Do your feet hurt or turn sore every time you get home after a late shift at work?
Don’t fret; you’re not alone. Many people complain of sore feet when they visit the doctor’s office with foot issues caused by the wrong shoes. The only remedy is to change your footwear and go for shoes that put you at ease throughout the day like Klogs.
This is more important for individuals who spend most of the day on their feet or around the clock. This could be professionals like bartenders, field workers, contractors, chefs, nurses, doctors, etc.
Are you starting a job with longer hours? Or maybe your feet hurt because of your old footwear? Whichever the case, it’s about time you cared for your feet and got yourself a new pair. But this time, when shopping for your new shoes, there are several tips you must consider to make sure you choose the proper footwear. After all, this time, you want shoes that would not make your late shifts at work awful.
Let us take a look at the top seven tips to help you pick comfortable shoes that would enhance your experience in the workplace:
1. Pick The Right Size
Many people tend to overlook this because of other properties of the shoes like the design, color, comfort, or even the brand appeal more to them. However, picking the wrong shoe size might have a high cost on the wearer.
First, picking small size shoes will kill you by the time you get off work. It will put pressure on every part of your feet, from the bones to the ligaments, and also alleviate symptoms of preexisting foot problems like knee pain, arthritis, and many other ominous foot pathologies.
Conversely, picking a big shoe would make it awkward and hard for you to walk in. While choosing the correct shoe size is the typical thing to do, many people still fail to realize its importance.
So, draw it on a piece of paper or make a homemade mold of your foot, measure it, and know your actual size before shopping for a new pair.
2. Choose Light And Airy Shoes
If you need shoes for long work hours, thick and heavy shoes are definitely not the answer. Instead, look for a lightweight pair made of synthetic material that offers extra shock absorption under the ball of your foot and allows maximum ventilation. These features keep your feet comfortable and relaxed and help reduce tenderness and burning caused by tight and sweaty shoes.
3. Consider Getting A Pair With Silicone Soles
If you have outdoor work, it’s not uncommon to ascend to certain terrains that tend to create problems for your legs. So, having silicon soles to cushion your feet is a great idea. Silicon soles improve comfort and will never cause harm.
They help maintain the arch of your foot and are an excellent option for individuals who have arch problems or whose feet hurt from standing for a prolonged period. Orthotic inserts support the anatomy of your foot by supporting a particular area while relieving others areas and using them always has a positive outcome.
4. Steer Clear Of Shoes With High Heels
Are you considering heels for work? Think again, maybe.
Some shoe types, especially heels, are not suited for work activity. Even if your heels feel good to walk in, they alter your posture and can cause pain. You’ll probably hate them by the end of your shift, especially if you work as a waitress.
Heels are OK for occasional events such as a night on the town. But for long work hours, choose a more sensible and comfortable shoe. Pick shoes that have a broad base and offer adequate support for your heel bone.
Even low heels have negative consequences, especially when worn over long periods. They cause forefoot pain, inward curving of the lower back, and gradually distort the natural anatomy of your foot.
5. Always Prioritize Your Comfort
A shoe that offers comfort around the clock is the difference between a good and a bad day at work. The worst thing you can do for your feet and your overall performance at work is to wear a pair that irritates you. Comfort matters a lot.
If your work involves standing for long hours, such as a teacher, you need shoes that are comfortable and support all muscles of your legs. It would be best to choose your shoes based on their advanced robust fit, excellent cushioning, and advanced ankle support.
Don’t forget the soles. The soles of the shoes must equally be able to cushion your feet and offer excellent shock absorption by evenly spreading the weight of your body across your feet. All pressure areas like the big toes, the heel, and your big toe should not be bearing a lot of weight if you are wearing the right shoe.
6. The Material You Choose Should Be Soft And Flexible
Oftentimes, many people suffer from a shoe’s bad material. Besides, rigid footwear can make it challenging for you to take quick steps. The material should not irritate your foot.
Soft and flexible materials make life comfortable and much more manageable at work! Don’t rely on ‘breaking in’ your new shoes. The right material will be comfortable as soon as you try your new shoes on. You can move and stand in them for as many hours as you like, and you would steel feel comfortable and fresh as if stepping on cotton every time you walk. Pick a cozy and flexible pair and experience the difference yourself.
7. Identify The Type Of Foot Arch You Have
It is imperative that you maintain the arch of your foot. If you are a ballet dancer, you need to make sure you get the best pointe shoes for beginners. You will avoid irritation and pain and have a better time during your dance rituals. Examine your feet to determine if they have a high or low arch, and pick a shoe according to the shape of your foot.