It’s that time of year again! Summer is right around the corner, and you’ve probably started wearing sandals when you’re out and about. But are you wearing supportive sandals?
We all know flip-flops aren’t the greatest shoes to wear, but there’s much more to it than that. The average pair of foam flip-flops doesn’t support your biomechanics efficiently, has little to no shock absorption, and makes your body work harder when compared to walking barefoot.
Just as you would wearing supportive home footwear during the cold, winter months, wearing supportive sandals during the summer can help curb foot pain while you’re active on your feet.
Finding The Right Pair of Supportive Sandals
Like any piece of footwear, it’s essential to take into consideration not just your activities, but also your foot type when you’re out sandal shopping. You may require one, or several, of the following features.
1. Supportive Arches
Giving your arches the support they need can help improve your posture.
This is an excellent feature for preventing, and even treating, issues related to your feet and lower limbs, such as plantar fasciitis, neuromas, or just sore feet.
2. Deep Heel Cup
Think of a heel cup as a container that holds your heel in place and supports it from all sides.
This may seem counterintuitive, but a deep heel cup helps buffer the fat pads on your heels and distribute impact while you’re walking.
3. Metatarsal Pad
Also known as ‘met pads,’ these help support and spread out the transverse arch, which runs across the width of your forefoot.
Metatarsal pads help prevent forefoot pain and neuromas stemming from pinched nerves in between your metatarsal joints – which are like the knuckles of your feet.
4. Removable Footbed
If you wear custom orthotics, look for sandals with a removable footbed.
You will be able to add your own custom orthotics, making them more comfortable because they provide support customized to your feet.
You may also be able to find a custom top cover that matches the material of your sandals.
5. Adjustable Closures
If you have wide feet, high arches or bunions, you may benefit from sandals with adjustable closures.
With these, you can customize the fit to the shape of your foot and avoid pressure points.
Need help finding sandals with some of these features?
A Walking Mobility Clinics team member can answer all your questions about finding the right pair of sandals.