Most of us don’t start thinking seriously about taking care of our feet until we really feel the aches and pains of years of poor foot care. But this type of attitude is damaging because we use our feet so much in our everyday lives. Though taking care of our feet after we start to feel pain is of course a must, we would all benefit from taking care of our feet before pain sets in.
Before you head out to a local store selling comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI, though, make sure you are clear on what you want to buy. Many people will assume they need arch supports simply because it’s a product related to foot care that we’ve heard of. Read on to see if you truly need to shell out extra money for arch supports, or if you just need to invest in a better pair of shoes.
Flat feet
Having flat feet means that your inner arch flattens out too much when you walk. This can cause a lot of strain on your feet that can then affect your gait and back if you don’t take care of it. Feeling stiffness in the feet is a general sign of flat-footedness, but people with flat feet are also more prone to calluses, corns and skin redness.
People with flat feet benefit a lot from arch supports because it helps to correct their gait and puts less pressure on the inside arch.
How can I tell if I have flat feet?
You don’t need to see a doctor to determine whether you have flat feet. Instead, take what’s called the “wet footprint” test. Find a piece of cardboard or construction paper, and then leave it on the floor near your tub or shower. When you step out of your bath or shower, place your wet feet on the paper. Then step off so you can examine your footprint. If it looks wider than it should, you most likely have flat feet and would benefit from arch supports.
If I don’t have flat feet, do I still need arch supports?
This depends. Some people do not have flat feet but have a slightly odd gait. You may tend to over- or under-pronate, which means that you put more pressure on the inside or outside of your feet and have a less balanced stride. Moving in this way can cause more stress on other parts of your body—like the ankle, leg or back—because your body tries to compensate for the problem in the foot. People with misaligned strides also benefit from arch supports, which help to realign the foot.
Whether you need arch supports or just some great comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI, you should definitely check out Haig Shoes. All of our sales associates are trained shoe fitters who are eager to use their expertise to find you the perfect shoes to keep your feet feeling great. And once you find the right shoes, we can help equip you with the correct arch supports and other shoe accessories.
For over 30 years, Haig Shoes has dominated the comfort shoe market around Rochester Hills, MI. We offer a wide range of recognized comfort shoes, including SAS, Keen, Dansko, Sanita and many more! Stop by today to browse our selection and work with our knowledgeable staff.