Comfort shoes are a type of footwear specifically designed for wearing for long periods without discomfort. Made with premium natural materials and often crafted by hand, comfort brands appeal to consumers who appreciate quality construction, durability and foot support. Some brands are meant to prevent or alleviate pain from chronic foot problems, while others are targeted towards younger, trend-savvy consumers.
Benefits
Wearers can walk for long distances in comfort shoes without worrying about blisters, painful gait, tendonitis or other problems that ill-fitting shoes can cause. While providing similar comfort and support as high-end athletic sneakers, comfort shoes come in professional styles that complement business-casual outfits at the office. When constructed of soft leather uppers, synthetic cushioned footbeds and tough rubber outer soles, most comfort styles are lightweight yet extremely durable.
Considerations
Before buying comfort shoes, a consumer should consider what qualities are most important, such as pain relief, type of shoe or style trend. General walking shoes might be ideal for someone who enjoys low-impact exercise or runs multiple errands a day, while a hip urbanite might prize a clog style or bright color.
Effects
Manufacturers construct comfort shoes to provide stability for the wearer and potentially correct pronation, the excessive inward roll in one's gait, which can lead to shin splints, tendonitis and pain while walking. Comfort shoes may prevent injury or relieve chronic pain associated with plantar fasciitis, bunions or heel spurs. Workers who are on their feet all day, such as restaurant servers or nurses, may wear comfort shoes to avoid pain in the legs and lower back.
Misconceptions
Consumers may mistakenly think comfort shoes are meant only for older people, those with foot problems or buyers who care little for trendy style. Comfort shoe companies are counteracting that misconception by introducing fashion-conscious shoes in bright colors and eye-catching materials to appeal to younger consumers. Department stores and specialty shoe boutiques sell comfort shoes, often at higher price points, to city dwellers who walk from home to subway to workplace and require comfortable footwear.
Brands
Arguably the most familiar comfort footwear brand, Birkenstock's contoured sandals are synonymous with the 1960s hippie aesthetic. Other familiar brands include Mephisto, Naot, Clarks and Merrell. Brands like Born Crown, Sofft and Dansko cater to youthful fashion-conscious consumers with sandals, clogs, pumps and boots with slimmer silhouettes, trendy patterns and specialty colors. Certain models from Reebok, Keds and StrideRite have received the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance.
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