Treat Your Feet: Shoes that Look and Feel Good
Arricca SanSone on May 27, 2010 at 11:41AM
From stilettos to strappy sandals—how to choose summer styles that won't hurt your feet
Stilettos
Ultra-high heels look beautiful on Sarah Jessica Parker and her fellow Sex and the City 2 cast members, but the damage they can inflict on your feet can be ugly. Walking or standing at that angle on hard surfaces can put a strain on the balls of your feet, and eventually cause permanent deformities like hammer toes. “You’re transmitting tremendous force to the forefoot,” says Steven L. Haddad, M.D., associate professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago. “The higher the heel, the more pressure and pain in the ball of the foot.”
The solution: You don't have to give up stilettos completely; just save the Manolo Blahniks for special occasions. Limit wear to a few hours, sit often, and go with a lower heel (2 1/4” or less) if you need to walk a lot. With sandal styles, the more straps, the better as they can hold your foot in place so you won’t wrench your ankle.
Flip Flops
They’re a summer staple, but—believe it or not—they’re actually hard on your feet. “Pancake-flat flip flops are fine for around the pool, beach or hotel room so you don’t step on anything or pick up plantar warts or athlete’s foot,” says Krista Archer, D.P.M, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “But they’re not meant for long walks because they have zero support, which can lead to heel or arch pain and tendonitis.”
The solution: Toss last year’s worn pair and look for a new pair with built-in arches and a slight wedge or thicker heel, such as FitFlops. A good test of quality: Bend the shoe to test its sturdiness; it should flex at the ball of the foot but not fold completely in half.
Sandals
Sandals are perfect for flaunting your pedi and, while they're pretty, they're also practical. “They’re some of the healthiest shoes,” says Carol Frey, M.D., director of the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Manhattan Beach, Calif. “There’s no deforming effect on the foot because they’re not constrictive. It’s as close to barefoot as you can be.”
The solution: Try sandals such as Teva (left), which are good walking shoes because they’re supportive and adjustable so they won’t slip around (and come in some cute styles!). For dressier sandals, look for those with arch support, such as Dansko. To avoid blisters, choose soft leather—especially with gladiator styles—and make sure there’s no heel hangover and a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Platforms and Wedges
Among high heels, the platform or wedge shape is preferable to slinky stiletto heels when it comes to comfort. “The wedge distributes your weight more evenly over the whole foot,” says Dr. Haddad. “And platforms have a more gradual taper from the heel to the forefoot, which is less stressful than a sharp angle.” You’re at risk for ankle injuries when wearing platforms, though, especially those that are more than three inches tall. Like your favorite stilettos, they’re best for special occasions or limited walking.
The solution: For comfort, choose cork wedges, which offer more cushioning, and wide straps that can be fastened securely so your foot doesn’t slide around. Espadrilles are another option; look for arch support and tie them firmly around your ankle.
Ballet Flats
After a long winter of boots, ballet flats seem heavenly. But they can feel like hell if you're not careful. “If you transition too rapidly from a shoe or boot with a heel to flats, you may stretch tight calf and hamstring muscles too rapidly,” says Dr. Archer. “That can contribute to arch and heel pain.”
The solution: Pad the arch and heel of your favorite flats with an insert like Foot Petals pads. Stretch the Achilles tendons and back of the leg muscles daily (a runner’s stretch is ideal). Even with the added support, it's still best to limit walking on hard surfaces or for long distances in these shoes.
Sneakers
Many fashion sneakers have flimsy soles, which make them okay for occasional wear but not for every day or athletics. “They don’t have the support or the features needed for lots of walking or sports,” says Dr. Frey. “If you do anything more than three times a week, you need a shoe designed specifically for that activity.”
The solution: When it comes to athletic shoes, you generally get what you pay for. Cheap sneakers may feel okay the first month, but the insoles wear out quickly, which can cause heel pain. What’s the best kind? “Everyone’s foot is shaped differently, so get fitted at a specialty store to find the brand and style that fits you best,” says Dr. Haddad.
MY THOUGHTS
i love sandals.unfortunately i can't wear them often. especially during summer. i have overactive sweat glands. so,i go for sneakers and ballet flats.
Arricca SanSone on May 27, 2010 at 11:41AM
From stilettos to strappy sandals—how to choose summer styles that won't hurt your feet
Stilettos
Ultra-high heels look beautiful on Sarah Jessica Parker and her fellow Sex and the City 2 cast members, but the damage they can inflict on your feet can be ugly. Walking or standing at that angle on hard surfaces can put a strain on the balls of your feet, and eventually cause permanent deformities like hammer toes. “You’re transmitting tremendous force to the forefoot,” says Steven L. Haddad, M.D., associate professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago. “The higher the heel, the more pressure and pain in the ball of the foot.”
The solution: You don't have to give up stilettos completely; just save the Manolo Blahniks for special occasions. Limit wear to a few hours, sit often, and go with a lower heel (2 1/4” or less) if you need to walk a lot. With sandal styles, the more straps, the better as they can hold your foot in place so you won’t wrench your ankle.
Flip Flops
They’re a summer staple, but—believe it or not—they’re actually hard on your feet. “Pancake-flat flip flops are fine for around the pool, beach or hotel room so you don’t step on anything or pick up plantar warts or athlete’s foot,” says Krista Archer, D.P.M, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “But they’re not meant for long walks because they have zero support, which can lead to heel or arch pain and tendonitis.”
The solution: Toss last year’s worn pair and look for a new pair with built-in arches and a slight wedge or thicker heel, such as FitFlops. A good test of quality: Bend the shoe to test its sturdiness; it should flex at the ball of the foot but not fold completely in half.
Sandals
Sandals are perfect for flaunting your pedi and, while they're pretty, they're also practical. “They’re some of the healthiest shoes,” says Carol Frey, M.D., director of the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Manhattan Beach, Calif. “There’s no deforming effect on the foot because they’re not constrictive. It’s as close to barefoot as you can be.”
The solution: Try sandals such as Teva (left), which are good walking shoes because they’re supportive and adjustable so they won’t slip around (and come in some cute styles!). For dressier sandals, look for those with arch support, such as Dansko. To avoid blisters, choose soft leather—especially with gladiator styles—and make sure there’s no heel hangover and a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Platforms and Wedges
Among high heels, the platform or wedge shape is preferable to slinky stiletto heels when it comes to comfort. “The wedge distributes your weight more evenly over the whole foot,” says Dr. Haddad. “And platforms have a more gradual taper from the heel to the forefoot, which is less stressful than a sharp angle.” You’re at risk for ankle injuries when wearing platforms, though, especially those that are more than three inches tall. Like your favorite stilettos, they’re best for special occasions or limited walking.
The solution: For comfort, choose cork wedges, which offer more cushioning, and wide straps that can be fastened securely so your foot doesn’t slide around. Espadrilles are another option; look for arch support and tie them firmly around your ankle.
Ballet Flats
After a long winter of boots, ballet flats seem heavenly. But they can feel like hell if you're not careful. “If you transition too rapidly from a shoe or boot with a heel to flats, you may stretch tight calf and hamstring muscles too rapidly,” says Dr. Archer. “That can contribute to arch and heel pain.”
The solution: Pad the arch and heel of your favorite flats with an insert like Foot Petals pads. Stretch the Achilles tendons and back of the leg muscles daily (a runner’s stretch is ideal). Even with the added support, it's still best to limit walking on hard surfaces or for long distances in these shoes.
Sneakers
Many fashion sneakers have flimsy soles, which make them okay for occasional wear but not for every day or athletics. “They don’t have the support or the features needed for lots of walking or sports,” says Dr. Frey. “If you do anything more than three times a week, you need a shoe designed specifically for that activity.”
The solution: When it comes to athletic shoes, you generally get what you pay for. Cheap sneakers may feel okay the first month, but the insoles wear out quickly, which can cause heel pain. What’s the best kind? “Everyone’s foot is shaped differently, so get fitted at a specialty store to find the brand and style that fits you best,” says Dr. Haddad.
MY THOUGHTS
i love sandals.unfortunately i can't wear them often. especially during summer. i have overactive sweat glands. so,i go for sneakers and ballet flats.
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