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And thus, we all require different styles of shoes to accommodate them. low arches, overpronated vs underpronated: We all have different shapes and sizes of feet. We rounded up the best shoes and sneakers for the flat-footed set in our list below.Wide vs. If these problems fail conservative treatments, then surgical intervention may be necessary.” “Exercises, stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, shoe recommendations, and even medications can be provided. A podiatrist can provide simple answers and recommendations to keep your feet healthy before major problems develop,” says Mendeszoon. “The best time to see a podiatrist is when a person notices subtle aches and pains that do not go away over a short period of time. Podiatrists (aka doctors of podiatric medicine, or DPM) are the experts in foot and ankle care that can guide you in the right direction. Extras: If you use foot orthotics, the insole should be easily removed and any laces should be long enough to tie the shoes comfortably and properly.Īs with any health condition, seeing a trained specialist will provide professional advice that, you know, the internet can’t.Comfort: The footbed should be comfortable, and look for ample room in the toe box for the toes to move freely.Fit: A shoe that fits in length and width, with an arch that provides solid support and cushioning, is key.Here are some key traits that Mendeszoon says to look for when shopping for sneakers or shoes for flat feet: “Once these structures lose their function, the foot deformity advances - making standing, walking, and even running a painful experience,” he says, adding that many times the foot joints can develop arthritis, too.
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In order to compensate for a flat foot, the lower leg muscles and tendons work extremely hard to stabilize the foot and ankle, and over time these structures will fatigue, strain, stretch out and even partially tear,” explains Mendeszoon. “This type of foot is typically weak, and the foot bones become very loose and unstable. Mendeszoon, FACFAS, FACPM, who is also a partner at Ohio’s Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc.
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Thankfully, with some guidelines in mind, salvation awaits.īut first: What are flat feet? “Flat foot is a general term that describes a foot that has an arch that flattens out or collapses (overpronation),” says ankle surgeon and podiatrist Mark J. Whether you’re looking for running shoes for flat feet or a nice pair of loafers to wear out on the town, finding comfy, stylish shoes is no easy feat. If you have flat feet, you know all too well what a pain shoe-shopping can be.
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