{"id":6191,"date":"2020-04-01T20:55:44","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T20:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=6191"},"modified":"2025-03-27T08:46:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T15:46:10","slug":"shoes-and-foot-health-expert-tips-vionic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/shoes-and-foot-health-expert-tips-vionic\/","title":{"rendered":"Shoes and Foot Health: How to Choose the Right Shoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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written by Dr. Jacqueline Sutera<\/a>, DPM and Vionic Innovation Lab Member<\/em><\/p>\n

Wearing the <\/span>right shoe<\/span> for your <\/span>foot type <\/span>and <\/span>foot shape<\/span><\/a><\/span> can prevent common <\/span>foot problems<\/span> like <\/span>heel pain<\/span><\/a><\/span>, arch discomfort, and <\/span>sore feet<\/span><\/a><\/span> while promoting <\/span>healthy feet<\/span> for the long term. Whether you\u2019re choosing a <\/span>stability shoe <\/span>for walking or the <\/span>best running shoes<\/span> for your morning jog, selecting <\/span>supportive footwear<\/span> with proper <\/span>cushioning<\/span> and <\/span>arch support<\/span> is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying active is not only good for your physical body – to stay in shape and have a healthy immune system – but also for your emotional and mental wellbeing. At Vionic, we believe that shoes and foot health are closely related and it\u2019s a number one priority for us to help you maintain your foot health with supportive footwear. From wearing comfortable stylish shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> with arch support to avoiding barefoot activities, here are our top tips and expert advice regarding shoes that are good for your feet<\/span> and overall foot health<\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Wear Appropriate Shoes for Any Activity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A lot of technology goes into comfortable shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span>. For example, running and walking <\/span>shoes<\/span> are made for forward motion while basketball and tennis are made for lateral\/side to side motion. Make sure to choose your styles accordingly!<\/p>\n

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Replace any old and worn-out shoes. How long do walking shoes really last<\/span><\/a><\/span> exactly? <\/span>The general rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 8-10 months but you might need to do so sooner if you are particularly hard on your shoes. However, warm weather shoes – such as comfortable flip-flops<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0– might need to be replaced after only one or two seasons if they are not worn year-round.<\/p>\n

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A good way to measure whether your shoes are worn out is to run the \u201ctabletop test.\u201d\u00a0 To do this, put your shoes at eye level on your tabletop and examine the symmetry and integrity. Are they even? Are they worn? Then flip them upside down and examine the tread. Is it smooth? Does it have holes?! If so, resole or better yet – replace your <\/span>walking shoe <\/span>with a new pair<\/span>!<\/p>\n

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Old and worn-out shoes can hurt your feet and overall skeleton. Any shoe with worn-out soles force your foot to land at an increased angle. This can stress out bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons and can cause sprains, fractures, strains, inflammation and injury. Old shoes might feel good because they are broken in and comfortable, just like junk food might taste good, but it is not good for you.<\/p>\n

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Avoid Walking Barefoot Around the House<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It can be very tempting, especially in the summertime, to be barefoot or live in flip flops. But avoid being barefoot on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Use a supportive shoe or sandals with arch support<\/span><\/a><\/span>, cushioning and shock absorption, and limit use of high heels and very flat or thin types of sandals and flip flops.<\/p>\n

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It is important to make sure <\/span>your shoes fit correctly<\/span><\/a><\/span>. <\/span>Choose styles that fit you correctly. You want to wear shoes that will accommodate your specific needs, especially if you have a wider foot, bone spur, hammertoe, or bunion<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Avoid buying shoes that are not quite right just because they are on sale or because you like the style! Don\u2019t wear hand-me-down shoes or purchase any second-hand shoes. These have wear patterns from the previous person and can cause injury. Plus, there is also hygiene concern when looking at the effects of wearing hand-me-down shoes. However, you can opt for Vionic shoes to have comfort, style, and quality all in one without compromising your foot health. Check out our <\/span>women’s shoes on sale<\/span><\/a><\/span> to see if any of your favorite styles are featured!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hard Surfaces are Harsh on the Feet<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When walking on hardwood, cement, stone,<\/span> or ceramic tile, there is really nothing to absorb the shock between you and the ground. Over time, this behavior can contribute to deterioration to your fat pad, which serves as the foot\u2019s natural cushion. Women should be especially cognizant of fat pad atrophy, as they\u2019re more likely to develop it due to hormone changes. Limit your barefoot time to carpet or cork flooring only, and wear comfortable, supportive footwear when on harder indoor surfaces. My at-home go-to: Gemma II Mule Slippers<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Wearing slippers at home is great for your feet<\/span><\/a><\/span> as t<\/span>hese supportive slippers<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0are plush and provide comfortable arch support as you walk around your house.<\/p>\n

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Being barefoot at home for long periods of time can lead to foot pain, especially during pregnancy when feet tend to spread and widen. Closed supportive slippers<\/a><\/span> with extra cushioning, shock absorption and good arch support are your best bet, especially if you have<\/span> flat feet<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Walking barefoot can cause degeneration of the natural cushion and fat pad on the bottom of the foot. Without this fat, you are literally walking or running on skin and bone. Once this fat pad degenerates it\u2019s gone forever. Protect it by wearing well-padded shoes and supportive slippers while at home, like those made by Vionic with built-in arch support<\/a><\/span> and cushion. Think of time at home, or when not working out as \u201cactive recovery.\u201d Make foot loving choices and choose <\/span>proper footwear<\/span> that supports your feet<\/span>!<\/p>\n

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Alternate Between Comfortable Footwear<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Alternate shoe gear throughout the day and week. The repetitive stress of walking and wearing the same shoes every day, all day, can inflame ligaments, tendons and fascia and even cause pain, injury and stress fractures. Wearing the same style shoe in different colors is just as bad! They should be different styles and types of shoes. Try switching from slippers during early morning and late evening hours, and alternate between essential everyday shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> and<\/span>\u00a0casual sneakers<\/span><\/a><\/span> like<\/span> the <\/span>Bella<\/span><\/a><\/span> and <\/span>Willa<\/span><\/a><\/span> for everyday wear, or the more supportive <\/span>23Walk 2.0 for women<\/span><\/a><\/span>. For work or outings, the <\/span>Uptown Loafer<\/span><\/a><\/span> or <\/span>Winny<\/span><\/a><\/span> styles provide both comfort and sophistication. I<\/span>f you\u2019re looking to dress warm in winter<\/a><\/span>, our <\/span>heeled booties<\/span><\/a><\/span> also provide superior arch support to keep your feet protected and comfortable all winter long.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to men’s styles, opt for the comfortable <\/span>23Walk 2.0<\/span><\/a><\/span> for supportive, all-day wear or the <\/span>Tide II sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span> for a laid-back, breathable option during warmer weather\u2014no matter the style, we’ve got you covered with Vionic\u2019s Three-Zone Comfort technology for ultimate arch support.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Find The <\/b>Best Shoes for Feet Health<\/b>:<\/strong><\/h3>\n