It’s no secret that finding the perfect pair of shoes makes you feel great. If they’re the right style, fit and look, chances are you’re going to love wearing them.
However, sometimes the pair that looks amazing isn’t as comfortable as you’d like. The good news is you don’t need to sacrifice shoe comfort for style. In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for to find the best comfy shoes for you
Table Of Contents
What makes shoes comfortable?
The biggest factor in shoe comfort is the design – specifically the padding, sole and fit. The next time you’re shopping for shoes, look out for:
- Padded lining inside
- Foam insole (memory foam is the best option)
- Flat base (as opposed to a heel)
- Room inside the shoe (especially around the toes)
- Firm sole
The next time you’re shopping for comfortable work shoes, or a pair you’ll feel relaxed in on a night out, look for these specific design elements and try them on before buying if you can.
Why is it important to wear comfortable shoes?
Wearing comfortable work shoes is important if you’re on your feet for long periods. Wearing uncomfortable shoes can lead to common foot problems including:
- Blisters
- Foot arch issues
- Gait problems
- Best Sandals For Knee Pain
By wearing shoes that fit well and provide your toes with enough space, you’re less likely to risk crowding your feet. You’ll also prevent blisters by wearing comfortable shoes which are tight enough to hold your foot properly yet relaxed enough to avoid causing friction, according to the NHS.
How to choose comfy shoes
Here are the features to look out for when searching for a comfortable pair of shoes.
Padded lining
Ideally, the level of padding in your shoe should be sufficient to prevent your feet from rubbing, without constricting their movement.
If you’re searching for men’s shoes or women’s flat shoes, look for padding around the ankle, side of the foot and top of the foot. Hunting for heels? Find a pair of shoes with padding around the toes and heel. After all, these areas are typically the most vulnerable to soreness and blistering, so extra padding will help ensure shoe comfort.
Foam insole
Insoles provide a padded surface for your feet throughout the day. Memory foam insoles mould to the shape of your foot to provide maximum comfort. Learn more about shoe insoles.
Flat base
Flat shoes are often the most comfortable option. They allow your feet to roll heel to toe when you walk, evenly distributing the weight across your foot.
Room inside the shoe
The main reason people suffer when wearing shoes is that they haven’t picked the right size. If you aren’t sure of your correct shoe size, have your feet measured.Â
When you try your shoes on, you should have enough room to wiggle your toes (slightly). If you can’t move your toes at all, your shoes are too tight and may eventually cause you pain. This is an important point to bear in mind when choosing comfortable shoes for women, such as high heels.
Follow out our size guides for picking the correct size of men’s shoes and women’s shoes.
Firm sole
The firmer the sole, the more stable the shoe. Picking a rubber sole that is a minimum of 1-2cm thick will provide padding between the foot and the hard surface you’re walking on. A flexible sole will often be very thin and won’t protect the bottom of your foot from impact with the ground, which can cause pain in the soles of your feet.
Comfortable shoe brands
There are brands that design shoes specifically for comfort. Knowing these can make searching for the right pair so much quicker.
Article via. Pick Your Sandals