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Have you gone shoe shopping and become overwhelmed? With so many styles, features and latest technologies, it’s tough to know what matters and what is just the newest fad. Whether you are considering new shoes, wondering whether orthotics could help, or simply curious about how footwear works, understanding key features goes a long way. Heel depth, rocker soles, heel drop, different widths, cushioning, are only a few of the terms used to describe features of a shoe. Knowing what they are and why they matter can make you more confident when choosing a shoe.

  1. Extra Depth: The depth of the shoe is greater than typical standard footwear. Why does the depth of the shoe matter?
  2. Extra depth gives the foot more space, helping to reduce rubbing and pressure (think less blisters).
  3. Deeper shoes often accommodate orthotics better.
  4. More depth can be helpful for clients with foot swelling, heel spurs, hammertoes and bony prominences.

The deeper the shoe depth, the more room in the shoe for the foot, making the overall fit more comfortable.

  1. Rocker Sole: As the name implies, the sole is rounded like a rocking chair base. It propels you forward when walking and can be helpful to:
  2. “Roll” the foot through the step for a smoother movement.
  3. Reduce the workload on the forefoot and toe joints.
  4. Offload pressure during movement.

This style of shoe is ideal for clients who have forefoot discomfort, stiff or ridged toe joints, arthritis or general foot fatigue while walking.

  1. Heel Drop: The heel drop, also known as the heel-to-toe drop, is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of the shoe. Why it matters:
  2. A low heel drop: Minimal to no difference in height from the heel to the forefoot, provides a more natural foot motion and can engage the lower extremity muscles more evenly. Zero-drop shoes are ideal for powerlifters because the foot is even, giving a more balanced stance when lifting heavy weights.
  3. Higher heel drop: The heel sits higher than the forefoot. Common examples are 10 mm, 8 mm, or 6 mm heel drops. This style shifts the pressure away from the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. This style of shoe is ideal for people with heel pain, Achilles issues or tight calf muscles.
  4. Removable Insole: The liner of the shoe is easily removed and not heavily glued into the shoe. Why it matters:
  5. Allows for more room in the shoe, especially if you pair the shoe with an orthotic. Removing the liner of the shoe and replacing it with an orthotic can give that extra comfort and support your feet need, without making the shoe too tight.
  6. Easier to clean the shoe.
  7. Width Options: Because One Width Doesn’t Fit All

Feet are not all the same; the width of the foot plays a major role in the comfort of the shoe. Why it matters:

  1. Proper width reduces pressure points, blisters, and toe crowding.
  2. Wider shoes help to prevent friction, which can cause callouses, corns, or ingrown toenails. Consistently wearing too narrow a shoe can cause long-term damage to the toes, such as bunions or hammer toes.
  3. Narrower widths create better control and fit for slender feet. Having a shoe that is too wide can also cause friction, leading to blisters, callouses or corns.

Many shoe companies offer a range of widths from narrow to extra wide, having your foot measured by a BioPed clinician is a great way to figure out what width is best for you. The shoe should fit snug on your foot, you should be able to freely move your toes. If the shoe is too narrow, your foot will bulge over the sides, if the shoe is too wide, there will be bunching of material.

Cushioning: Soft, Firm, or In-Between

Cushioning absorbs impact and affects how your feet feel when they hit the ground. Why it matters:

  1. Softer cushioning decreases the “shock” of the heel hitting the ground when walking or running. This style is ideal for people that have heel or Achilles pain. However, the cushioning can compress over time and can cause discomfort if the shoes are not changed frequently enough. The lifespan of these shoes is shorter than average.
  2. Firmer cushioning provides stability and can feel more supportive and sturdy, especially for those clients who have balance issues. The denser materials used are also more resistant to compression or breakdown and the lifespan of the shoe is typically longer than most.

Finding the right balance of cushioning and support is key to your comfort, and can help reduce lower extremity fatigue.

Structured Upper Material

The “upper material” is the top part of the shoe. It can be many different materials, from leather to rubber or a mixture of several different materials, depending on the shoe. Why it matters:

  1. A structured upper, usually made from heavier materials such as leather or rubber, holds the foot in place and can improve stability. Leather can also be stretched, so it becomes ideal for those with toe deformities.
  2. The upper helps prevent excessive foot movement that can lead to discomfort. For example, have you ever worn a sandal that only has a strap across the toes? Did you notice your feet hurt at the end of the day? This is because the only upper material of the sandal is across the toes, making your foot work to keep the shoe on, causing extra stress on the foot muscles.
  3. Uppers can support clients with lower extremity alignment concerns. If you tend to overpronate or supinate while walking, a stiffer upper, such as leather, can help support the foot better than a softer material, which tends to collapse with the pressure of the foot.

Shoe Weight:

Ask anyone who has worn safety shoes, the weight of the shoe influences how fatigued the lower extremities feel after long periods of time. Why it matters:

  1. Lightweight shoes reduce fatigue and feel easier to move in. Ideal for those who have trouble lifting their legs, who are very active and walking or running for long periods of time.
  2. Heavier shoes tend to offer more structure and control of the foot. Ideal for those who tend to overpronate or over supinate, or have weaker ankles.

With the right footwear, you can make daily movement more comfortable and stay active, doing more of what you love. Footwear is not a one-size-fits-all, but rather it is about matching the correct features to your foot needs – and to the activity you are doing. If you have questions or are curious about the different features of a shoe, be sure to ask your nearest BioPed clinician for help. They can guide you through options and help you make an informed decision that supports your goals.