Stepping Towards Foot Health: Essential Tips for your feet and your shoes.

As it's Foot Health Week, it's the perfect time to remind you to give your feet the attention they deserve. Prioritizing foot health is essential for all of us to help maintain overall well-being and comfort – we only get the 1 pair, and they have to last us a lifetime!

In this blog, we'll share some basic foot health and footwear tips tailored to help you step towards healthier, happier feet.

The foundation of foot health starts with the shoes we wear and what is right for one person, may not be right for you.  Depending on your feet, and often our knees, hips and back, you may benefit from styles with cushioned insoles, arch support, or shock-absorbing soles to minimize impact and reduce the risk of foot pain and fatigue. Additionally, choose shoes with breathable materials to help keep feet cool and dry throughout the day.

Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a host of foot problems, from blisters and corns to bunions and ingrown toenails. You should always ensure that your shoes fit properly, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle the toes comfortably.  Ideally opt for shoes that fit snugly at the heel (ideally with something to hold your foot in place) and give you ample room for your toes to move freely. As adults we don’t necessarily need growing room, but our toes shouldn’t be cramped up against the end of our shoes either.  Shoes that pinch or squeeze the feet, can cause discomfort and contribute to foot issues over time.  At SoleLution, our trained shoe fitters can offer advice to ensure the perfect fit.

And don’t get hooked on the shoe size you think you should be wearing!  Just as clothes vary between sizes, so do shoes.  Thankfully as none of us have standard feet, there is no standard for a pair of shoes - the way a shoe fits can vary between brands and also between styles so focus on how the shoe feels.

Foot hygiene is an essential aspect of foot health.

Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, paying special attention to the areas between the toes. After washing, thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails and moisturise the feet regularly to keep the skin soft and supple.

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to excessive wear and tear, as well as increased risk of foot problems. Rotate your shoes regularly to allow them to air out and regain their shape between wears. This can help prolong the life of the shoes and prevent odour and bacteria build up. Did you know our feet have 250,000 sweat glands which typically produce half a pint of perspiration every day?  A tip is to store your shoes in an upright position as this allows moisture to drop to the heel and escape.

Additionally, wearing different shoes can help distribute pressure on the feet more evenly, reducing the risk of developing foot pain and discomfort. 

Stretch and Strengthen

Foot exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, and stability, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall foot health. We are inherently lazy at exercising our feet but you should aim to incorporate simple stretching exercises into their daily routine to help improve range of motion and prevent muscle tightness. Additionally, exercises such as toe curls, ankle circles, and calf raises can help strengthen the muscles of the feet and lower legs, providing added support and stability.  For more info, read our blog 6 exercises to help keep your feet fit.

A quick tip to help plantar fasciitis is to write the alphabet in the air with each foot each morning before you get out of bed.

Above all, you should listen to their feet and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. Ignoring foot problems can lead to more serious issues down the road. If experiencing persistent foot pain or discomfort, consult a podiatrist or footwear specialist for professional advice and treatment options. Remember, proactive care and attention to foot health can go a long way towards maintaining happy, healthy feet for years to come.

Experience Foot Health Week with SoleLution

Ready to take the first step towards healthier, happier feet? Visit our stores in Portishead and Clifton, Bristol, or explore our website to discover our carefully chosen selection of footwear designed to promote foot health and comfort. With our expert guidance and personalized assistance, you can step into Foot Health Week with confidence, knowing that their feet are in good hands.