| One size does not fit all when it comes to sandal | | | | If the sandal is being worn in a dressier kind of |
| foot support. Most problems with our feet are | | | | situation, leather and suede straps will do. If you |
| caused by ill-fitting footwear, so it is important to | | | | intend on replacing your sneakers with sandals, |
| determine what kind of feet you have, and then | | | | you 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't | | | | Cup That Heel |
| want to risk them! | | | | The best sandals for fit have a heel cup, a cup |
| When you are talking about foot support in | | | | underneath the heel that cushions the heel. This |
| sandals, one needs to refer to proper support for | | | | cup absorbs the extra stresses put on the heel, |
| the average population and proper support for | | | | especially by us heavy walkers! |
| those with what is commonly referred to as "flat | | | | Leave Room on Top |
| feet". | | | | Just as you've left room for your foot around the |
| Birkenstock conducted a study* of subjects with | | | | edge 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 following | | | | your foot to account for activity and consequent |
| conclusions; | | | | swelling. A little slack keeps your feet healthy! |
| Flat Feet Need Higher Arch Supports | | | | Heavier? Get Arch Support |
| For the flat foot, or pes planus, a moderately high | | | | If you are overweight you are more subject to |
| arch support will result in faster walking speeds | | | | plantar fasciitis, or pain in the heel caused by |
| and a more powerful foot overall. It is highly | | | | overstressed feet. This will tend to spike you in |
| recommended that those with flat feet purchase | | | | the feet first thing in the morning. |
| a sandal with arch support. | | | | Take some of the load off with a moderately |
| Average Feet Need Room | | | | high arch support, similar to that prescribed for |
| The Birkenstock study was inconclusive about | | | | flat feet. Your heels will thank you when they |
| what would be best for the normal foot - most | | | | don't hurt anymore! Plantar fasciitis can actually |
| of the subjects in the study (twenty out of | | | | feel like you've stretched a muscle or tendon, |
| twenty-seven to be exact) had flat feet. What | | | | because that is essentially what is going on. If |
| does the normal foot need to make a properly | | | | you'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 extra | | | | than your footwear. You just need to keep on |
| room. Nothing should be too tight, and your feet | | | | moving 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 space | | | | AND ANKLE BIOMECHANICS? |
| all the way around your foot. | | | | Howard J. Hillstrom, Jinsup Song, Esther Kim, and |
| Secondly, one should avoid flip flops if proper foot | | | | Benjamin Heilman |
| support is paramount. Flip flops produce aches and | | | | Gait Study Center, Temple University School of |
| pains in the feet if worn for prolonged periods of | | | | Podiatric Medicine |
| time that are signals that bad things are happening | | | | Save 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. |