Summer Footwear

by Paula Allia PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

When the foot hits the ground, things change. The foot needs to adapt to its surroundings. It is the lowest part of the kinetic chain of the leg. Above is the knee and proximal to that is the hip, pelvis, then the spine. Having normal mobility and stability in each joint in conjunction with muscles having the ability to work normally, the timing of muscle activity coordinates together to create the purposeful movements that we so desire.

It sounds simple but in reality, there is a lot that goes into every step taken. These steps are just taken for granted. Foot and ankle muscles coordinate to absorb shock and propel the body. The foot itself has a forefoot, mid foot, and hind foot.

When absorbing shock and moving, angles change. Weight bearing as a toddler begins to strengthen for this phase. The foot muscles develop along with other muscles all the way up the kinetic chain of movement.

It is important for children to play on all types of surfaces to develop their muscles. Both uneven and even terrain help to strengthen and support the joints to work efficiently. If a child is notprovided the opportunity of all surfaces, development of the arch muscles may be affected.

A child is meant to walk on grass, sand, hills, and cool deck. They are also meant to climb and grab with their feet. Hard surfaces do not require as much adaptation as with uneven terrain so it all is necessary for well-rounded development and strengthening.

The arch is a big part of adaptation to both getting the foot on the ground and for propulsion. There are a variety of arches in the feet. Some have flat feet while others have a high arch. According to stride Orthotics, there are 24 foot types to be considered.

Footwear was designed for support. Over the years, some shoes actually support the foot while others may look good but absolutely do not provide what is needed when the foot is weight bearing. Choosing the right footwear is extremely important for the longevity of the feet.

Many shoes that are made for activities are now being made with support and comfort in mind. How the heel fits in the shoe and the foot rolls through the arch with activities is extremely important.

In Florida, sandals are a big option chosen for both dress and casual wear. Some sandals now come with better support for the arches. However, in a sandal, the normal heel to toe gait does not get supported the same as in a shoe. The heel can move around and many times the toes grab the sandal to keep it in place. Consider the activities of the day before picking a sandal over a shoe.

Most good sneaker brands now have various models to provide support to the arches of the foot. Some are made for the low arch person while others are for higher arch support or a neutral foot. Out of 24 foot types, if you are lucky enough to fit into a shoe perfectly with the good support of the shoe, your feet can flourish through activity with comfort. Normal heel to toe activity can be more effortless.

Most good brands also have removable foot beds in them. This allows custom orthotics to be slipped into place. One MUST consider which shoe to buy if the plan is to add a custom orthotic. These various sneakers/shoes are trying to supply some corrective support in them already. If adding the orthotic as well, one may get over corrected.

Usually if custom orthotics are being added a sneaker, a neutral shoe can be chosen. This way the support of the sneaker is there and the personalized custom correction can be slipped into the shoe. Pick the right shoes for you this summer. The choices should be based on the activities that are planned during the day so that your feet can be comfortable all day long!

Here’s to your Health!