How to choose shoes for fall? The orthopedist named 6 important criteria

traumatologist-orthopedist, doctor of physical therapy and sports medicine

“With the arrival of fall, there is a need for a closet change. Special attention should be paid to the choice of footwear.”

Soles

The rainy, wet and chilly off-season is characterized by unstable weather. In the morning and evening hours there is ice, and the surprise of late fall can be the first snow.

Therefore, first and foremost attention should be paid to the sole. For safe walking, it is important that demi seasonal shoes have an anti-slip sole pattern. To check this at the time of purchase is quite difficult.

The main sign of safe shoes is a high tread. The least slippery materials for the sole are considered to be thermoplastic elastomer, elastomer, as well as a combination of thermoplastic elastomer and polyurethane.

As for the tread pattern, deep reliefs should be favored. Flat areas of the sole should have a rough surface. Such shoes have better traction and minimize the risk of injury on wet and icy areas.

Moisture resistance

Another important characteristic of fall shoes. Thin, permeable materials make your feet wet during a rainstorm. In addition to physical discomfort, the risk of colds increases.

The feet are the support of the entire body. In order to take the load and perform the motor function, it is necessary to provide them with intensive blood circulation.

With hypothermia of the feet, the vessels narrow, which causes spasm of the entire circulatory system of the body. Violation of heat exchange impairs the immune system, which leads to seasonal ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection).

Prolonged exposure to wet shoes can provoke an exacerbation of osteoarthritis and gout in people with a history of these diseases.

Material

In order to avoid penetration of moisture, it is not necessary to wear rubber boots. Shoes made of natural leather are also waterproof. It is desirable immediately after purchase to treat it with a water-repellent impregnation, which will preserve the upper layer of boots even after a walk through puddles.

Suitable materials for fall shoes are suede, nubuck and textile. In addition to durability, such raw materials are characterized by breathability, creates a natural heat exchange, adapts to the shape of the foot and provides maximum comfort during wear.

Natural shoes are a preventive measure against diaper rash and fungal diseases of the feet. It is important to remember that delicate materials are suitable only for dry weather.

Type

Of great importance is the model of fall shoes or boots. The off-season is characterized by a high risk of injury due to frequent rain and ice. It is worth refusing shoes with a narrow toe part.

Tight models are not only uncomfortable, but also often lead to valgus deformation – a painful “bump” on the big toe.

Autumn shoes should have a soft enough butt, which does not rub the skin and at the same time well fixes the foot. The suitable height of the heel of models for everyday wear is 2-4 cm.

High stilettos are not only dangerous in terms of injuries, but also increase the load on the foot, interfere with normal blood circulation, reduce shock absorption.

Arthritis and arthritis of the lower extremities, transverse flat feet, problems with the knee joints and spine – all this can result from wearing high-heeled shoes on a regular basis.

Choosing a model on a platform, it should be taken into account that the heel should not be higher than the toe by more than 3 cm. Otherwise, there is a high risk of twisting the foot.

Not only a high heel, but also a flat sole of fall shoes is not suitable for daily wear. Such models are not able to cushion the impact of the heel on the ground, which negatively affects the ligamentous apparatus. Over time, shoes without a heel can lead to the development of flat feet and arthritis of the joints of the foot.

Insoles

The use of orthopedic insoles is important. It should be remembered that there are no identical feet. Therefore, the product should have an anatomically correct shape. It is best if it is made to individual dimensions.

This requires consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist. The use of orthopedic insoles will give ease of gait and health of the feet, legs and musculoskeletal system as a whole.

Size

Shoes for the off-season should be selected strictly by size, do not hope that it will stretch in the process of operation. This will avoid chafing, blisters and deformation of the toes. It should be remembered that by the end of the day, the legs often swell and increase in size. Therefore, it is better to make a purchase of the product at another time.

Autumn boots should be not only comfortable, but also warm. It is better to choose models with a natural textile lining. In cooler days it is worth additionally putting on thick socks. Therefore, it is better to take them with you for fitting.