One reason why a lot of teachers suffer from the wrong shoes is that they neglect comfort for style. What worries podiatrists is the possible harm a footwear’s structure can have on the foot. If you’re guilty of this, it’s time to listen to your feet and put attention to the shoes that podiatrists recommend best for teachers.
If you’re teaching full time, imagine the work your feet have to go through to help you stand all day. They probably have walked miles to get you to work, too. Were you loving enough to support them with the correct footwear? Maybe yes, maybe no?
Your feet are composed of bones, tendons, and ligaments that work together and synchronize your movements. This is the reason why shoes should be comfortable to the feet and harmonious for your activities.
There are doctor-recommended shoes that still fall within your favorite trend but by all accounts are well-suited for comfort and style.
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Shoes that Podiatrists Recommend
1) Shoes with your correct size
Size means how long and wide your foot is. Tight shoes expose your feet to pain and damage-causing deformities such as corns, bunions, hammer toe, and more. So rather than sorry, size up instead. Simply stuff the toe or add cork to make a larger shoe fit. Elasticity in your feet alters as you age and may change in shape when they sag, become less tight, or get wider.
Weight loss as well can result in the loss of fat surrounding your feet. This does not mean they have shrunk but the overall structure has reduced density. The goal is to find a shoe that resembles the shape of your foot and not your foot to take on the shape of the shoe.
The bottom line is: Do not buy shoes that do not fit.
2) Shoes that rest the arch
Podiatrists generally recommend highly good arch support. The arch is the hollow portion in the middle of your foot responsible for holding bones, tendons, and ligaments. Your arch works so hard in supporting your weight as you walk or stand.
Teachers have different arch build. Some have flat, medium, or high arches. If you’re flat, low arch height insoles will keep your feet from flattening. For arches that slightly touch the ground, medium height is for you. High arch positions are high off the ground when standing so a good height insole is needed.
This is the reason why shoes with one-size-fits-all insoles may not be a good choice for the lack of support in the arch. Since teachers are prone to standing, walking, and going up the stairs every day, good arch support will save the foot from aches and pain.
A tired sensation on your arch is mostly caused by the poor structure of your footwear. With poor arch support, your feet lack the brace they needed to balance your stance. A good arch positions your feet well-rested in the midsole area. When using shoe liners, check and test to make sure they cradle your foot.
The bottom line is: When the midsole cuts, it’s the wrong shoes.
3) Shoes with a good construction
The general rule for comfortable shoes is a good cushioning base on the heel and a firm sole to protect the feet. The toebox must at least bend and narrow enough so the toes are not restricted. A square and deeper toe box offer more room to accommodate a wide forefoot. A round one also provides more comfort than a pointed shape.
Examine if the soles are replaceable so you can change them at any time. They must be tough and firm enough to protect your feet from sharp objects. When buying heeled footwear, look for good padding under the ball area to prevent your foot from sliding towards the toes. A padded heel also keeps your feet stabilized with every step.
Of course, check if the arch does not cut. As we mentioned earlier, a good arch should keep the contour of your feet in a healthy position. Most body points are located in the feet. So as you walk, the feet move from side to side and slightly roll inward with each step. Every time your heel strikes the ground, your arch is flattened with force. With good cushioning, it will brace the arch and absorb the shock.
The best way to determine if a certain pair of shoes are supportive is to review the sole, the arch, and the feel of the material. Whether it’s for the classroom or sports use, it pays when you know what to get for your feet.
The bottom line is: Once something nicks at your first fit, it will keep nicking all the time.
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What size of shoe are you? Top 5 tips you want to learn. Watch this video.
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To sum it up
Before you get overwhelmed with the style, color, and looks of footwear, assure and validate all the three determinants we have above – fit, arch, and construction. Me? My gauge after the right size is an arch that supports and rests my midsole a lot. I so love the feeling.
Not all shoes can have everything that you are looking for. The solution is to properly fit them so you will feel if your feet are properly aligned with the toes and ankles not tight. You should walk on them without a pinch in the knee or hip area. Lastly, it should help you correct your gait and posture.
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FAQ
1) How do I choose arch support shoes?
Look for shoes with pads or cushioning to provide natural shock absorption. Your feet should feel the dense support in the arch area. Curved lasted shoes or those that are slightly C-shaped offer a concave design from the heel to the toe on the medial, or arch side of the shoe.
2) Are there different types of foot arch?
There are 3 types of arches. The low (flat arch), normal (medium), and high. Each of them affects the way your feet move.
3) How do I know if I have high arches or flat feet?
Wet your feet and stand on a dry flat surface either the floor or a piece of paper. Make sure your feet completely touch the surface. Look at the footprint of your feet left on the surface material.
- High-arched feet leave an imprint of the heel and the front of the foot with nothing in between. This arch may not absorb shock well, most especially when performing impact or jumping moves.
- Normal arch (medium) will show a half-filled middle part of your feet. Your arch rolls in under a normal load and naturally supports body weight.
- Flat arch (low) the flat foot shows the entire bottom of your feet on the surface material. Your foot normally rolls in when you walk or run and may contribute to muscle and joint stress.
4) What are the common problems with shoes?
The wrong size and a lack of arch support are the top two main problems of footwear. When you take “quality fitting time” for granted, chances are you will go home with the wrong shoes. To get the right footwear, spend time fitting, standing, and walking in it.
5) Do expensive shoes come with the right arch support?
Good question, but the answer is no.
Expensive shoes may offer the best details that come with a high price. However, not all branded shoes provide good arch support. The high cost may be driven by the high cost of raw materials used, but still, they may lack a well-designed midsole. With all the brands we have today, you have to look for shoes with the best support.
Do you have any helpful experience with shoes and foot issues? Share them in the comments so many teachers can learn too.
