Walking through college shouldn’t be hard– literally. These shoe secrets can put students’ feet at ease.
By Ellie Tulkki
It’s time college students re-learn their ABCs, and not the alphabet we familiarized ourselves with in kindergarten. The ABCs to finding the right pair of shoes: Arch, Balance, and Comfort.
Whether it’s that long walk across the University’s sprawling campus, a workout at the Recreation and Wellness Center, or a late-night dance party with your roommates, students are constantly on their feet. By finding the right pair of shoes, experts say, you can take the steps to protect your feet from the wear and tear of your college life.
According to the University of Minnesota’s Parking and Transportation Services, over 40% of students navigate campus on foot. Other options would be taking the bus, riding your bike, etc.
Yet many students don’t prioritize finding a good, proper pair of shoes. Waverly Howard, a junior at the University of Minnesota, says she is always on the move and on her feet. She owns 15 pairs of shoes, but only wears three or four because they are the most comfy.
When improperly fitting shoes come into play, foot problems often follow. Certified pedorthist- Aïda Hayes, who works at Schuler Shoes, says the top three foot problems she sees in college students are shin splints, plantar fasciitis and tendinitis. All area a result from improper footwear, she said.
“Our body is constantly trying to heal & protect us so when we wear shoes that don’t fit very well we can bring on certain conditions,” said Hayes.
But there is a solution for all of these foot problems: good shoes. That’s where the ABCs come in.
Arch: Since students spend so much time walking, Hayes says that arch support is crucial when looking for a new pair of shoes. Look for a shoe with a strong heel counter, which envelops and supports our heels. You should not be able to twist the shoe or squeeze the sole. The arch is the foundation of your shoe. This means it improves the alignment of your entire body. With no arch support, one is more prone to back problems and other bodily pains. Student’s heavy backpacks, overflowing with books and their laptops, contribute enough to back pain.
The ball of your foot, where your toe joints are and where our arches end, is the most important thing to focus on when trying on a pair of shoes, Hayes said. It’s a common misconception that arch support is only critical at an old age. Everyone’s feet are different and unique to the arch support needed for them. “No manufacturer can possibly guess how much arch support to put in a shoe or how long or how high or how strong it should be because our feet are as unique as snowflakes so no one size foot is shaped exactly the same,” Hayes said.
Balance: Students struggle with finding balance, especially support in workout shoes. Hayes says cross-trainers are the best. She says this is because they provide lateral support, as well as forefront and rearfoot support. When you find shoes with good balance they will ensure your body weight is distributed evenly across your feet. As a result, Hayes says you can reduce pain and injury. She also says we walk on hard concrete surfaces, which is why it’s crucial to find sturdy shoes that support front and rear support.
Improper workout shoes often have a shelf life. College students don’t want to keep spending their limited budget on shoes, so it’s important to find a shoe that our entire bodies can count on for a long time.
Comfort: Hayes says the biggest mistake we make as humans is only looking for comfort in shoes. While it’s important to be comfortable, comfort can be deceiving. Often students want something lightweight or something that has a lot of cushion. However, this means less support. Hayes says support often requires a denser durometer to absorb shock, and a denser shoe is overall better for stability and motion control required in walking versus running. Since we live and work on hard surfaces, the walking-on-clouds shoes that students would deem “comortable,” are not realistic.
Hayes gives some guidance on how to determine what is comfortable. Instead of looking for cushion, look for shock absorption and support. This will be more comfortable and supportive of your feet in the long end, Hayes said. Soles with shock absorption absorb the impact of the ground as you walk, ultimately reducing foot problems.
In a perfect world, you should own multiple pairs of shoes with different kinds of support. Hayes says when we rotate our shoes and give them a day off, they will rebound and last longer.
Some brands that are known for providing support, although they will still be unique to each student, are the following: New Balance, Keens, Merrells, Oboz, Brooks, Lowas, Blundstone, and Dr Marten’s. Hayes said there are many good brands out there, but many more bad brands that have better marketing. This is why it is best to learn about shoe structure, so you know how to pick out the right shoes. Don’t focus on what’s trending.
All students deserve a college experience filled with those late night dance parties and new experiences, not foot problems. Walk your path with confidence, not pain.