5 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD SHOES

It is believed that we walk the equivalent of five times the circumference of the planet with our feet in a lifetime. Despite this, we rarely pay attention to our feet — or our footwear — beyond its looks.

No other piece of clothing must fit so perfectly and accomplish crucial mechanical duties like transmitting body weight and therefore, shoes may be the most significant element of an individual's wardrobe. Inadequate or inappropriate footwear can be severely detrimental to the health of a person, which can cause issues with the lower legs, knees, hips, and lower back, in addition to acute foot discomfort.

So, what are the most important characteristics of a shoe which should be kept in mind while trying out a new pair? While shoe comfort is a highly personal experience, several qualities distinguish it, and each shoe should have a healthy balance of them:

Adjustable

There should be an adjustable strap, such as laces or Velcro that may be adjusted to meet the demands of the person. This provides comfort and stability to carry out the functions required by the person.

 

Traction

You should pay special attention to the soles if you're an active individual looking for the perfect shoe to match your lifestyle. Traction is required for safe running and walking, especially during the rainy and snowy months of the year. Make sure you get a good-soled pair of shoes.

Stability and Support

Then there's the issue of stability. It may appear to be the same as support, but it is not. Stability has to do with the fit of the shoe’s interior. Are you flat-footed or do you have high arches, for example. Each foot type requires distinct arch support, and if you don't have it, you risk damage since your foot isn't secure within the shoe, causing strain, over-or under pronation, and even joint and back discomfort.

As far as support is concerned, the heel support/heel cup of the shoes should be comfortable and stable to prevent vertical or horizontal heel movement. Further, to avoid rolling or other common injuries, there should be ample support around the ankle. The heel of the shoe must not be higher than 2.5cm, otherwise sprains and forefoot discomfort are more likely as the heel and ankle become more unstable.

Size

When it comes to shoes, the size is crucial. Shoes that are too big don't give enough support, while shoes that are too tiny might cause injury to the wearer. Your toes should have enough room (both breadth and depth) at the front of the shoe. Your foot stretches out and lengthens up to 1 cm in each direction during typical walking. Therefore, you should leave about a half-inch between the end of the shoe and your longest toe while trying on shoes. This distance permits movement without risk of injury.

 

Durability

Finally, search for a shoe made of long-lasting and durable materials. Longevity is important for increasing the lifespan of your new shoes, so look for fabrics like leather and rubber soles.

While no two feet are alike, the following features listed should help you choose a shoe that is a suitable fit for you. Try on a couple of pairs and think about what you need in your shoes.

Italian Shoes Co. is premium footwear, lifestyle, and accessories brand. With a historic legacy of classic Italian craftsmanship, we are one of the most prominent and esteemed custom shoes manufacturer in the world. Our premium range includes Italian loafers, oxford, sneakers, and boots among others to take care of all your needs with the promise of maximum quality, comfort, durability, and style.