Step Wisely: The Essential Guide to Comfortable Shoes for Lifelong Foot Health
Posted by Apis Footwear on
The Incredible Journey of Our Feet
Did you know that in an average lifetime, a person's feet will carry them between 150,000 to 200,000 miles? That's equivalent to circling the Earth 6 to 8 times! This fact alone highlights the importance of taking good care of our feet.
Understanding Your Foot
Each foot has 26 bones, divided into three sections:
- Rearfoot: Contains the larger bones.
- Midfoot: Comprises five irregularly shaped tarsal bones.
- Forefoot: Houses the metatarsal bones and phalanges (toes).
The Evolving Nature of Our Feet
Our feet are dynamic; they continually change and grow throughout our lives. Notably, as we age, our toenails become harder and thicker, necessitating extra attention and more room in shoes.
Foot Mechanics: Standing and Walking
When standing still, 50% of our weight rests on our heels, and 25% spreads across the ball of the foot. During walking, our weight rolls from the heel, along the outer border, across the ball, to the big toe joint, and finally springs off the toes.
Key to Healthy Feet: Comfortable Shoes
The single most important way to care for your feet is by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes. This, combined with cleanliness, trimmed nails, and regular exercise, forms the foundation of foot health.