Why You Should Consider Custom Footwear And A Look At How Custom Shoes Are Made
If you're never satisfied with shoes you buy off the shelf, it could be time to look into buying custom footwear. These shoes are made to match the dimensions of your feet so they have a perfect fit. Here's a closer look at why you might want custom footwear and how they're made.
Why Custom Footwear Is Helpful
Feet aren't always the perfect shape. Sometimes, your feet are even different sizes. You could even have one leg that's a bit shorter than the other. All of these are important reasons to get custom footwear. If you have a gait problem due to some abnormality, then you could suffer from chronic backaches, hip pain, knee pain, and foot pain. Even if your walk doesn't affect the rest of your body, you may be tired of shoes always hurting your feet because your feet aren't a standard shape.
Once you start wearing shoes that fit right, you may tolerate running, taking long walks, and standing on your feet all day. You might have less back and hip pain. Plus, you may finally get rid of foot soreness from shoes that constantly rub your feet the wrong way. Custom shoes are especially helpful if you have trouble finding shoes that fit and you're a diabetic since shoes that rub your feet could lead to injuries and ulcers.
How Custom Footwear Is Made
First, it's important to understand the difference between custom and customized. You can order customized shoes online, but these are often for fashion purposes. The shoes come in standard sizes and styles, but you can customize them when it comes to color and material.
Custom footwear is made from a mold of your feet and is intended for medical reasons. Your insurance may even pay for custom shoes, especially if you have diabetes. Custom shoes are made following the mold of your feet for a precise fit.
Your feet might be measured by hand, with a 3D scanner, and with a scale that measures your weight-bearing points. You might have your feet measured by a podiatrist and have a physical mold made, or you might have your feet measured by an orthotic company.
What Options Are Available In Custom Shoes
Since the shoes are built according to your specifications, you can get just about any type of shoe you want. You have a choice in style and color. However, custom footwear tends to come in classic styles. One reason for this is because of the foot problem you have. You may not find the latest styles in heels and sandals since these shoes may not be suitable as support shoes.
Having custom shoes made involves several steps, and it can take months sometimes to get your shoes. Custom footwear is also more expensive than shoes you buy off the shelf, but since they fit well, they wear properly, so the shoes should last longer.