Why Skecher Shoes are not Endorsed by Me | The Podiatry (2024)
Even if you do not own a pair of Skechers shoe, chances are you have heard of the brand or know someone who wears them. They have become a very popular style of shoe purporting to offer cushioning and comfort for wearers. Below are some of the most common reasons why they have garnered the support that they have:
· Lightweight flexible synthetic mesh upper with no stitching accommodates different shaped feet.
· Wide fitting style ensures that your little toe or bunion does not feel cramped against the material.
· Cushioned and lightweight thick memory foam, contours to your foot adds to the feeling of comfort.
Although the points listed above are enticing reasons to wear Sketchers on a daily basis the fact of the matter is there are two sides to every story. Much like the ‘free running’ variety of shoes that had people invested in the idea of lightweight, comfortable footwear, these soft and easily malleable form of footwear should be treated with suspicion by people who have biomechanically related foot and lower limb problems. Some reasons why some podiatrists are hesitant to endorse these light weight style Sketchers shoes includes:
· Minimal to no stability in the heel to counteract a heel that “rolls-in” excessively.
· No stability in the midsole. The same density memory foam is used from heel to toe, with ability to flex at any position rendering it unsupportive for feet that have tendency to over-pronate through the midsole.
· There mesh upper of the shoe offers no chance for adjustment, reducing its ability to secure the foot to the shoe as may be required.
These flexible Sketcher shoes remind me of the Nike Free shoe, which are still a very popular choice with people, in particular teenagers. Adults have thankfully now come to recognize that this variety of shoe is not suitable for running or any strenuous exercise, because it provides no support to the foot structures. So, I usually have no problem convincing patients of this as they often have reached the conclusion themselves prior to entering my treatment room. With common problems such as sore balls of the feet, sore arches, unstable ankles or knee pain, it is easy to see why people would be disappointed to hear that these ‘cushioning’ and ‘comfortable’ shoes are anything but what they claim to be.
In saying that, I am a firm believer that shoes like the Sketchers can be used within moderation and for the correct purpose. Below you will find some pointers on how to avoid sore feet whilst using Sketchers:
· Do not use them all day / every day! Feet fatigue with prolonged standing and walking and as such require stable footwear to reduce strain on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint they support.
· Do not use them for fitness, long walks or exercise! You should be in a proper sport shoe for those moments and it could mean the difference between progression with your program and sustaining an injury during it.
· Do not attempt to use them with orthotics! Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
The take home message is, you avoid painful feet and costly treatments by simply using the right shoe for the right moment. If you struggle with choosing a shoe or require advice, seek the guidance of one of our specially trained podiatrist who can assess your feet and provide a specialised list of footwear appropriate for your needs. When in doubt, have a podiatrist check it out!
DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Mr Macaulay also warned that Skechers are 'so soft, your foot has to do more work'. This can leave feet feeling comfortable during the day, but actually leave them more tired compared to wearing more supportive shoes.
A:We recommend the Skechers Arch Fit sneakers for plantar fasciitis because they offer ample arch support to alleviate pressure on the heel. They're also relatively affordable.
You can put orthotics in Skechers, if they are the right orthotic and the right type of Skechers shoe. The Skechers Go Run shoe for example is much better at accommodating a foot and an orthotic than the Skechers Go Walk.
So, Are Skechers Good For Your Feet? The short answer is yes, but it depends. While Skechers are designed to be comfortable and supportive, the type of Skechers you choose will depend on your individual foot needs and what activities you'll be using them for.
Choosing the right brand of shoes can be crucial for alleviating discomfort in neuropathy sufferers. “Brands such as New Balance, Orthofeet, Propet, Hoka and Skechers are highly recommended for their supportive and cushioned footwear tailored to foot conditions like neuropathy,” says Usman.
Vionic, a podiatrist-approved shoe brand, are a favorite among regular walkers for their arch support and orthotic insoles. This model is specifically designed for walking and has a firm heel counter for added stability, which Dr. Pinker recommends for seniors.
As a general consensus for shoes, we recommend a stiff-soled shoe that does not bend or twist with stress. Most patients think cushioning is a winner but cushioning without support causes more stress on the foot and that leads to fatigue and pain. Stiff-soled shoes can come with a soft upper and that is great.
And walking barefoot on carpeted floors can increase circulation and strengthen the muscles in the feet, says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist who owns Gotham Footcare in New York. But he doesn't recommend going shoeless at the gym, communal bathing facilities, or outdoors, especially for prolonged periods of time.
As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.
Many people who are looking for arch support footwear have previously spoken to a podiatrist and been given advice on what to look for, and in most cases only a few brands will be mentioned with Skechers certainly being one of them.
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Experience effortless style and comfort with podiatrist-certified arch support developed using over 20 years of data. Footwear in our Arch Fit® collection features a removable, supportive cushioning insole system for a more enjoyable walking experience.
One nurse that regularly spends 12 hours on her feet at work called these “the only shoes that don't leave me aching.” A second nurse said that these shoes offer “all the support” they need and that they would “definitely recommend [the shoes] to other nurses!” And yet another nurse who works 13-hour shifts called the ...
Skechers shoes are known for their ability to flex and twist, promoting a natural stride when you walk. Skechers GOwalk Joy is an especially popular option for those with knee problems.
Skechers GO WALK FLEX Alani sneakers offer cloud-like comfort with layers of lightweight, breathable foam and recycled rubber throughout the insole. The responsive, shock absorbent cushioning help protect high arches on impact, making these are our best option for mild arch support.
Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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