Unfortunately for many walking is an agonizing activity. Foot and knee pain is a common complaint. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, "About 75 percent of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives." The site asserts that such pain is often caused by the use of improper foot wear. Some shoe manufacturers focus primarily on producing foot wear that will alleviate foot and knee pain.
Aetrex
Aetrex Worldwide Inc. designs and manufactures shoes with the purpose of relieving foot and knee pain. Using the company's patented iStep SP5000 digital foot analysis system, shoes can be customized to fit your specific foot size and arch type as well as accommodate any painful pressure points. The iStep SP5000 takes a digital reading of your feet using barometric sensors and infrared LED receptors. iStep analysis machines can be found at various Aetrex retailers throughout the United States. Mozaic technology is used to allow retailers to make customized adjustments to the insoles of your Aetrex shoes. By removing certain mosaic squares from sections of your insole, according to the results of your iStep analysis, you may experience foot and knee pain relief from the alleviation of certain pressure points.
Vibrams
Vibrams FiveFinger shoes demonstrate the latest trend in foot health--walking and running barefoot. According to Professor Daniel E. Lieberman of Harvard University, "By landing on the middle or front of the foot, barefoot runners have almost no impact collision, much less than most shod runners generate when they heel-strike." Vibram's FiveFinger shoe design provides grip and protection to prevent injuries to the soles of the feet while still allowing you to walk, run and exercise as if barefoot. The benefits associated with a Vibrams FiveFinger shoe includes increased foot and lower leg strength, greater range of motion and less stress on the heels of your feet as you tread more cautiously using the front area of the foot.
Birkenstock
The German shoe manufacturer, Birkenstock, offers shoes, sandals and clogs that with soles made of natural latex and cork material that are molded to encourage your feet to take on the shape of a healthy foot. The sole of a Birkenstock shoe is molded to provide a deep heel and raised arch area along with toe bars to enhance your body's weight distribution. The soles are not soft, but firm. According to the Birkenstock website, a firm sole enhances body alignment is more orthopedically correct than using a soft-soled shoe. While the sole material of a Birkenstock shoe will customize itself over time to fit your uniquely shaped foot, the company does offer customization at the time of manufacturing to make your shoes fit your specific needs right away.
