How sandals affect the way we move

It’s almost impossible to imagine a utopian society baring it all- feet wise. We have become so accustomed to wearing shoes, sandals etc. that we cannot imagine going out without them and also this makes us pay lesser and lesser attention to the impact of footwear on our feet and us. And these days one of the most used forms of footwear is sandals which will be put under the microscope here.

Our feet are designed to work while moving: by landing on the ball of the foot and using the flexibility of the joints, and the strength of the muscles to provide balance, shock absorption, and stability.

Sandals position our feet away from our natural gait by constraining certain parts of our feet depending upon the type we are using. When barefoot whether it is walking, running, jogging or jumping our toes spread out and the feet expand and adapts to the terrain we are on. Sandals with narrow or stiff constructs prevent this process from happening and so create a sense of instability. 

Added to all that overly restrictive sandals may cause the muscles, joints, bones and the nerves to cram together which may lead from being thoroughly uncomfortable to injuries. People may experience issues ranging from general foot pain to having hammer toes and other such problems can be attributes of constrained feet. 

But facing reality and for the sake of practicality we cannot be without sandals. Hence here are a few ways in which to ensure we have the right pair(s) with us:

1. Examine the base or sole of the sandal. The base should match your foot shape and should be broad enough to provide proper support. A thicker sole with a low heel are required to provide you with a good amount of shock absorption and protect your feet in motion.

2. Next comes the length of the sandal and you must make sure that it is a perfect fit for your feet. Do not buy one size small or big just because the right size isn’t there or for any other aesthetic reason. Incorrectly sized sandals may cause friction which will lead to painful blisters on the feet.

The ideal length should be such that the end part should mould around your heel and the toes stay firmly inside and on the base of the sandal

3. One of the most important parts that define a good sandal is its arch support. Ensure that the sandals have an arched contour to provide enough support to the arches of your feet. Not enough support can lead to strained arches which in turn will be affected with a myriad of foot problems. 

4. Lastly look for adjustable straps like a buckle or a Velcro. This guarantees the food is anchored in the right spot in the shoe for optimal stability and support even as the material softens with wear.