Enter your Are Your Boots Made for Walking? Or Watching?
Nothing is worse than feeling you have to miss out on an activity in which you’d rather participate because your feet hurt! Winter weather is coming fast, that often means boots are part of active attire. Just as surely as winter fleece and sweats become a wardrobe staple, boots come out of the closet and fly off retail store shelves. As popular and stylish as they are, without careful curating, they might protect from the weather, but they won’t likely be comfortable or good for your feet, or knees, hips, and spine.
Boots come in many different varieties too, and some you might assume would be better for you than others. But you wouldn’t always be correct. Put any prospective boot purchase through its paces, from work boots and hikers to suit-suitable, riding boots, cowboy styles, or fashionistas designed for a night on the town. Yes, boots come in all shapes and sizes, so proceed with caution or better yet, come into the WalkEZStore!
You CAN have it both ways!
We love fashion just as much as comfort! Come shop our styles and suggestions at the WalkEZStore or bring in your boots so we can fit custom orthotics that will protect your health while you stay in style. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying boots.
- Foot problems can surface at any age, but they get worse as we get older. So the boots and styles you wore last year may not work for you as easily this year and beyond.
- As with any shoe purchase, shop toward the end of the day, so your feet, if they tend to swell, will be at their largest.
- Choose boots (or any footwear) with a properly sized and shaped toe box. Your feet will thank you later.
- Remember that cheaper man-made materials don’t allow your feet to breathe. Pass them by.
- Make sure the boots are comfortable, not rubbing or chaffing at the heel, toe or ankle. Wear them inside the store for long enough to really test them out before you buy.
- Look for ankle support, especially if you have any issues with weak ankles or balance. Again, orthotics can help greatly.
- Look at the heel. Higher ones can cause or worsen inflamed ligaments throughout your feet especially at the base of your toes, a condition called metatarsalgia, and they can make bunions worse. Go for 1 ½ inches or less.
- Remember that as much as sheepskin boots feel luxurious, there’s nothing luxurious about what happens when they get wet with sweaty feet. If you insist — ALWAYS wear socks with them, and a good pair of custom orthotics for support. And keep them dry, inside and out. Plus remember often this style of boot has no structural support.
- Remember that as much as sheepskin boots feel luxurious, there’s nothing luxurious about what happens when they get wet with sweaty feet. If you insist — ALWAYS wear socks with them, and a good pair of custom orthotics for support. And keep them dry, inside and out. Plus remember often this style of boot has no structural support.
- Any boot with flexible or flat insoles is not a good fit for plantar fasciitis, a painful condition involving inflammation of the heel. Firmer support is always recommended and of course custom orthotics a best option.
Have more questions about your boots or other footwear? We’re happy to help at the WalkEZStore. Call today for a consultation, 888-392-5539, ext. 1
