In the course of our lives we all spend so much time on our feet. In most cases, the time spent on the feet is also the time spent in footwear. That is why it makes sense to pay special attention to the quality and comfort of the shoes we wear and the way they affect our health. We all know that high heels are very unfavorable when we talk about the impact on our health.
They are bad for the ankles as well as the spine. We would all agree that sneakers are a much better choice and do not carry harmful effects on health. However, is this always the case? If we want to make sure that the sneakers we wear do not burden our feet and the rest of the body, it is necessary to make a good choice. Find out more about how healthy are regular sneakers for your feet below.
How would we define healthy footwear?
Nowadays, the choice of footwear is really huge, so each of us can find something for themselves, regardless of whether they prefer sporty or elegant footwear, whether they like minimalist style or lean more towards something that is unique and stands out.
However, in modern times, there seems to be a greater emphasis on the aesthetics of footwear than on its impact on health. The main reason why ancient people started wearing shoes is to protect their feet from injury. And if you think about it, this is still the number one reason why we wear shoes and sneakers. Over time, people have increasingly researched how to design footwear that is comfortable and does not negatively affect our health. And then aesthetics came on the scene and it seems to have put health in the background.
If we want to define healthy footwear, then we can say that it is the footwear that is truly comfortable and does not tighten or injure the foot in any way. It is the footwear in which our feet feel good even after hours of standing or walking in it.
The sole should not be too hard, but flexible enough to be able to bend and move as we move the foot. The toe box should be the widest at the ends of the toes and allow the toes to spread naturally instead of squeezing them and creating blisters on them. Also, it is recommended that the footwear is completely flat and there are no dents or elevations.
When we describe ideal and healthy footwear, most would agree that regular sneakers fit this description perfectly. And yes, sneakers are probably the most comfortable footwear out there. However, we cannot generalize this story, but to approach it in more detail.
How healthy are regular sneakers for your feet?
Sneakers are definitely one of the healthiest types of footwear and should be part of your everyday image, because they preserve your health, unlike other types of footwear (eg high heels), which ruin it. However, this is only the case when the sneakers are designed in the right way and contain all those good elements, and do not contain unwanted parts.
What are healthy sneakers?
Healthy sneakers are those that have a flat, thick enough sole, with no elevated heel. It should be flexible and allow the foot to move easily, but not allow the sneaker to fully fold in half, as this means it is too soft and will not provide adequate support to the foot. It is desirable to have arch support and shock absorption. They should give you enough flexibility in your fingers so that you can move them smoothly and after a few hours of wearing sneakers you should not have any pain in your fingers or blisters.
In a healthy sneaker, you can move freely: walk, run and train, without them restricting your movements. It should be comfortable and preferably made of breathable material, so that the skin of the foot can breathe. Keep in mind that adverse effects on the ankles and spine are not the only bad things that suboptimal footwear can lead to. If the shoe or sneaker is not made of breathable material, it will increase the sweating of the feet and provide a suitable basis for the development of fungal and bacterial infections.
When choosing regular white sneakers for your every day, pay attention to all these details and make sure that they meet all the important criteria. Good sneakers will be your best ally while spending time outside and ensure that you are comfortable enough.
When is the best time to replace your sneakers?
Buying good, high-quality sneakers will also ensure that these shoes last you a long time, but it is important to know when to replace sneakers to make sure that over time worn-out sneakers do not start to show some negative effects on health.
One of the best parameters that indicates footwear wear is the heel. If it is worn and it looks like the shoe is sunken on the back, it is time to replace it. The time it takes for a piece of footwear to wear out depends on the type of footwear as well as their initial quality.
When it comes to running sneakers, there is some universal formula that can be helpful when thinking about whether they need replacement. After 500 miles in sneakers, it’s time to replace them with new ones. This is individual, but can be a good guide. Running shoes reduce shock absorption over time, so it is necessary to replace them to prevent injuries during running. When you replace your running shoes, you can use the old ones for walking if you feel that they are still comfortable enough and provide the necessary support for your foot.
Conclusion:
Although today more focus is placed on the aesthetics of footwear than on their impact on health, it is important to educate yourself about this and ensure that the footwear you wear does not adversely affect your feet, ankles and spine. Sneakers are perhaps the healthiest type of footwear out there, but only if they are designed in a good way. Ensure that all important criteria are met, and that you change the sneakers regularly when they become worn out.