Looking for comfortable shoe? Avoid this:
If you have read my guides on what to look for when looking for stylish, comfortable shoes, you already know what makes up cute and comfortable shoes. But here are some things to steer clear of on your quest for the perfect pair.
I’m Mary Sue Papale, co-founder of BENDY by Ashbury Skies. The BENDY is a stylish comfortable shoes with a lower carbon footprint. I have been in shoe my entire career so I have some street cred.
Synthetic materials
Synthetic shoes tend to be cheaper, but they come at a cost. Faux leather shoes come from sheets of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyurethane (PU) that are heat-stamped to mimic a leather surface. Companies can produce large quantities at a low cost, which explains the low prices.
Over time, synthetic shoes don’t wear well. The surface can become brittle with age. Without breathable materials, you don’t get that ventilation quality. Since synthetic shoes are made from solvents, they mimic mini steam chambers for your feet. No perspiration can escape, leaving you with stinky feet that are anything but cute or comfy.
Heavy footwear
The weight of your shoes matters just as much as the material they’re made from. Shoes with heavy bottoms don’t bend easily. Plus, they require more energy to move, leaving you fatigued from simple tasks. Fortunately, the modern world offers many lightweight options that are sturdy and flexible to boot.
High heels
Sometimes, we make sacrifices for the sake of fashion (pain is beauty, as they say). But while there’s a time and place for high heels, they’re not an everyday comfort. When you need stylish, comfortable shoes, heels may not be your go-to. Most high heels will leave your feet aching after only a couple of hours of walking. It can even lead to serious foot problems down the line.
Any kind of elevated shoe shifts your weight to the ball of your foot. The higher the heel, the more pressure is pushed forward. In turn, your knees, hips, and back have to counteract this force, leading to pain throughout the body.
Pointy-toed shoes
Much like heels, pointy-toed shoes are a cool look that can make you sore by day’s end. They’re not ideal for traveling or walking all day. Because they squeeze the entire front of your foot into a v-shape, they can lead to serious discomfort. Since this doesn’t follow your foot’s natural shape, it can cause pain, blisters, and even nerve damage. Some women report getting bruises under their toenails from constant pressure.
I hope you now realize what to avoid when trying to balancing comfort and style.
The BENDY is a slip-on that takes many of these comfort pieces into consideration, all while holding its place as a stylish, comfortable shoe. Learn more about the BENDY here.
