How to find the perfect shoes for your feet?

Natasha Gan

27 May 2015

updated the 3 May 2019 à 17:48

Painless sexy heels do exist, as long as you know how to find them!

Sandals: Not too open and not too closed

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Sandals: Not too open and not too closed
Avoid sandal models that fold like a marshmallow. Too light and too flat, they cause stiffness in the calves and do not give enough protection from soil irregularities. As a result, at every step, a jolting shock spreads from the heel to the spine, potentially causing back pain.
Wedges offer better protection, given they are not too rigid and do not restrict foot movement when walking. Otherwise, the foot can no longer play its role and health disorders may ensue. "Beware of sandals that expose too much of your feet," said the podiatrist Roseline Bertieu. "When worn too often, they promote drying of the skin and the development of cracks and calluses."
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Escarpin pumps: Beware of killer heels!
The pain and blisters accumulate with this kind of footwear. They are often narrow, squeezing the toes and causing the big toe to curl inwards (hallux valgus). Moreover, repeated friction can create a painful callus (bursitis). Their heels also disrupt the balance of the body. By moving the center of gravity forward, they increase pressure on the knees, damaging the cartilage and promoting the development of osteoarthritis. Our weight would then fall more on the tiptoes. With a 5 cm heel, the forward incline increases by 57%. And 76% for a 7 cm heel! It's a real torture for our tootsies that can lead to aches by the Achilles tendon, hamstrings, back pain due to pelvic tilt, claw toes, etc.
"For daily use, choose a 3 or 4 cm heel," suggests Prof. Bernard Cortet, a rheumatologist at the Roger Salingro Hospital in Lille. If you want more height, go for comfortable shoes to go to work and carry your stilettos in your bag so you can put them on as you enter the office. Alternatively, try the new models with interchangeable heels (in Spring or tanyaheath.com).
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Ballerina flats: Like slippers but…
They are rarely designed to roam the sidewalks, as their ultra thin sole does not protect against shocks that affect the entire skeletal system. This can cause chronic inflammation of the fibrous membrane that connects the heel to the base of the toes (plantar fasciitis). It's very painful and it should be promptly treated, otherwise sequelae may ensue. "The ballerina flats can also cause the formation of a bony outgrowth (heel spur)," says Prof. Cortet.
Do not wear your ballet flats for more than a few hours at home while relieving your legs that were just in heels the whole day. Consider adding a gel insole (Kiwi Shoe Passion) for more cushion.
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Sneakers: No two consecutive days
Sneakers are certainly comfortable but they tend to collapse the arch when walking. As for the latest running shoes, they offer too much cushioning, disrupting the body balance. A study from the University of Harvard has also demonstrated how to walk on the ground heel first, and not the entire foot at the same time, which could risk an injury. Finally, their synthetic materials promote sweating and fungal infections.
Alternate them with dress shoes. Sprinkle some talcum powder to remove moisture from the insoles.
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Flip flops and mules: Sporadically
With this type of footwear, the toes must hold on to the shoes to keep the foot in place, and this could result in tendonitis. The soles of flip flops are not shock absorbent, causing micro-fractures or minor cracks to the bones of the feet. It's the same case with mues, whose soles slap on the heel with every step.
Choose sturdy, comfortable ones and only wear them by the beach or around the pool area. Or opt for flip flops with reinforced soles (like FitFlops). For mules, find ones whose soles don't slip and accommodate the foot well.

From ingrown toenails to hammertoes, 30% of women suffer from chronic foot pain, according to a study by the University of Boston*. On top of that, women also experience pain in the hips, knees and back areas which may also result from wearing inappropriate footwear. Below is our advice on how to remain stylish without screaming Ouch! every step of the way.

Before you splurge on a new pair of shoes

Don’t expect the shoes to morph according to your feet and certainly not the other way around too. Choose the ones which you immediately feel comfortable in, and buy them rather late in the day when the feet and ankles are the most inflated. If the shoes fit comfortably at the time, they will feel that way when you take them home. Go for soft leathers that do not hinder the movements of your feet, especially at the heel area. If there is discomfort or if blistering occurs during the first days, think about the special protective add-ons which can protect your feet like a second skin.

* Published by Arthritis Care & Research in October 2009.
** Published by Nature in January 2010.

Sylvia Vaisman

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