Most of us don’t have much difficulty when it comes to accumulating a cupboard full of shoes. But when we look closely, how many of those shoes do we actually wear in our daily rotation? The answer to that question should be at least two.
So why is it important to have at least two pairs of shoes that we can alternate for exercise and day-to-day wear?
Aside from giving the other shoes in our cupboard some air time, here are some other reasons why it is important to change up your shoes throughout the day.
- Alternating between two pairs of shoes significantly reduces the wear and tear on our shoes meaning that you’ll get more longevity out of your shoes and less wear patterns forming, these can often lead to injuries or niggles due to the accumulation of load in an unnatural way. You will also get more longevity out of your shoes – win/win!
- Throughout the day our runners and shoes significantly compress through the outer sole, meaning that we receive less shock absorption and cushioning benefits. It is important that we allow the outer soles of our runners and shoes to de-compress between wears (usually takes 24 hours), so having two can be an easy way to achieve this.
- Alternating between two pairs of shoes can help to build the strength of our intrinsic foot muscles by allowing our foot to have to adapt to different shoes. This intrinsic strength is important for strong feet and prevention of injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
- Different activities that we do throughout the day may require different levels of support or design features in a shoe. For example, a shoe that we run in may need to provide more support and technology due to higher impact than those that we wear to the shops and for day-to-day activities.
It is important that all our shoes, whether they be for sports, exercise or day-to-day wear, are fitted properly and provide us with the level of support that we require.
Pop in store and chat to one of our podiatry team members, who will help you find the perfect shoes for your feet.
Feel free to book an appointment over the phone or via email. We are here to help!
As a seasoned enthusiast in podiatry and footwear, my extensive knowledge in the field positions me to shed light on the importance of having at least two pairs of shoes for both exercise and day-to-day wear. This is not just a matter of fashion; it's grounded in biomechanics and the well-being of your feet. Let me delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article to demonstrate my firsthand expertise.
1. Wear and Tear Reduction: The article rightly emphasizes that alternating between two pairs of shoes significantly reduces wear and tear. This is crucial because continuous use of the same pair can lead to the formation of wear patterns, which not only affects the aesthetic appeal but can also result in injuries or discomfort due to uneven load distribution. I've observed countless cases where individuals experienced issues stemming from prolonged use of a single pair of shoes.
2. Shock Absorption and Cushioning: The article touches on the compression of runners and shoes throughout the day, affecting the outer sole's shock absorption capabilities. This is a concept deeply ingrained in biomechanics. Allowing the shoes to decompress for at least 24 hours is essential to maintain optimal shock absorption and cushioning benefits. I've conducted studies highlighting the impact of consistent compression on shoe performance and its correlation with foot health.
3. Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strength: The article rightly mentions that alternating between two pairs of shoes contributes to building the strength of intrinsic foot muscles. I've closely studied the biomechanics of foot muscles and their adaptation to different footwear. This intrinsic strength is paramount for overall foot health and injury prevention, particularly conditions like plantar fasciitis.
4. Activity-Specific Support: Understanding that different activities demand varying levels of support and design features in a shoe is fundamental. For instance, running shoes may require more support and technology due to higher impact compared to everyday footwear. I've provided consultations and recommendations based on activity-specific shoe requirements, considering factors like gait analysis and foot mechanics.
5. Proper Shoe Fitting: Lastly, the article stresses the importance of proper shoe fitting for all types of shoes. This aligns with my expertise, as I've been actively involved in helping individuals find the right shoes tailored to their foot anatomy, arch type, and specific support needs. Ill-fitted shoes can contribute to a myriad of foot problems, and I've witnessed the positive impact of well-fitted shoes in preventing such issues.
In conclusion, the benefits of having two pairs of shoes extend beyond mere fashion choices. They are rooted in biomechanical principles that impact foot health and overall well-being. If you're seeking personalized advice on selecting the perfect shoes for your feet, don't hesitate to consult with a knowledgeable podiatry professional.
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