Photo by Jan Romero on Unsplash
(Photo : Jan Romero on Unsplash)

You have so much to think about in regards to your health that it's easy to overlook your feet. However, if you make this mistake, it could come back to haunt you sooner rather than later. And remember, if you don't have healthy feet you'll find it difficult to get around.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing the wrong type of shoe for the occasion. If you do this, you'll soon find yourself struggling to remain comfortable. Depending on the severity of the situation, you could even cause an injury. Here are five questions to answer regarding your foot health and shoes:

What activities are you taking on?

Before you answer any other questions, focus on this one. For instance, if you're always working out and exercising, you may be in the market for men's or women's athletic shoes. But if you're the type of person who spends a good portion of their day at work, turn your attention to shoes that match a more "business style."

Do you have any preexisting foot conditions?

If you have any preexisting foot conditions, talk to your doctor about what type of shoes make the most sense for you. You don't want to buy anything that could make your situation worse. Even if your feet are feeling 100 percent healthy right now, this could change soon enough if you wear the wrong shoes for an extended period of time. 

Is style important to you, too?

Your health should always be at the top of your priority list, but that doesn't mean that you want to put just anything on your feet. You should also consider what style works best for you. When you find stylish shoes that are also comfortable, you'll soon realize that you're getting the best of both worlds.

Once you know what type of style you're seeking, make a shortlist of shoes to consider. You can then research these, try them on, and make a final decision. 

Have you consulted with your doctor?

If you ever have questions about your health, it's best to stop what you're doing and consult with your doctor. And that's particularly true if you have preexisting foot conditions that could come back to life by wearing the wrong shoes.

Don't assume that your doctor can't help. There's no such thing as a silly question. Let them know what's on your mind and then follow their advice. This will put you in a much more comfortable position when it comes time to make a purchasing decision. 

What types of shoes have caused you more harm than good in the past?

This goes along with everything that was mentioned above. You need to look at your past to determine what will work best for you in the future. For instance, if you've struggled with shoes causing heel pain in the past, don't go down this path again. 

It's easy to take your foot health for granted. You use your feet all day, every day, and they've yet to fail you. So, if something does go wrong, you may find yourself confused and searching for answers. 

There are several signs that it may be time to change your shoes. Along with answering the questions above, pay attention to the following:

  • New problems: if you find yourself dealing with new problems, such as heel pain that's come about suddenly, it may be time for a change.

  • Lack of support: this one is simple. If you're not getting the same level of support as you once did, an immediate change of shoes is a must. 

  • Inability to balance: if your balance is lacking, it could be a direct result of shoes that don't fit or provide the proper support. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to foot health and your shoes, you can never be too careful. Consider your options, take your time, and slowly break in new shoes before going "all in." 

Are these the types of questions that you generally answer before buying a new pair of shoes? What other details do you take into consideration to ensure that you purchase the shoes that are best for your health?