or should be, very important. Many modern shoes look like they are designed to create foot problems. In particular, shoes that raise the heel compromise gait and may hurt the ankle. And you are much more likely to develop corns and bunions with pointed-toe shoes. Some shoes may look heavy and ugly to some people, but these are usually shaped much more like the foot than many "fashion" shoes.
When you're looking for shoes do your feet a favour and make sure the shoe upper material is porous, to allow air to circulate. This stops too much moisture from accumulating, so it is harder for fungi and bacteria to grow, the best way to prevent smelly feet!
Canvas or soft leather, or perforated leather are good materials for uppers. Plastic is not good, unless it is thoroughly-perforated plastic mesh. The front part of the shoe should be wider than the heel. This matches the natural shape of the foot and allows the toes to spread out.
There should be some support behind the heel. You don't normally have heel support when you walk barefoot, but it does come in handy when wearing shoes. The sole should be flexible to allow the foot to flex. The shoe should be lightweight. This lessens the load on the foot as well as the leg and the rest of the wearer. The sole of the shoe should be textured or patterned to give the wearer some traction on slippery surfaces.
Look for the Smart, new shoes to win in our competition section and win yourself a pair of Geox shoes!
Shoes to protect our feet from hazards, the surfaces we walk on the effects of the weather and to prevent injury and infection. The style issue is, or should be, very important. Many modern shoes look like they are designed to create foot problems. In particular, shoes that raise the heel compromise gait and may hurt the ankle. And you are much more likely to develop corns and bunions with pointed-toe shoes. Some shoes may look heavy and ugly to some people, but these are usually shaped much more like the foot than many "fashion" shoes.
When you're looking for shoes do your feet a favour and make sure the shoe upper material is porous, to allow air to circulate. This stops too much moisture from accumulating, so it is harder for fungi and bacteria to grow, the best way to prevent smelly feet!
Canvas or soft leather, or perforated leather are good materials for uppers. Plastic is not good, unless it is thoroughly-perforated plastic mesh. The front part of the shoe should be wider than the heel. This matches the natural shape of the foot and allows the toes to spread out.
There should be some support behind the heel. You don't normally have heel support when you walk barefoot, but it does come in handy when wearing shoes. The sole should be flexible to allow the foot to flex. The shoe should be lightweight. This lessens the load on the foot as well as the leg and the rest of the wearer. The sole of the shoe should be textured or patterned to give the wearer some traction on slippery surfaces.
Look for the Smart, new shoes to win in our competition section and win yourself a pair of Geox shoes!