HOW TO CHOOSE GOOD SHOES
FOR SPORT OR LONG WALKS: Always choose trainers for sport or trainers or walking boots for long walks: make sure they are breathable, with a low heel but a good plantar support * and a rubber sole. Also, make sure that the shoe is not too flexible (if too flexible it'll bend very easily…).
FLAT SHOES: Shoes that are too flat, with no plantar support (flip flops, pumps) can negatively affect your feet if used for a long period of time: for long walks, running or exercising prefer shoes with a proper plantar support.
HIGH HEELS: It is well known the ill effect that high heels can bring to the foot, lower back, and overall posture. If you can't live without them, you could consider lower heels. Also, there is a wide choice of cushioned supporting pads which may relieve part of the pressure. Try to avoid pointy shoes, if you can.
UNIFORM SHOES FOR CHILDREN: these should also be breathable and waterproof. Having wet socks for a whole day in school after walking in the rain can cause skin maceration and bacterial proliferation. There are different theories behind the kind of support that the growing foot should have: some say that the foot should be fully supported since a young age, others sustain that the growing foot should have minimal support to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot. We believe that protecting the foot at school and leave it free in the house is a good compromise! Having a shoe that has room for the growing foot is ok, but a shoe that is too many sizes too big can affect the child walk as they will shuffle, beside the higher risk of falls.
For older children, try to avoid high heels as much as possible. These can seriously affect the healthy growth of their feet as well as bringing postural problems.
