What to look for in good shoes:
There are 5 elements to shoes structure:
- Heel counter
- Shank
- Toe box
- Fastening system
- Heel height
Heel counter: The back of the heel of the shoe, when pushed down toward the toe should have minimal movement (less than 45 degrees) thus protecting the heel and ankle area when walking.
Shank: The area of the shoe between the toe and heel area, when moving the area of the shoe side-to-side in a twisting motion there should be minimal movement, therefore supporting the foot when walking and moving.
Toe box: A wide deep toe box that has ampule amount of space for the toes is paramount. A toe box with is shallow and narrow can cause many problems including ingrown toe nails, pain, changing the way people walk, promotion bunions (HAV) or other toe deformities.
Fastening system: Having fastening including Velcro, laces or buckles is recommended, as it helps stability and keeps the ankle and heel secure within the shoe.
Heel height: Having a heel height of no more than 3.5cm greater than the sole on the front of the shoe is recommended. If there are stability concerns an overall sole and heel height of no more than 4.5cm is recommended.