Have You Invested In Appropriate Footwear For The Autumn?
The trees are shedding their leaves, the weather’s turning colder – and for many of us, the changing season is wreaking havoc with our bodies, which are reeling in shock at the much milder climate.
This could be especially true if you’ve spent the last few months roaming around in sandals or flip-flops. While these kinds of shoes are great at keeping our feet cool, they often don’t provide them with adequate arch support, and by the time October rolls around, many people find that their lower limbs are crying out for sturdy, robust and shock-absorbing sole footwear.
What is sole footwear?
Sole footwear is different from your standard pumps, trainers and boots. It provides extra cushioning, because each shoe comes pre-equipped with insoles that work to take the pressure off your feet when you’re standing, walking and exercising.
They’re a fantastic investment for those who find themselves suffering from tired, aching feet at the end of the day. They can also be a Godsend for people who suffer from a range of chronic foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, because they act to relieve pain and prevent further wear and tear to the strong yet delicate ligaments in the area.
If you can’t afford sole footwear, what should you be looking for when it comes to finding the right pair of autumn shoes?
Not everyone wants to splash out on sole footwear, which, due to its extra supportive qualities, can be a little more expensive than the average shoes sold on the High Street. Some of us, rightly or wrongly, value fashion over practicality, too – especially when we’re dressing for a special occasion.
If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, you should at least look for shoes that offer the following:
- Outer soles made of robust yet flexible material
- Soft insides for comfort
- Stable heel cups
- Around 1-2cm of toe room – and space around the edges of the feet to allow for flattening and expansion
- Closed toes and heels
- Heels that are less than an inch high
- Adjustable straps or laces
If you really must opt for footwear that doesn’t have these features, make sure you’re only wearing it for shorter periods of time (and keep a pair of flatter or sturdier shoes close by in case your feet start to feel stiff or sore).
What other options are there for combatting foot pain at this time of year?
There is another way to enjoy the benefits of sole footwear this autumn without breaking the bank. Orthotic insoles can be inserted into your existing shoes to provide extra cushioning and support to the areas that need them most, such as the arches and the heels.
To give your feet a real treat, opt for a pair of customisable orthotic inserts, such as those on offer from UK-based company OrthoSole. These products allow you to experiment with light, medium and firm metatarsal pads to find a combination that perfectly meets your needs. They’re affordable, they’re long-lasting, and what’s more, OrthoSole insoles can be cut down to size, which means they’ll fit neatly into virtually any kind of shoe, from practical work boots to glamorous high heels.
