Importance of Good Walking Shoes

Written by Suleth Ortega - July 15th, 2020

The foot is one of the most vital structures in our body. They deserve the best protection; not just any shoe will suffice. Good walking shoes are not only significantly beneficial but, when chosen with detail, charmingly stylish. Whether you decide to go on an afternoon stroll or on a shopping spree, healthy shoes are imperative. 

Feet Facts

• Feet are the foundation of the body. 
• Feet begin the complex Gait Cycle allowing walking or running to appear smooth and simple. 
• Each foot has three arches which must all be functioning properly to facilitate healthy movement and weight-bearing.
• A quarter of the body’s bones are in the feet
• There are 26 bones in each foot, as well as 33 joints, 19 muscles, 10 tendons and 107 ligaments.
• We have 8,000 nerves in our feet (which make them one of the most ticklish parts of our bodies!). 
• The bones in our feet do not finish hardening until 21 years of age.
• Feet are your natural shock absorbers.
• Prosthetics have not been able to fully replicate the complexity of the human foot and ankle. 
• The average person walks 110,000 miles in their lifetime.

So, indeed, feet are extremely important and worth caring for. Choose the best walking shoes available; the ones that fit your awe-inspiring fashion and your unique feet. 

Health Benefits of a Good Shoe 

Shoes aid in our support and stability. They can help people acquire good posture while improving other deformities in the foot (ex. “pigeon-toed”). The prevention of foot infections, such as ulcers, unions, Charcot foot, and corns can also be alleviated with proper foot wear. Those with specific disorders, such as diabetes, should be even more precautious in their shoes search. Diabetics are more susceptible to foot infections which, if left untreated, can lead to amputations. Improper shoes cause an unnecessary imbalance of the biomechanics in the body resulting in shock absorption or pressure in areas of the knees and feet that are not meant to receive such an impact. This needless stress can eventually lead to back, knee, or foot pain.  

In addition, proper support results in comfort and, therefore, improved mood. Indubitably, psychologists have studied the effect good, healthy shoes have on a person's mood and functioning. Positive correlations have been found between the amount of comfort, the belief of the “greatness” of the shoe, and the productivity of a person; as the first one begins to rise, all rise. Undoubtedly, choosing good walking shoes will not only physically improve your wellness, but also your mood. 

Although good posture is one of my favorite benefits of good walking shoes, improvements of the circulatory system is an extremely close second.  Blood vessels run alongside nerves in many parts of the body. In the feet,  they travel together  in between the metatarsal bones, the long bones in the midfoot. Both the nerves and the blood vessels branch at the base of the toes before sending oxygen-rich blood to the toe tissues.Many shoes make the normal functioning of the circulatory system difficult because they are tight in areas that shouldn’t be. Healthy walking shoes make sure to widen the end of the toes. This correct spacing helps improve blood flow and nerve health by opening up nerve and blood vessel channels while reducing the effects of pinch forces associated with prolonged conventional footwear use.