Do you have stability problems and your doctor recommends that you wear supportive shoes and orthotics? Did you know that if you don’t tie your shoes properly or pull the velcro straps of your shoes comfortably tight you can defeat the whole benefits that your shoes or orthotics have to offer? One of the most overlooked components of the shoe is the laces. Lacing your shoes properly is an important tool to make you feel more stable.
Did you know that a simple adjustment of the laces can help improve your stability and reduce the chances of black toenails, pressure points, hot spots, and other foot irritations?
Are Traditional Laces Better than Velcro Closure or Toggle Laces?
Yes, especially when it comes to getting the full support and stability that your shoes have to offer. Lace-up shoes allow for a much more snug and secure fit around the foot, thus allowing a more steady gait.
My Experience Fitting Women’s Shoes and Orthotics
I work for a shoe store that helps people with “complicated” foot shapes as well as foot conditions find the correct types of shoes for their feet. I have helped several women with stability issues find the correct types of shoes for their feet and taught them about the importance of lacing their shoes correctly, and I believe I can help you too.
My co-worker who has over 30 years of shoe fitting experience taught me specific lacing techniques that can enhance stability and prevent heel slippage or your feet moving excessively inside the shoes. However, you don’t really need to apply any specific shoe lacing technique, just make sure that the laces are pulled comfortably tight.
Be Careful About Lacing Your Shoes Too Tight – Yes, It Matters!
Lacing your shoes too tight might lead to problems with the top of your foot or anterior tibial tendon. So, while we want to make sure that your shoes are properly tied, you don’t want to make them uncomfortable tight.
What Is My Favorite Shoe Lacing Technique?
1- Start by leaving the two top eyelets (holes) of the shoes open:
2- Go through the top hole first:
3- Go through the holes you left open:
You are all done! These steps are very easy and simple to follow, but they make a huge difference in the way your shoes feel! You will notice an immediate difference and feel a lot more stable and secure when walking or running.
There are several shoe lacing techniques available, so try different ones until you find the best one for your unique foot shape!
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Shoe Size
We also need to make sure that your shoes fit your foot shape correctly, as shoes that are too big or too short can also compromise your stability. There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to shoes.
Don’t insist on buying the same shoe size simply because that’s the size that you have worn for most of your life. Your foot shape and size can change over time, and some of the factors that contribute to this change are pregnancy, aging and weight gain or loss. Over time and because of gravity, our feet might get longer and wider.
As we age, the body’s ligaments and tendons lose their strength and ability to spring back. This means that our arches decrease, which flattens and lengthens the foot and toes. This often results in an increase in shoe size by a half-size or more.
Find Out How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Buying shoes online can be a challenge. If you are unsure about what shoe size you need to order online I suggest that you take a look at the resource below:
How to Measure Your Foot Shoe Size – The Most Simple and Effective Way!
What Shoes Work Best for Women with Stability Issues?
I created a different resource that will show you a list of the best shoes for women with stability issues that can also accommodate different foot shapes:
When it comes to improving your stability, having the right shoe fit and shoe lacing technique makes all the difference.
Let me know in the comments section below if you have found a specific shoe that worked well in helping improve your stability issues. I am sure other women will find your recommendations helpful!
Be the first to comment