Orthopedic Walking Shoes – Are They Worth It

If you suffer from recurring foot pain, buying a pair of orthopedic walking shoes is a smart move. The saying “when the foot hurts, the body hurts altogether” is true especially if you spend most of your day standing or walking. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom at your thirties or a hardworking Jack in the factory at your fifties, it is important that you feel comfortable in the shoes that you wear. If you constantly experience pain when you stand for a prolonged period of time or when you walk for just a couple of miles, you might be a likely candidate for a pair of orthopedic walking shoes.

orthopedic walking shoesOrthopedic Walking Shoes – Introduction To Orthopedic Walking

In the 70s, a sales man named George J. Hayward made an ingenious innovation in the footwear industry. He thought of and produced the first orthopedic walking shoes which are now more popularly known as comfort shoes. Before the fashion craze that swept the line of orthopedic work shoes, these shoes came in limited designs and colors only. As time went by, the trend in the production and demand for orthopedic walking shoes changed. To accommodate this consumerism drift, commercial comfort shoes were made available to a wider market until they became accessible to many people in several countries around the world.

Orthopedic Walking Shoes Features

What makes orthopedic walking shoes better than ordinary work shoes? Four things come to play:

  1. orthopedic shoes for walkingFirm heels. Women who wear four-inch high, pointy heels will almost always complain of aching feet at the end of the day, sometimes for even just a couple of hours. Shoes with too thin heels do not provide adequate balance. Orthopedic walking shoes have firm heels that make walking a more relaxing activity.
  2. Anti-slip property. Aside from providing stability, orthopedic walking shoes are made with slip-resistant materials. Whether you tread on wet or greasy surfaces, the slip-reducing ability of these shoes will help prevent slips and falls from occurring.
  3. Wide toe box. Orthopedic walking shoes have wide compartments for the toe which provide movement for the fingers. This feature also allows the feet to breathe.
  4. Removable inner soles. The removable inner soles not only provide additional cushioning, it also makes sure that the user’s feet perfectly fit in the shoes. If the person wears orthotics, easily removable inner soles can efficiently accommodate these braces.
  5. Rigid shanks. The best orthopedic walking shoes have sturdy shanks. The shank is the part of the shoe that acts as a foundation and supports the arches. The stronger the shank, the better the support it gives.

Orthopedic Walking Shoes Advantages

People who wear orthopedic shoes for walking reported a noticeable reduction in pain when walking or standing. Those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, and other health conditions find it easier to move from one place to another. The thick cushion these shoes provide, firm toe grip and arch support enable ease of movement on the part of the user. Saleslady, cashiers, and restaurant workers have reported increased productivity when they wear orthopedic walking shoes as these help them endure long bouts of standing and walking with lesser pain felt overall.

Like any other type of orthopedic shoes, orthopedic walking shoes are more expensive than ordinary running or work shoes. But as far as comfort and functionality is concerned you’ll find these worth all the penny you spend.

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