When selecting a new pair of shoes, comfort is one of the most important qualities to look for. With the large amount of stress we put on our feet everyday by walking, running and doing other activities, it’s crucial to have shoes that fit our feet appropriately and feel comfortable.
One important factor in determining how comfortable your shoes are is the arch of your feet. While most people have a neutral or “normal” arch, some people have low or high arches. The tip to finding the perfect comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI is identifying what type of arches your feet have and finding shoes that provide your arches with the correct type of support.
Identifying your arch type
It’s not difficult at all to find out what type of arch your feet have. All you need to do is conduct a quick wet foot test. The way this test works is by wetting the bottom of your foot and making an imprint on a piece of paper, then using the imprint to select the closest matching arch type.
To start, put a small amount of water in a pan. You only need enough to just cover the surface. Place the pan on the floor next to a flat paper surface like a paper bag. Then, step into the water, making sure the entire bottom of your foot is getting wet. Next, step firmly onto the paper. After a few seconds, step off the paper and examine the imprint made by your foot.
If you see half of the center of your foot, you have a neutral arch. If you can see the entire bottom of your foot, you have a low arch, or flat feet. If you can’t see any of the center of your foot, or just see the heel, ball and a thin line on the side of your foot, you have a high arch.
Picking comfort shoes based on your arch
Once you know the type of arches your feet have, you are better prepared to head into a store and buy the perfect pair of comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI:
- Neutral arch: People with neutral arches have the easiest time selecting shoes because they don’t require shoes with specialized support. Still, you’ll want to look for shoes with firm midsoles that provide a moderate amount of cushioning. Additionally, look for shoes with moderate rear-foot stability, which can help support the natural stride of your foot.
- Low arch: If you have low arches or flat feet, you’re more prone to joint and muscle pain caused by over-pronation, or extra inward rolling of the ankles. This means you need shoes with extra stability. Look for straight shoes that have raised insoles or supports that alleviate pressure where your arch should be.
- High arch: Feet that have high arches aren’t able to absorb shock from stepping very well because they tend to under-pronate. This causes other areas of the foot to absorb the impact, which can lead to pain and injuries. To mitigate this, look for shoes with extra cushioning and arch support.
In addition to purchasing shoes that are appropriate for your arch type, you can purchase inserts or insoles that can help alleviate stress in uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes. These should be hard enough to support your foot in the right places.
Whether you’re purchasing new shoes or inserts, visit a shoe store and work with an associate to find the perfect pair of shoes for your foot type. There are other factors in comfort besides arch type, including size, width and toe room, and an associate can help you determine which shoes are right for you.
For the best in shoes and customer service, visit Haig Shoes. For 30 years, we’ve provided customers with comfortable footwear from a number of industry-leading brands. Stop in to find your perfect pair of comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI today!