October 12th, 2009

Luxurious Comfort Shoes for All Walks of Life

Three out of four Americans experience foot pain at some time point in their lives. Though most problems are merely annoying, if they go untreated, a chronic condition can lead to severe foot pain. These ailments may inhibit a person’s ability to perambulate and may even require a replacement walking device, such as a wheelchair or a motorized scooter. What is the cause of this pain?

Believe it or not, most foot pain is caused by uncomfortable shoes. Go figure. Humans have been wearing some type of foot covering for over five million years and we still haven’t gotten it right. Did you know that chronic foot pain is far more common in women than in men? Why is this?

Once again, it has to do with the shoes. Women are more likely to slip into shoes that put their feet in unnatural positions. For example, the average high-heeled shoe puts an incredible amount of pressure on the toes and causes minor foot injuries like calluses, blisters, and corns at a much higher rate than regular shoes.

Is there a happy medium?

Everyone wants a shoe that is both stylish and comfortable, but the two rarely go hand in hand. However, it is possible to find a pair that won’t hurt your feet.

High Heels

Heels are a must for any fashion-conscience woman who wants to looks her best on a special occasion. The only problem, as we have mentioned, is that they are hard on the feet. Therefore, it is best to only wear them a few times a month. Trust us: no matter how comfortable they are, heels are not good for the feet.

As a general rule, platform heels are more comfortable than the pointy heels because they absorb more of the force of each step and thusly relieve the pressure that is put on the toes. Labels like Choos, Manolos, and Nine West are well known for seamlessly blending style and comfort. Remember, the smaller the heel and the pointer the toe, the more pressure the shoe will put on your foot.

Brands

In spite of the prevalence of foot injuries caused by uncomfortable shoes, there are only a handful of brands that actually target people with foot problems. Of course, this does not mean that you have to have bad feet to wear these brands. In fact, studies show that wearing comfortable shoes is the best and most reliable way to prevent chronic foot injuries. With that in mind, let us take a look at some of the top foot care brands that combine style with orthotics.

Dansko

Like many specialty shoemakers, Dansko gained a loyal following by offering stylish shoes that were also incredibly comfortable. Their Danish clogs, sandals, boots, and shoes are designed for people of all ages. The styles are simple, but have a distinctive European flair.

Birkenstock

The shoes and sandals produced by this German company have been a favorite of people with alternative lifestyles since the 1960s. We are speaking, of course, about hippies. They were the first folks to buy Birkenstocks. And there was a reason for this. In spite of the laid-back attitudes of their target audience, Birkenstock developed incredibly advanced shoes. The raised toe bars, deep heel cups and arches distributed weight evenly, which resulted in less force and pressure with every step.

Ecco

Another Danish shoemaker, Ecco offers trendy footwear with a focus on comfort. Most of their lines compete in the outdoor or sports categories. They are internationally known for their golf shoes and casual footwear. They also manufacture a line of business shoes for men and women. Kid’s sizes are available.

New Balance

Founded in New England, New Balance started out as a specialty maker of orthopedic shoes. Though they achieved incredible success with their athletic footwear, the company has never forgotten its root. To this day, New Balance offers shoes in a wide range of sizes and widths. Of course, their most popular lines are sport specific. Running, walking, basketball, tennis, and cross training shoes are offered in men and women’s styles and sizes. In recent years, New Balance has expanded into and done quite well in the children’s athletic shoe segment.

Clarks England

A relatively young company, Clarks England was founded in 1965 on a simple design for a moccasin-style shoe built for comfort and flexibility. Since that time, the brand has expanded its line to include sandals, clogs, boots, and business casual shoes. Clarks England offers comfortable shoes in men and women’s sizes and styles.

Easy Spirit

Since its inception, Easy Spirit has been focuses on the foot issues of women. The popular shoemaker offers a wide array of footwear from high heels to sandals to boots and flats. Most of their shoes are business casual and are fitted with small heels that never rise above two inches.

About the Author

Joen Griffith is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of topics including comfort shoes.

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