Comfort Should Always Come First
When it comes to shoes, style might grab your attention at first, but it's comfort that truly steals your heart. Uncomfortable footwear can lead to a variety of problems, from pesky blisters to long-term foot issues and back pain. That's why it's essential to choose wisely when it comes to your footwear. Whether you're in the market for sneakers, heels, or everyday flats, make sure to follow this checklist to ensure your comfort is the top priority.
Understand Your Foot Type
Remember to find out what type of foot you have. Are your feet flat or do you have high arches? Understanding this will help in choosing the right shoes for support. If you have flat feet, stability shoes might work best for you. On the other hand, if you have high arches, you may need shoes with extra cushioning. If you're unsure about your arch type, you can easily do a quick wet test at home by visiting a foot size checking website. It's a simple way to determine what kind of support your feet need!
The Right Size and Fit
When shopping for shoes, try on sizes 6 and 8 if you usually wear a size 7, as sizes can vary by brand. Consider your foot width, and remember that your feet expand throughout the day, so late afternoon is the best time to try on new shoes for a better fit.
Women Footwear Size Chart of some brand:
| UK/India | US | Euro | Some Brand | Length | Width |
| 9 | 10 | 42 | 9 | 11.34 inch | 9.72 inch |
| 8 | 9 | 41 | 8 | 11.02 inch | 9.57 inch |
| 7 | 8 | 40 | 7 | 10.71 inch | 9.41 inch |
| 6 | 7 | 39 | 6 | 10.39 inch | 9.29 inch |
| 5 | 6 | 38 | 5 | 10.08 inch | 9.17 inch |
| 4 | 5 | 37 | 4 | 9.76 inch | 9.06 inch |
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Women Footwear Size Chart for Flat from Other Brand:
| UK/India | EURO | Other Brand | Length |
| 3 | 36 | 3 | 8.46 inch |
| 4 | 37 | 4 | 8.66 inch |
| 5 | 38 | 5 | 8.86 inch |
| 6 | 39 | 6 | 9.06 inch |
| 7 | 40 | 7 | 9.25 inch |
| 8 | 41 | 8 | 9.45 inch |
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Support & Cushioning
Footwear materials range from leather to cork, rubber, plastic, and fabrics. Your choice depends on style and usage—work or all-day wear calls for durable, breathable, and moisture-absorbing options. Pick what suits your comfort and needs best! Make sure to have a half-inch gap between your toe and shoe so it will no hurt you while walking.
Types of Cushioning Materials:
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam:
- A lightweight and flexible foam often found in running shoes. It does a good job of absorbing shock, but may flatten out over time.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Foam:
- Offers better energy return and durability compared to EVA. It's a bit heavier, but maintains its cushioning properties for longer.
- PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) Foam:
- Known for its high energy return and lightweight feel, often used in high-performance running shoes.
- Gel Cushioning:
- Uses gel inserts in the midsole to boost shock absorption, commonly found in ASICS shoes.
- Air Cushioning:
- Incorporates air pockets within the midsole to absorb impact forces, seen in some Nike models.
- Incorporates air pockets within the midsole to absorb impact forces, seen in some Nike models.
Material & Breathability
When it comes to finding the perfect shoes that are comfortable and long-lasting, it's important to consider a few key factors. Look for outer linings that are breathable and moisture-wicking to keep your feet feeling fresh all day long. And don't forget about the soles - they should offer good grip, cushioning, and protection.
Leather is a great choice for linings because it naturally keeps your feet dry and odor-free. As for soles, rubber is a durable option that provides excellent traction, while EVA is lightweight and perfect for casual activities. Remember, finding the right combination of materials is key to keeping your feet happy and comfortable!
Inner Sole (Insole) Guide
- Comfort: Your insole should be like a cozy hug for your feet, providing a supportive layer between your foot and the outsole.
- Cushioning: Look for an insole that can absorb impact and give your feet that extra cushioning for a comfortable walking experience.
- Support: Arch support is key! Your insole should help distribute weight evenly and give your feet the support they need.
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Materials: Insoles can be made from a variety of materials like leather, foam, and more. Choose based on what gives you the most comfort and support.
How to find your ideal heel height
Finding the perfect heel height is crucial for keeping your feet happy and avoiding any unnecessary strain. One helpful method is the "Perfect Heel Height" (PHH) formula created by podiatrist Emma Supple. This formula looks at the flexibility of your talus bone, which connects your foot to your leg.
To give it a try, simply sit in a chair and extend one leg out while keeping your foot relaxed. If your foot naturally points downward, showing good talus flexibility, higher heels between 7–12 cm (3–5 inches) may be comfortable for you. On the other hand, if your foot stays at a right angle, indicating limited flexibility, lower heels ranging from 3–8.5 cm (1.2–3.3 inches) might be a better fit. Remember, the key is finding what works best for you and your feet!
Your feet are essential for navigating through life, so it's important to take good care of them! By spending time selecting comfortable shoes, you're actually investing in your overall well-being and joy in the long run. The next time you're out shopping, remember to refer to this checklist to ensure that prioritizing your comfort remains at the forefront of your decision-making process.
References
https://www.foot.com/
https://www.planetpaaduks.in/blogs/all-blogs/5-things-to-consider-while-buying-shoes
https://plaeto.in/blogs/stories/plaeto365-cushioning-system
https://blog.footdistrict.com/en/history-cushioning-in-footwear/
https://happywalk.in/cdn/shop/products/MG_1741.jpg
https://www.oliversweeney.com/pages/anatomy-of-a-shoe
https://twolittlefeet.sg/blogs/little-reads/parts-of-shoes#:~:text=The%20sole%20is%20the%20whole,common%20feature%20in%20many%20sneakers.
https://www.sioux-shop.co.uk/cms/shoe-know-how/shoe-lining/
https://www.saintg.in/blogs/posts/a-guide-to-buy-womens-footwear-for-comfort-and-style-2023?srsltid=AfmBOoo9s8dr0Ogz7MwDMr04tUtH66tnG505p_Rm0OH4lFeKF_O6e9Qi
https://www.themostcomfortableheels.com/blog/formula-for-finding-the-right-heel-height