Best Shoes to Choose

BEST SHOES TO CHOOSE

We're often asked what kind of shoes work best with Posture Control® and ProKinetics® Natural Body Balance Insoles?

I can't give you special brands and model numbers because as we all know, shoes are fashion driven and they change constantly. Some shoe companies like Rockport and New Balance seem to hang on to their fabrication lasts which makes them a bit more consistent on their shoe shapes, even though the uppers are changing. Our advice is always: "If you find a great shoe that fits and feels just right, buy several pair because you may never see that shoe again."

Here is our general shoe recommendation:

First find a shoe that is flat. A little heel is OK, but no lumps or bumps, toe grips, sunken heels, anti pronation and motion control devices.

Most people do best in a straight last. People who have very high arches, even when standing, may be more comfortable in a curved last.

Get a flexible shoe that accommodates the natural motion of your feet. The mid-sole on many shoes are too rigid. If the shoe is so stiff and it tries to slide off your heel – don’t buy it.

Make sure the shoes fit snugly. If your foot can slide from side to side in the forefoot, the shoe is too wide. Wearing ProKinetics® Natural Body Balance or Posture Control Insoles® will make your foot twist less within the shoe making a wider size unnecessary and undesirable.

Make sure the shoes are sufficiently long. You should have about a thumb width in front of the longest toe.

Be conservative on cushioning. Excessive cushioning can contribute to instability of the foot. An Australian study identified air cushioned shoes as a high predictor of ankle injuries.

Why not Anti-Pronation and Motion Control Shoes?

For several reasons:
1) The idea is to facilitate natural motion of the feet. Motion control shoes are sometimes shimmed along the inside to minimize or slow pronation, but if you think about the mechanics, I think you'll agree that shimming the whole foot like that, tilting it outward is more like walking on top of a peaked roof with a foot on each side. It's not natural and it's not mechanically correct. Some shoes achieve the same thing by using multi-density midsoles that are softer on the outside versus the inside. We don't like them either. Take a look at the shoes of a severe bracer. They favor the outside of their feet and turn their shoes into "motion control shoes" by wearing the outside hard. Their pronation problems still persist. Worn out shoes like that should be tossed.

2) Our purpose is to stimulate the muscles to correct the gait. People really understand the concept quickly by asking them to pick up a towel from the floor with their feet, and have them notice how that motion lifts their arches. That is usually proof enough that we do have muscular control over our feet. You might not even have to point this out, because their next thought is that arch supports makes this muscle action unnecessary, and consequently weakens their feet.

3) Our patented forefoot technology makes every shoe a motion control shoe. The ProKinetics® Natural Body Balance and Posture Control Insoles® do it by changing the timing of the foot, specifically when the first metatarsal feels the ground and becomes weight bearing. It brings the first metatarsal to the ground like the above exercise (often called the Janda small foot exercise), stabilizes the foot and prevents it from excessive pronation and at the same time eliminates the need for many people to overcompensate by supinating their feet. If you have the patient do a knee bend while also doing the same foot exercise, their knees will track better.

What about the shoes they already have?
Most shoes will do fine so long as they are not too worn, so take a look at the out sole wear. Some shoes also have weak midsoles. A quick feel inside will let you know that there aren't any compression spots. You usually find them underneath the high pressure points of the foot like the second metatarsal. Many people blow out the lateral side of their shoes in the forefoot, effectively making the shoe wider. They're goners!!

If the shoes are too wide, or the last is too curved, or show excessive wear, suggest new shoes. A pair of Posture Control Insoles® or ProKinetics® Natural Body Balance insoles and a new pair of shoes are still less expensive than custom orthotics. It might be a prudent reminder especially since we guarantee them to work better.

SHOPPING FOR SOCKS

Cotton is a Problem

20 years ago cotton was said to be the best sock material, but now we know better. Cotton fibers cause friction against the foot and can lead to blisters. Cotton holds moisture next to your foot which can lead to fungal and bacterial infections. Cotton provides almost no cushioning, doesn't hold up well to washing, easily loses it's shape and becomes abrasive, increasing your risk of blisters.

Synthetic Fibers Keep Your Feet Cool and Dry

Any sock made of synthetic fibers will keep your feet cooler and drier than cotton. Studies have shown these fibers were better at wicking, cooling and drying. Synthetic fibers include Acyrlic, CoolMax and Teflon. Also, although acrylic socks initially cost more than cotton, they last much longer and are a better value over time.

When Exercising, Socks are Essential Equipment

Good socks are essential equipment in any exercise program. Not only do protective socks prevent many problems such as blisters and fungus, but they will help keep your feet comfortable by ensuring that they stay dry. Quality exercise socks will also help regulate foot temperature.