Cindy’s World of Fashion

Posted on: 10 June 2015

Think for a minute about your car. Specifically, think about your tires. Your tires are the first line of defense between the ground and your vehicle. When they are low on air, you have a rougher ride. Your car shakes more, you can feel every bump and ridge you go over. When they are well inflated, when you have good tires, your ride is smoother. The shock absorption protects your car. Your tires are the primary line of defense against the ground.

Now consider for a moment for your footwear. That's right. Think about your shoes. Your shoes are your first line of defense against the ground. Without good shoes, you can feel the hard pavement under your feet. Every step you take shoots pressure up your legs to your spine, causing considerable back pain. Basically, bad shoes create a rough ride for your body. So what's a bad shoe and what's a good shoe and how do you know what to wear?

Bad shoes

Flip-Flops: As soon as the sun comes out for the long summer days, so do the flip-flops, but one of the worst things you can do for your back and joints is wear those glorified feet-covers. That's right, that's pretty much all they do; they cover your feet. Most flip flops don't offer arch supports, shock absorption, or support. Instead, they allow your feet (and thereby your body) to do exactly as their name describes: Flip-flop. Without support or shock absorption, your spine is taking a beating and flip-flops are no match for the hard pavement under your feet.

High Heels: While plenty of women have resigned themselves into teetering around their office in high heels, the truth is they are terrible for your body. Redistributing your weight  to the ball of your foot while you attempt to the rest on a small heel angled above the toe is bad for your alignment. Yep, your body can get out of alignment, just like your car. Over time, this can actually alter the natural curves of your back and spine, causing back spasms and back pain.

Flats: The name says is all. Flats are too flat to provide any defense between the ground and your feet, much like flip-flops. You need some cushion and flats just aren't going to give that cushion to you, making each step you take a step toward back pain.

So what can you wear? Don't despair. There are good choices out there, too!

Good shoes

Sneakers: Sneakers may not look glamorous, but a good tennis shoe can provide good arch support, lots of shock absorption, and support for your feet, thereby protecting your alignment. Proper fit is important, however. Sliding around in sneakers that are too big won't feel any better on your back than a pair of flip-flops.

Loafers/Slip-ons: Something with a small heel that doesn't tip the foot unnaturally like high heels and provides arch support and some cushion can be a great choice. Ideally, laces are preferable to get the perfect fit, but a well-fitting pair of slip-on shoes will also do the trick.

Lace-up boots: Properly fitting boots that lace up to help support the ankles can also work wonders to protect your feet and back from the hard ground. A small heel and arch supports help absorb the shock that comes with each step. Just be sure they are flexible enough that you don't have to alter your posture or gait to walk in them.

Your body depends on your shoes they way your car depends on your tires. Don't let yourself down. Choose good shoes that cushion and support. Your back will thank you. For more information, consult a back pain specialist (such as The Chicago FIX).