Finding the best pair of shoes undoubtedly makes you feel great. When they are the right fit, style, and look, you will most likely love wearing them.
But sometimes, the pair that looks incredible is not as comfortable as you would like. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. In this article, you will learn what you should look for to find the best comfy shoes from Orthoticshop.
What exactly makes shoes comfortable?
The biggest factors when it comes to shoe comfort are the design; specifically the sole, padding, and fit. So the next time you go shopping for a pair, be sure to look out for:
Inner padded lining
Flat base, instead of a heel
Foam insole, with memory foam being the best choice
Firm sole
Room inside the shoes, especially around the toes
If you are in the market for a comfortable pair of work shoes, or shoes that will make you feel relaxed while on a night out, be sure to look for these specific elements and try the pair on before committing your money.
Why is it important to wear comfy shoes?
Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is important if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Uncomfortable shoes could potentially lead to problems such as:
Blisters
Shoes that give your toes ample space and fit well help you avoid the risk of crowding your feet. You will also be able to prevent blisters by wearing comfy shoes that are tight enough to hold your feet properly while keeping you relaxed enough to avoid friction.
How to choose comfy shoes
The following are some of the features to look out for when looking for a comfortable pair of shoes:
Padded lining
The ideal levels of padding for the shoe should be enough to prevent the feet from rubbing, while also not constricting their movement.
If you’re looking for flat shoes, go for something with padding around the ankle, the top of the foot, and the side of the foot. If you’re shopping for heels, find a pair with padding around the toes and the heel. After all, these are the most vulnerable areas to blistering and soreness. The additional padding will enhance the shoe’s comfort.
Foam insole
Insoles offer a padded surface for your feet throughout your day. Memory foam insoles will ideally mold to the shape of your foot and deliver maximum comfort.
Flat base
Flat shoes are usually the most comfortable option. They let your feet roll from heel to toe while you walk, which evenly distributes the weight across your foot.
Room inside the shoe
One of the main reasons why people suffer while wearing shoes is that they fail to pick the right size. So, if you are not sure about your correct size, you should have your feet measured.
While trying shoes on, make sure that you have ample room to slightly wiggle your toes. If you can’t move your toes at all, the shoes might be too tight, and you risk having them eventually causing you pain. This is something important to note especially when choosing comfy shoes for women, like heels.
Check out our size guides for choosing the correct size for men’s and women’s shoes.
Firm sole
Generally speaking, the more firm the sole, the more stable the shoe will be. Choosing a rubber sole that’s a minimum of 1cm to 2cm thick should offer ample padding between the foot and the hard surface you stand or walk on. A flexible sole will likely be very thin, meaning it won’t offer ample protection for the bottom of your feet from the impact with the ground. This could lead to pain in the soles of your feet.
Comfortable brands
There are certain shoe brands focused on designing shoes particularly focused on comfort. Knowing them could help make the process of finding the right pair much quicker.
Comfort Plus
Padders
Dr. Keller
Cushion Walk
Heavenly Feet
Softlites
Comfortable shoe styles for both men and women
It’s always a good idea to make comfort a priority, whether you’re shopping for shoes for a walk, work, or a night out.
A brown or black lightweight shoe with a comfortable lining and a rubber sole makes a perfect formal shoe or a comfortable shoe for work.
Trainers are often a stylish option that will go well when paired with a pair of jeans. Moreover, they help in supporting the arches of your feet.
Flat shoes that have padded heels and rounded toes will work well with floaty skirts and summer dresses for a warm-weather look.
Low heels with round toes, plenty of padding, and a buckled strap will help keep your feet comfortable by reducing slippage. Moreover, they work great with a casual dress or a formal look.
Trainers and flat shoes will help support your feet and ensure you stay comfortable during winter. They pair well with jeans, dresses, and skirts.
Chunky heels are generally great at providing support than a stiletto and are more suited for situations where you will be wearing your shoes for a long period of time.
