What price is being paid to sport fashionable footwear? While flip-flops, high heels, flats, and toning sneakers are popular types of footwear for women, wearing the shoes can cause muscle and joint strain. Below are some tips for reducing the impact.
Flip-Flops
The almost imperceptible need to continually grip the toes when wearing flip-flops places stress on the knees and hips. The shortened step associated with these shoes also means less work for the hips and buttocks, leading to the weakening of the muscles there.
Recommendations for healthier use of flip-flops involve stretching the muscles on top of the foot and looking for styles that provide more structure and arch support.
High Heels
Constantly wearing high heels can increase the chances of osteoarthritis by six times. It shortens the muscles in the backs of the legs and increases the chance of injury to the quads and knees. High heels can also lower the number of calories burned with the shortened stride they cause.
If a woman wishes to wear these shoes, she should consider a slightly lower heel, as the difference of one inch can decrease stress by 30%. She should also engage in regular exercises to stretch the muscles of her calves.
Flats
The lack of support and padding in most flats equals 25% more impact to the heel and an increased chance of plantar fasciitis.
Someone shopping for dress flats should avoid ones that can easily fold in half, and look for arch support. Toes lifting exercise will help protect the foot.
Toning Shoes
Toning sneakers have rounded rigid soles that can lead to a less stable footing and flatter feet. They also require less muscle involvement in the buttocks and thighs.
If a women wears these shoes, she should not allow them to replace regular exercise and should slowly acclimate herself to them. When shopping, look for a pair that bends at the ball of the foot.
It’s Not What You Wear, But How You Wear It
Whether the feet are exposed, or cramped inside a shoe, there is the risk of infections if the feet are not provided the opportunity to be clean. Regardless of the footwear, proper foot hygiene needs to be considered.
Issues such as toenail fungus are more common than most women realize, but fortunately there is effective treatment in the form of laser technology. Clear Toes Clinic is dedicated to getting rid of toenail fungus so women can be comfortable in their own shoes, so to speak.
For ages, women have exhibited strong personal preferences for footwear. As long as she applies common sense, there is no reason she cannot sport shoes that express her own style.
For fun, here’s a little video about shoe fashion!
Jimmy Choo
