How To Buy Comfortable Shoes That Won't Cause Health Difficulties by George Hutton

One of the most important aspects of health is also the most overlooked by most people. How you walk, and how your feet fit inside your shoes can have a dramatic impact on your health. From spinal problems to problems with internal organs, and improper fitting pair of shoes can be absolutely devastating.

Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't suffer the consequences that millions of Americans do every year. By choosing your shoes wisely, you'll have a better posture, a straighter spine, and less skeletal complications as you age. In this article, you'll learn a few simple tips to use when buying shoes.

The first thing to consider is the length of the shoe. Many people buy shoes that are too short. This can damage the metatarsal bones in the foot, as well as the surrounding tendons, which can dramatically change the way you walk, which can affect your hips, shoulders, and spine.

The best way to make sure that your shoe is long enough is to make a measuring rod, or stick. First take a blank sheet of paper, and stand on it, putting your full weight on your feet. Have somebody trace the line around your foot. Next, take a flat wooden stick, and cut it so the length is half an inch longer than the longest point of your foot outline. When you shop for shoes, simply bring this flat stick along, and put it inside the shoe. If you can easily put it in with the stick bending, then the shoe is long enough.

Another important aspect of shoes is the width. A shoe that is too narrow can also cause many problems, as it cramps the metatarsal bones in your foot. In order to make sure you shoes are wide enough, make a second measuring stick. Make the second stick a quarter of an inch longer than the widest part of your foot. When are checking out a new pair of shoes, simply put the stick inside, and if it fits inside the shoe without bending, then the shoes are wide enough.

The third thing to be aware of is arch support. Since you've chosen a pair of shoes that are long enough and wide enough, there are plenty of arch support inserts that you can buy to give you additional support. These can provide additional cushioning and support, and drastically decrease any back or neck problems you may be experiencing. Just be sure to replace the arch support every six months or so, as they tend to break down rather quickly.

When you take these simple extra steps, you can notice a dramatic increase in your health and well being. You'll stand taller, sleep better, and experience more comfort when standing or walking.