A large portion of Americans suffers from flat feet which can be caused by many different things including aging, obesity, foot or ankle injury, or arthritis. Some people may also be born with it. Now, flat feet may not sound serious, but those who have them know they can affect their quality of life.
Some of the health issues caused by flat feet include chronic muscle strain, back and leg pain, poor posture, joint problems, and unnatural gait. This is why people with flat feet need to find the right kind of shoes.
When shopping for shoes, it is crucial to select footwear that offers ample support and enables stability. Consider the following tips when making your selection.
Shopping for the Proper Footwear for Flat Feet
- Think About Your Activities
The first thing you should do is to take a look at your lifestyle and see what kind of activities you regularly perform. Do you work out, jog, or walk to exercise? Perhaps you go biking as a hobby or as a means of transportation. You might also be on your feet for hours every day.
Once you have a clear idea of how much you use your feet and to what extent, you can start looking for shoes that are most suitable to your needs. You are bound to find shoes meant for these specific activities.
One essential piece of advice is to do your shopping after a long day. This is when your feet are at their biggest and you will not be caught surprised that they are tight later in the day just because you fit and bought them in the morning.
- Pick a Pair with Arch Support and a Wide Toe Box
The main issue with flat feet is that you do not have arch support, so you want footwear that has it built in. With arch support shoes, your weight can be distributed evenly throughout the foot, which can minimize discomfort and negative impacts.
Another thing you should remember is that people with flat feet tend to have a wide foot shape compared to others. You should pick a pair with a wide-toe box to accommodate the wider shape. Getting tighter ones can result in more problems such as bunions.
- Avoid Elevated Heels
Having flat feet already places a lot of stress on them, so you do not want to add more. Elevated heels strain your feet further, so make sure to avoid wearing them.
Low heels and flat soles are much better for patients as they do not aggravate the condition while providing optimal comfort.
A bonus tip is to use orthotic devices or those insoles that you can easily place inside your footwear to help with your condition. They can provide much-needed support and cushion.
The Bottom Line
Having flat feet should not stop you from living your life fully and comfortably. With the right footwear, you can improve your quality of life and do your day-to-day activities with minimal worries. Not sure how to proceed? See a podiatrist who can give you medically sound advice.
