The shoes you wear can really make all the difference.
Poor foot alignment can cause pain in your ankles, knees, hips and back. In contrast, good foot alignment can help prevent pain and injury in these areas. The shoes you wear can improve or damage your foot alignment and, therefore, can help or hurt your pain levels.
Foot alignment is different for everyone and can change over time. If you roll in, inner arch support is important. If you roll out, avoid inner arch support; look for outer arch support instead. If you are flat footed, you might want inner and outer arch support.
Not sure what your foot alignment is or wondering if it might have changed? Schuler Shoes offers Free Foot Evaluations by Board Certified Pedorthists. Check out this link to find our more or schedule an appointment:
https://www.schulershoes.com/foot-health/evaluation-schedule.html
Even if you know your natural foot alignment, how do you know what shoes are best for you? This PDF file, from New Heights Physical Therapy (http://newheightsperformance.com/) in Mendota Heights, lists a number of running shoe recommendations for 2018.
It isn’t just running shoes that matter, however. We wear shoes for so much of our lives. All of your shoes can make a difference, for better or worse, in your pain levels and comfort. Orthopedic shoes are not your grandmother’s shoes anymore, unless you want them to be. They come in many styles, even heels, and can be really stylish and fashionable! So there is no excuse for not having the right shoes for every aspect of your day.
On a budget? Good shoes can be expensive but they also last longer. When I have tried to buy cheaper shoes, they last maybe a few months before their comfort or support disappears. The orthopedic shoes I bought 10 years ago are still wearable and comfortable. Spending more money upfront can keep you healthier as well as save you money in the long run. That said, plan ahead, buying good shoes that are going out of season (like summer shoes in September), can mean finding them on sale or on clearance!
Where you shop will expand or decrease your selection. You can find good running shoes in a number of places, but for the best selection for all types of shoes we recommend these stores around the Twin Cities:
Schuler Shoes: With many locations around the Twin Cities (including in Bloomington and St Louis Park), they have one of the best selections. Check their website to find the location nearest you. www.schulershoes.com
Anderson Shoes: 968 Payne Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55130
Dover Saddlery (for boots!): 306 Clydesdale Trail, Medina, MN 55340 I love their boots! Personally, I really like the Ariat Paddock Boots, ankle boots with tons of comfort and support that are super cute! I also have some super warm knee-high boots, different brand, from them that I got on clearance and wore all last winter. Specialty stores, like saddlerys, are going to have shoes or clothes made to sand up for that sport. In this case, that means boots meant to stand up to mucking out stalls and walking around pastures in all types of weather with comfort.
Do you have a place we didn’t list? Let us know in the comments and we will add it in!
So, don’t settle for sub-par shoes. With a little shopping around you can find attractive, durable and comfortable shoes that will last, fit your lifestyle and help you take care of your body!
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This blog was written by our Pilates Instructor & Alignment Expert, Kaethe Birkner. As a ballet dancer, she knows the importance of foot care and good shoes. She recently purchased for her fiancé, a sound technician who spends hours at a time on his feet, good, comfortable, long-lasting shoes which inspired her to share her knowledge and research with us. It took a year of convincing, but since she got him in good shoes, her fiancé says he is never going back.
Want more tips on what simple lifestyle changes can make your life healthier? Schedule your free 90 minute consultation.
Addie Kelzer is a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. She believes that by making fitness and good food practical, her clients will hold the power to positively change their health and the health of those closest to them.