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