Back pain may be directly linked to foot problems caused by uncomfortable shoes, according to shoe company, Barker Footwear, which has relaunched a leather, soft- soled and stylish range for men who spend long periods on their feet.
“Standing throughout the day may damage your feet if your shoes are not a comfortable fit. This may affect the rest of your body, causing fatigue as well as leg and lower back pain”, said sales manager, Gary Gilder.
He pointed out that men often ignore foot and ankle pain or problems which could have a negative knock-on effect on the rest of the body, including the legs and lower back.
“There are 26 bones in your feet – about a quarter of all bones in the body. The feet also contain 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your feet have to bear your full body weight daily so taking good care of them and selecting a soft and comfortable shoe is vital,” he said.
Tips when buying:
Shoe size may change as you age, so fit your shoes carefully.
* Shoe sizes may vary depending on make and style. Running shoes may not be the same size as office footwear. Try on your shoes before buying them.
* One foot is often larger than the other – ensure your shoes fit the larger foot.
* Walk in the shoes to make sure they feel right. The heel should not slide up and down when you walk. When standing, there should be about one centimetre between your toe and the end of the shoe.
* Choose a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
* Don’t buy tight shoes, hoping they will stretch.
* Soles should give solid footing and not slip. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces.