Can shoes be worn without socks (2024)

April 4, 2024

Today we delve into the relationship between walking and health, with a specific focus on foot mechanics and how crucial they are. The impact walking has on your overall health is something most people don’t think about in their day-to-day life. But foot motion science suggests everyone should learn about this topic! When your walking pattern is compromised, even slightly, it can put you at risk of developing foot pain, in addition to heel and ankle pain, back pain, knee pain and even hip pain! This can wreak havoc on your overall life as you experience worsening discomfort. Let’s explore more about the connection between your walking pattern and overall health! The Connection Between Walking and Overall Health To start, here are some basic tidbits of info to remember: The scientific term for “walking pattern” is gait. There is an inverse relationship between musculoskeletal foot conditions and your gait. Foot issues can lead to gait abnormalities as you try to accommodate new pain while still getting to the places you need to go. However, abnormal walking patterns can also put you at risk of developing additional problems. In addition to pre-existing foot conditions, risk factors that may lead to gait abnormalities include age-related foot changes, your foot type (flat feet or high arches), having foot/ankle injuries in the past, balance and neurological disorders, and ill-fitting and low-quality footwear. Common Types of Gait Abnormalities and How They Affect Our Health Two gait abnormalities we see a lot at Feet First Clinic are overpronation and supination. Overpronation is synonymous with flat feet and the resultant issues that develop when you have a flat/fallen arch. When you “overpronate,” your foot rolls inward excessively as you stride forward. Supination is when you place too much weight on the outside of your feet. These walking patterns are often subconscious and your way of trying to adjust to having “non-typical” feet. Gait abnormalities can completely mess with your lower extremities. In more scientific words, they affect your feet and ankles and lead to misalignments in the lower body, which may contribute to issues such as knee pain, hip discomfort, and lower back problems. This is because your body’s skeletal system is connected and everything must work in harmony. You are also more prone to injury when you overpronate! Lastly, there are many specific versions of gait abnormalities. One may not overpronate or supinate, but different types of pain can result in various compensatory movements. Check out this valuable resource from Stanford Medicine for more. Treating Abnormal Walking Patterns Don’t worry if you think you may have a gait abnormality. Unless your walking pattern is caused by a severe medical issue, you can often work hard at correcting it. There are many services, medical devices, and products you can try. Foot assessment: Understanding your feet is the first step (no pun intended!). Video gait analysis: This will provide valuable insights into biomechanical issues, your foot type, and any noticeable abnormalities. Custom-made orthotics: Orthotics work by improving your gait, over time, and with correct usage. Strengthening and balance exercises: These improve muscle strength, coordination, and stability. Surgical interventions (in severe cases of foot deformities, for instance, bunion correction). Footwear modifications: Medical shoes and stability/motion control shoes can often help. Focusing on your posture: This helps properly align the body’s skeletal structure. Remember: everything is connected, from head to toe!

April 1, 2024

As the seasons transition and we bid farewell to the winter chill, it's time to update our footwear game for the vibrant days of spring. This year, the trends are about combining style with functionality, ensuring your feet look and feel good. From casual sneakers to rugged hikers, here are the top trendy shoes for spring footwear trends for 2024 that will elevate your style while keeping you comfortable and prepared for whatever the season throws. Sneakers Sneakers, particularly those embodying Converse style, combine timeless fusion and a bit of flair. Pair them with jeans for a laid-back vibe, or dress them up slightly for an elevated look. Ara Fusion Lilly First up on our list of trendy shoes for spring 2024 are theAra Fusion Lillysneakers in a sleek grey hue. These sneakers blend style and comfort effortlessly, making them perfect for the transitional period before summer arrives. Their classic sneaker silhouette and subtle grey colour are versatile enough to pair with any outfit, from jeans and a tee to a casual sundress. Plus, their stretchable, breathable construction is perfect for accomodating bunions and hammertoes, so your feet stay relaxed and comfortable all day. Slip-ons Slip-on sneakers allow individuals to slide them on and off effortlessly with no fuss. Wear slip-ons to run errands or to more casual outings without sacrificing comfort and style. NAOT Okahu Slip-ons are a must-have for any spring wardrobe, and theNAOT Okahuin black is a stylish choice that ticks all the boxes. These sleek slip-ons feature a minimalist design with a comfortable footbed that moulds to your feet for a personalized fit. Whether running errands or meeting friends for brunch, these shoes will keep you looking effortlessly chic while providing the support your feet need. They're perfect for those days when you're on the go. Transitional sneakers Transitional sneakers are another one of our top spring footwear trends. Their adaptable nature allows wearers to effortlessly go from work, to errands, to city strolls, complementing a range of outfits and lifestyles with their understated yet contemporary allure. Clarks Nalle Lace For a versatile shoe that seamlessly transitions from day to night, look no further than theClarks Nalle Lace. These sneakers feature a classic lace-up design with a modern twist, making them perfect for the in-between period before summer arrives. Their lightweight construction and breathable materials ensure your feet stay comfortable all day, while their sleek silhouette adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Whether heading to the office or out for a night on the town, these sneakers have you covered. Clarks Craft Swift Men, step up your shoe game this spring with theClarks Craft Swift. These casual shoes combine style and functionality, making them perfect for everyday wear. Whether running errands or meeting friends for a casual outing, these shoes will keep you looking sharp and comfortable. Their durable construction and supportive footbeds ensure long-lasting wear, while their classic design adds a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. Their versatile black colour makes them easy to pair with any outfit. GORE-TEX sneakers Engineered with GORE-TEX membrane, these sneakers offer exceptional waterproofing and breathability, keeping feet dry and comfortable in any weather. ASICS Gel-Sonoma GTX For adventurous souls who love to explore the great outdoors, theASICS Gel-Sonoma GTX hikersare a must-have for spring 2024. Thanks to their GORE-TEX construction, these rugged shoes are designed to tackle any terrain, from rocky trails to muddy paths, while keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

March 25, 2024

In the realm of fashion, footwear often takes center stage. However, finding stylish footwear for sensitive feet that provides comfort can seem like an elusive quest. Fear not: whether you're dealing with conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, or have feet that demand extra care, we'll explore a range of footwear brands that cater to sensitive feet without compromising style. Best for cushioning Mephisto Mephisto is renowned for its commitment to crafting footwear that marries fashion with function. Their shoes feature advanced cushioning and support systems, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive feet. Their footbeds are made of cork, a natural material that is naturally shock absorbent and anatomically contoured for the foot. From sleek sneakers to sophisticated loafers, Mephisto offers various styles to suit various tastes and occasions. TheMephisto Hestersandal features a cushioned cork footbed with a deep heel cup and strong arch. It is perfect for summertime outings, casual strolls or as an indoor slipper. Asics While Asics is primarily known for its performance-oriented athletic shoes, the Gel-Nimbus line caters to those seeking superior comfort and support. The Gel-Nimbus utilizes innovative gel cushioning technology to provide excellent shock absorption. They're excellent for individuals with sensitive feet who lead active lifestyles, whether you're hitting the gym or running errands. Best footwear for width and fit Clarks Clarks have long been synonymous with comfort footwear, and its commitment to quality and craftsmanship shines through in every pair it produces. With a focus on ergonomic design and premium materials, Clarks' shoes relieve sensitive feet without compromising style. Some of their shoes are also available in different widths, from narrow to wide, like the Nalle Lace. This stylish sneaker is available in width with and also comes with a zipper to make it easier to take on and off. Clarks also makes a variety of high-end dress shoes, which are a great option for the style-conscious. Ara Ara is another brand renowned for its dedication to comfort and innovation. Their shoes feature cushioned footbeds, flexible outsoles, and adjustable closures, making them an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive feet seeking style and support. The Ara Lilly has a soft cushioned footbed with a stretchable woven upper. It provides maximum comfort and sophistication for any occasion. Portofino Portofino specializes in crafting footwear that seamlessly blends fashion-forward design with orthopedic support. Their shoes feature anatomically shaped footbeds and shock-absorbing soles, catering to the needs of individuals with sensitive feet without compromising on style. Additionally, Portofino offers shoes in H width, which are slightly wider, providing more room and comfort. They also have a more comprehensive tread depth. For instance, the DY-5068 is a favourite. It features a removable insole, allowing you to insert your orthotics, and a zipper for in-and-out ease. Best seamless footwear Seamless footwear is excellent for sensitive feet as fewer friction points come in contact with the foot. Anodyne Anodyne is dedicated to providing therapeutic footwear solutions for individuals with foot ailments. Their shoes feature extra-depth designs, seamless interiors, and accommodative toe boxes, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitive feet seeking relief without sacrificing style. They also accommodate foot sensitivities for people with diabetes. TheAnodyne No. 23is designed with comfort in mind. It features a roomy toe box and plush cushioning, ensuring all-day comfort without compromising style. APEX APEX specializes in crafting shoes that cater to the unique needs of individuals with foot conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy. Their shoes feature innovative technologies such as pressure-relieving insoles and stretchable uppers, providing unparalleled comfort and support for sensitive feet. The APEX Ambulator Conform Oxford is engineered for comfort and stability. This Oxford-style shoe features adjustable closures and a removable orthotic insole, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive feet seeking style and functionality. Best footwear with natural materials Certain materials in shoes can aggravate sensitive feet. If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, you may develop contact dermatitis, which can cause a red rash and itchiness, and even skin blisters. Possible allergensin footwear that can lead to contact dermatitis include rubber, the glue that binds your shoes together, a nickel buckle on a sandal, chromates, formaldehyde, or paraphenylenediamine (a type of dye). If your shoes give you a rash or redness, you can tryfootwearwith natural materials. Our picks include: NAOT Shoes crafted from natural materials have garnered widespread acclaim for their comfort, sustainability, and timeless appeal. Among the pioneers in this domain stands NAOT, renowned for its innovative use of cork beds in crafting footwear that melds impeccable comfort with eco-consciousness. NAOT's cork beds are ingeniously designed to conform to the wearer's foot contours, providing unparalleled support and cushioning. Sourced from renewable cork oak trees, this material delivers superior comfort and embodies the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility. One such option for summer is the NAOT Amadora, which is wrapped in suede and moulds to the shape of the foot with each wear. Mephisto Similarly, Mephisto has carved a niche in natural-material footwear, prioritizing comfort and style. Embracing premium leathers, cork footbeds and other natural textiles, Mephisto integrates advanced technologies into its designs to deliver optimal support and flexibility. Whether strolling through urban streets or traversing rugged terrain, Mephisto shoes offer a harmonious blend of form and function, appealing to the discerning consumer seeking quality craftsmanship and sustainable elegance. The Mephisto Izae is a casual-looking sneaker with optimal comfort, fit and a leather lining.

March 21, 2024

Foot hygiene and solid foot care tips are your secret weapons for happy and healthy feet! Everyone should practice a clean and healthy foot routine, but those with foot conditions such as diabetes or chronic fungal infections should be extra vigilant. Today we’ll talk about the best foot cleaning practices and how to implement them into your daily foot care routine. Foot Health Essentials: How to Keep Your Feet Clean and Protected Foot hygiene is pretty straightforward stuff! But you may make some minor missteps along the way. Take a look below at the best ways to wash, dry and moisturize your feet. Washing Your Feet Wash your feet daily with natural, gentle soaps in warm water. Hot water can negatively impact your blood circulation by increasing the size of the blood vessels, so be careful with temperatures. Moisturizing Your Feet Use lotion on the bottom and top of your feet. This can help you prevent calluses, corns, cracked heels, and more. Natural, fragrance-free and medicinal lotions are your best bet (try Gehwol at Feet First Clinic!). If you have diabetes, be extra careful to avoid putting lotion in between your toes; it could cause an infection depending on the lotion. Fungal infections also favour wet toes and tend to appear there. Keeping Your Feet Dry Thoroughly dry your feet after washing them. If you get lazy and keep them damp, you are again more likely to attract contagious fungal infections (they love moist environments!). Invest in products that help manage foot dampness and repel excess moisture. These include moisture-wicking socks (also remember to change your sock frequently!), waterproof shoes and boots, running shoes with perforated holes in the uppers, and various foot deodorant products (creams, powders, sprays). These products are also great for preventing foot odour. Toenail Care and Foot Hygiene Keeping your nails in top shape is an important element of foot hygiene. Follow these nail care tips to protect your nails and keep them clean and strong. Cut your nails straight across with high-quality nail clippers. Don’t try to shape them during this stage! Avoid cutting your nails too close to the skin; this will cause ingrown toenails. Gently use a nail file for subtle shaping. Don’t try to cut your own cuticles if you’re prone to infections. They protect the nails and getting rid of them improperly may welcome fungi. Schedule a medical pedicure for professional care and a cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.

February 29, 2024

Our feet are the unsung heroes of our daily lives, carrying us through countless steps and bearing the weight of our entire bodies. Yet, despite their importance, we often neglect their care until discomfort or pain strikes. From pesky corns to stubborn plantar fasciitis,foot ailmentscan range from minor annoyances to significant impediments. However, with proactive measures and some TLC, you can overcome these standard foot issues and put your best foot forward. This blog post explores practical strategies for alleviating and preventing some of the most prevalent foot ailments. Corns and calluses Corns and calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They often form on the toes, heels, or balls of the feet and can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Corns are small and circular and are often found on the non-weight bearing, bonier parts of the foot where the skin is thinner - like the toes. Calluses, on the other hand, typically occur on the weight-bearing parts of the foot, like the balls of the foot and heel, and tend to be larger than corns. Prevention Minimizing friction and pressure on the affected areas is essential to prevent corns and calluses. This can be achieved by wearing properly fitting footwear with ample cushioning and support, using protective pads or inserts, and regularly moisturizing the skin to keep it soft and supple. Treatments Gentle exfoliation using a pumice stone or foot file can help remove dead skin cells and reduce thickness. Additionally, moisturizers or emollients can soften the skin and reduce the size of corns and calluses over time. If your corns or calluses are especially painful, you can see a chiropodist to safely and painlessly have them removed. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot, can cause stabbing pain near the heel. Treatments You can do stretching exercises, wear supportive shoes, use custom orthotic inserts or Superfeet, apply ice packs, and try physical therapy. If your plantar fasciitis is chronic (i.e., it has persisted longer than 3-6 months), you may also consider shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, effective treatment where soundwaves are applied to the affected area. This stimulates your body's inflammatory response to heal the plantar fasciitis. Prevention Maintain a healthy weight, wear supportive shoes, avoid excessive high-impact activities, and incorporate regular stretching into your routine. Avoid sudden increases in physical activity, and take occasional rest days to allow your feet to recover. Rapid increases in intensity can overload the heel and plantar fascia. Instead, take a cautious approach to building up volume and reduce the intensity if you notice any discomfort. Bunions Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Treatments While bunions cannot be reversed, there are many ways to manage them. Some methods for managing bunions include splinting the affected area, wearing shoes with a wide-toe box, avoiding high heels, wearing custom orthotics, and performing various stretches and exercises to strengthen the muslces in the foot and ankle. In severe cases, surgery is a potential treatment option. Prevention Choose shoes with ample toe space, avoid high heels or narrow shoes, maintain a healthy weight, and practice foot exercises to strengthen muscles and improve alignment. Custom orthotics and even toe spacers can be effective depending on the severity of your bunions. Ingrown Toenails Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and infection. Treatments If your ingrown toenail is in its early stages and not causing any discomfort, you can try growing out the toenail. Then, soak the foot in warm water, gently lift the ingrown edge of the nail, and cut the toenail straight across. Ingrown toenails are prone to infection, so you feel any pain and discomfort, we recommend seeing a foot specialist like a chiropodist to avoid any complications. While waiting to see the chiropodist, you can soak the foot in warm water with epson salts, keep the area clean and dry and apply antibiotic ointment (if you suspect infection). Prevention Trim toenails straight across, avoid cutting them too short, wear proper-fitting shoes, and avoid picking or tearing at the nails. Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that causes itching, burning, and cracked skin between the toes. Treatments Keep feet clean and dry, apply antifungal creams or powders, wear breathable socks and shoes, and avoid sharing footwear or walking barefoot in public places. Prevention Practice good foot hygiene, wear moisture-wicking socks, rotate shoes to allow them to dry thoroughly between wears, and use antifungal foot powder as a preventive measure. In more severe or persistent cases, professional medical treatment may be necessary, including trimming or debriding the thickened skin.

February 26, 2024

While they often look similar, running shoes have athletic shoe features and specialized running shoe technology that set them apart from walking shoes. However, high-quality walking shoes are still designed to fit comfortably and provide arch support and cushioning - after all, walking is still a form of physical activity! The main difference is that running shoes propel us forward, enhance our performance abilities and are designed with more shock absorption. But there's still more to discover when comparing walking vs. running shoes. We're here to break it down for you. Main Differences Between Walking Vs. Running Shoes Flexibility Cushioning Shoe design Additional differences Flexibility The most flexible parts of the shoe vary between walking and running shoes. Prevention.com notes that running shoes have more flexibility in the midfoot and arch so users can push off using the ball of the foot. Walking shoes have more flexible soles to support steady heel-to-toe movement. Cushioning Again, both walking and running shoes have good levels of cushioning, but it is distributed according to the shoe design and activity (running vs. walking). Running shoes often have more cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This is to absorb impact from the ground’s harsh effects on the joints and muscles, distribute energy efficiently, and provide comfort during strenuous exercise. Walking shoes, on the other hand, provide comfort by placing more cushioningin the midsole and arch areas to encourage comfortable, long walks. Shoe Design Walking and running shoes are crafted with different needs in mind. For instance, running shoes tend to be lighter to enhance agility and reduce fatigue. They also often have mesh uppers (perforated fabric) to promote breathability and allow air flow to enter and leave the shoe environment. This reduces foot odour and helps keep your feet feeling fresh and clean. Conversely, walking shoes can be heavier and include thicker materials since they are accommodating slower-paced, sustained movements. Additional Key Differences Between Walking and Running Shoes Heel-to-Toe Drop: The heel-to-toe drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot on the bottom of the shoe, measured in millimeters. Walking shoes usually have a lower heel-to-toe drop to encourage a more natural stride, whereas running shoes may have a slightly higher drop for an efficient push off. Traction and Grip Pattern: Both walking and running shoes need good traction to prevent slips, falls and injuries, but running shoes may have a more intricate traction pattern since running is a riskier activity. Soles: Running shoes have stiffer soles, which helps with swift movements and lets you run faster. Walking shoes may have thinner soles because a closer connection to the ground is safer for walking than running.