Chapter 8 - What to Look for In A Shoe

It's take Seven Chapters for me to get to this - the ultimate reason why I started this blog and now I am ready to start talking about shoes.

We established in Chapter 1 that your feet are your daily mode of transportation. We established in Chapter 2 that your feet serve as Shock Absorbers for the rest of your body. We established in Chapter 3 that you should take care of those feet. We established in Chapter 4 that the size and shape of your feet change throughout your lifetime. In Chapters 5 and 6 we explained how measuring devices help determine the length and width of your feet and therefore help determine a good starting point in getting a proper fit. In Chapter 7 we gave you a Width Conversion Chart to help with differences in width sizing. Now, we must move on.

The question now is: What do I look for in a pair of shoes? That's a very good question, but question back at you is: What type of shoes are you looking for? Do you want Dress Shoes, Work Shoes, Walking Shoes, Athletic Shoes, etc. ?

Let's start with our every day shoes and we will assume that everyone does a little walking and a little standing during the day. Your answer is:

(1) The first thing you need to do is to go to a Shoe Store that knows their products and know how to fit them.

(2) The first thing you look for is a shoe with a broad base that fits under your entire foot. One that solid - contoured.

(3) you look for a shoe that has a sole that is supportive and cushioned under the ball of the foot and the heel (your main pressure points).

(4) You look for a shoe that has a roomy toe box that gives you plenty of room to wiggle your toes.

(5) You look for a shoe that has a wide wraparound heel counter for stability around your heel.

(6) You look for a shoe that has plenty of venilation to help keep you feet cool and dry.

(7) You look for a leather shoe because you want the lightweightness, the softness and the breathability of leather.

You next question should be: How should these shoes fit? Your answer is:

(1) You intial fit should allow you the foot to settle naturally in the the footbed of the shoe.

(2) The arch should feel like it's in the proper place.

(3) The widest part of your foot (at the big toe joint) should be in the widest part of the shoe.

(4) You should have about 1/2 in of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and your toes should have plenty of wiggle room.

(5) Lastly, they should feel comfortable. Even if you met 1 - 4 your comfort is the most important thing. If they don't feel just right as to try other sizes near your size to see if you can find one that's more comfortable.

You next question should be: Where can I find comfortable shoes? You answer is:

(1) If you live or around the Nashville, TN  area go to Ensor's SAS Shoes, 4022 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 (615-834-7458), or an SAS Shoe Dealer near you.

You next question should be:  What styles would you recommend?  Your answer is: SAS FREETIME (for Women) and TIME OUT (for Men).  Chapter 9 will go into detail why these two styles set the level for ultimate support and comfort.  Hopefully, it will post shortly after this.

FREETIME (for Women)

TIME OUT (for Men)