Foot Support in Sandal Design

One size does not fit all when it comes to sandalIf the sandal is being worn in a dressier kind of
foot support. Most problems with our feet aresituation, leather and suede straps will do. If you
caused by ill-fitting footwear, so it is important tointend on replacing your sneakers with sandals,
determine what kind of feet you have, and thenyou will need a cloth or synthetic strap that allows
purchase the appropriate footwear for your foot.your foot room to move.
So much is riding on those feet that you don'tCup That Heel
want to risk them!The best sandals for fit have a heel cup, a cup
When you are talking about foot support inunderneath the heel that cushions the heel. This
sandals, one needs to refer to proper support forcup absorbs the extra stresses put on the heel,
the average population and proper support forespecially by us heavy walkers!
those with what is commonly referred to as "flatLeave Room on Top
feet".Just as you've left room for your foot around the
Birkenstock conducted a study* of subjects withedge of the sandal, you need to make sure that
both flat-footed subjects and regular subjects,you leave an extra inch or so of strap on top of
and its scientists came to the followingyour foot to account for activity and consequent
conclusions;swelling. A little slack keeps your feet healthy!
Flat Feet Need Higher Arch SupportsHeavier? Get Arch Support
For the flat foot, or pes planus, a moderately highIf you are overweight you are more subject to
arch support will result in faster walking speedsplantar fasciitis, or pain in the heel caused by
and a more powerful foot overall. It is highlyoverstressed feet. This will tend to spike you in
recommended that those with flat feet purchasethe feet first thing in the morning.
a sandal with arch support.Take some of the load off with a moderately
Average Feet Need Roomhigh arch support, similar to that prescribed for
The Birkenstock study was inconclusive aboutflat feet. Your heels will thank you when they
what would be best for the normal foot - mostdon't hurt anymore! Plantar fasciitis can actually
of the subjects in the study (twenty out offeel like you've stretched a muscle or tendon,
twenty-seven to be exact) had flat feet. Whatbecause that is essentially what is going on. If
does the normal foot need to make a properlyyou've just started an exercise regimen, stretch
fitting sandal?your feet more; this is probably the cause rather
First of all, the sandal should have some extrathan your footwear. You just need to keep on
room. Nothing should be too tight, and your feetmoving and the pain will go away.
should not be touching the edge of the sandal.* DOES SANDAL ARCH HEIGHT EFFECT FOOT
Make sure that there is 1/8 to 1/4 inch of spaceAND ANKLE BIOMECHANICS?
all the way around your foot.Howard J. Hillstrom, Jinsup Song, Esther Kim, and
Secondly, one should avoid flip flops if proper footBenjamin Heilman
support is paramount. Flip flops produce aches andGait Study Center, Temple University School of
pains in the feet if worn for prolonged periods ofPodiatric Medicine
time that are signals that bad things are happeningSave money by shopping for cheap sandals online.
to your feet.Browse the hottest brands including Baby Phat
Which Straps Tie You Up?sandals. Also shop online for pink dress sandals.