Shoes for Health
Certain things should never be short-cut. Baking a cake and missing an ingredient, though risky, shortcutting won't kill you and won't even have long lasting effects. Maybe an aftertaste at which you will bake another cake in the near future to make up for it. Unfortunately though you only get 1 pair of feet. While they are pretty resilient, they should still be invested in because they carry the weight of your entire life, Literally. I sold shoes for a living when 1st started working and developed a passion for fashion, comfort and performance. Obviously there are millions of options to choose from but my focus will be on shoes that prolong your health, which I can't stress enough is vital to life long well... everything.
Below is how I recommend approaching shoes so that when the time is right, you always have the perfect shoes for the occasion.
Shoes for style
To each his own. if you are dressing to impress then this isn't the article for you. What ever makes you feel pretty and matches your swag, those are perfect. For some great tips & ideas, check out my Pinterest page.
Performance
The position of our ankles and feet have a direct correlation with back problems, knee problems, hip problems and more. A good shoe will align your foot offering a natural stride and though shoe manufactures often shortcut on the quality (longevity) of the insert, the overall performance of a good part of high tech shoes are relatively great. If you have specific demands from your shoes like athletes, this article isn't for you. Most people are looking for shoes that offer stability and cushion to reduce the impact of walking and running, keep the foot secure and in place and also encourage a natural stride that is healthy and promotes proper posture. Below is a list of ideas on what to look for in your every day high tech running shoe.
When funds are tight and your need a good pair of shoes, Walmart offers a wide variety for little to nothing in cost. I'd typically recommend only athletic mess shoes such as the "O2 Air" Athletic works brand that resemble the Nike Frees. These shoes offer a very soft mid and outer soul offering a great cushion for comfort all day. Because these sols are so soft, they often break down faster then usual so its a good thing that you can always get a pair for $10. I wouldn't recommend playing sports of any kind in these shoes at the risk of tearing them apart, but for 10 bucks you're right back in action. Like the Nike frees this specific shoe has no support around the the entire shoe, making it very light and breathable with its mesh material wrapped all the way around the shoe, so its only ideal for walking and running. It keeps your feet aligned well for the price, it absorbs tons of pressure reducing impact on your body and joints. Anyone with financial struggles who takes there health serious will not be disappointed with these shoes. I get 4 pair a year for my twin boys and they never complain. Often mentioning how comfortable they really are. The best value in shoes today has to be the Athletic Works Men's Basic Athletic Shoe. Click to see why and get your favorite color
The Nike free shoe is my personal favorite shoe of all time and if you look at most of the recent trendy shoes, they seem to take a direct play out of the Nike Free Technology playbook. The weight, breathability, the style and different colors that this shoe comes in, as special as they are, all fall short compared to how comfortable this shoe is. The sole of this shoe is so soft you can feel it give when you put your weight on it. Most places you can get this shoe for $79 and as an every day shoe this would last you for about a year depending on the strain and pressure you put on the shoes. There is no ankle support, no support for any torque such as cross training or basketball, but for everyday walking, running and casual wear such as people who work on there feet all day, this is a shoe from heaven. My only con is how fast they break down. Because they are so soft, the material wears down slightly faster then other shoes and can look a little flat if worn as an everyday shoe for more than a year. If you are stable in your life and want great every day shoes that can go with just about anything, be prepared to get your favorite Nike Free every year and watch how much better you feel.
Best Shoes: Expert Recommended shoes just for the occasion
Most High tech performance shoes are gonna cost minimum $99. if you're an Athlete the cost is worth it. The science that goes into your shoe is design to protect your body and improve your game. If you are cross training there are shoes that allow your foot to sit lower in the shoe with a firm surrounding to keep you stable as your torque your ankles & feet for leverage and grip. Tennis players wear shoes very similar to keep them from rolling their ankles and keeping there foot stable when applying torque on the feet.
Asics, Brooks, Nike, and practically every major shoe brand has a shoe designed for high performance everyday running that aligns your feet, supports your ankles and reduces pressure. Whether its with a spring feature, air, or a high tech soft foam, 1 hour with a shoe expert and $99+ tax can have a life changing effect on your health, wealth & happiness. Click a link below to learn more about the 3 most purchased pairs of shoes when I was a shoe salesmen.
Only purchase custom made inserts. One size fits all is more profit then science and I've yet to be happy with any bundle purchase from major shoe stores. If you have serious mobility issues and pain involving your feet, specially made orthotic inserts specifically for YOUR FOOT. Not just your feet type, but your individual left and right foot. These inserts can cost anywhere from $100 up to $1500. If you can't afford that, spend the extra time to find the right shoe and save for what you really need.
If you're an athlete then the perfect insole for you is listed below.
The 1st Insole that returns energy!