The importance of shoes goes beyond their appearance because their functional value is more significant than that of any other item of clothing.
Shoes are a key element of any outfit, an important accessory used to display style, personality, taste, and social status. But their importance goes beyond looks: the functional value of footwear is crucial, even more than any other garment. Shoes are responsible for protecting the feet—a complex anatomical structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and 7,000 nerve endings.
The feet bear the weight of the entire body and perceive the characteristics of the terrain such as hardness, temperature, and the presence of irregularities. Walking barefoot is healthy but not always feasible, as it exposes the feet to stress and injuries. Wearing unsuitable footwear increases the risk of injury and leads to many issues.
That’s why choosing the perfect shoe—starting with aesthetic preferences and considering functionality—is truly important.
Shoes for every taste
- Barefoot shoes
These are designed with a comfortable sole, a large surface area for support, and enough space to keep the toes fully extended. They simulate barefoot walking, allowing greater foot flexibility and helping to maintain correct posture.
- High-heeled shoes
High heels elongate the figure and are elegant, beautiful, and sensual. However, they should not be worn for extended periods as they can cause various problems in the feet, back, and the entire posterior muscle chain of the legs and thighs. Common issues include bunions, metatarsalgia, nerve entrapment, tendinopathies, hyperlordosis, plantar fasciitis, joint problems, patellar tendinopathy, sprains, and hammer toes.
- Technical shoes
These are shoes designed for a specific purpose: for sports and recreational activities (like trekking, running, or hiking) or for specific types of work, especially when it involves standing for long hours or working in environments where protection is essential. Every activity should be performed with the most appropriate shoes.
- Rehabilitation shoes
These are shoes designed to support fast and complete recovery after injury or surgery.
The ideal shoe
The ideal shoe provides the right flexibility—both transversal and longitudinal—to support foot and ankle mobility. It must fit perfectly, offer maximum comfort, and have a comfortable sole. It should be suitable for prolonged use while maintaining correct posture without overloading the muscles. The sole must properly distribute weight with each movement and absorb the impact with the ground.
The physiotherapist’s advice is essential
Based on foot shape and plantar support, the physiotherapist can recommend the most suitable shoe for your specific needs to preserve physical health, prevent possible issues, enhance sports performance, and support rehabilitation after injury, trauma, surgery, or specific conditions. They can also assess whether you need an insole to insert into your shoe to improve support and realign posture.
Ask our physiotherapists for personalized advice. Book a free consultation to get more information on how to choose the most suitable footwear.
