| There are many aspects of a shoe that can | | | | supports, reinforcements; goring and ventilation |
| determine whether it will be comfortable for walking. | | | | …all which help the shoe conform to the shape |
| Most people simply slip it on while in a shoe store and | | | | of an individual's foot, without becoming too soft. |
| perhaps spend a minute walking back and forth on the | | | | The next requirement the buyer should consider is |
| carpeted floor. They may guess how the shoe will feel | | | | where his walking will be taking him. It's obvious that the |
| with a different pair of socks, or how much the shoe | | | | terrain of an indoor mall differs from a street, which |
| may "give", but this is the extent of analyzing the | | | | differs from an outdoor trail, so it's clear that different |
| shoe's comfort. | | | | types of shoes are needed. No matter how well made |
| However, the majority of shoppers reject many shoes | | | | a shoe may be, if it's not suited for the walking |
| without even trying them on. They may decide that the | | | | environment, it may not be totally comfortable. (For |
| heel is too high, the material isn't appropriate, or the | | | | example, a low-cut, lightweight sneaker wouldn't offer |
| toes are too pointy. These choices are usually correct; | | | | ease of walking on uneven forest ground like a sturdy |
| folks often reject styles that aren't visually appealing | | | | hiking boot would, especially a style with toe caps and |
| -when in fact, shoes frequently look differently on feet | | | | appropriate soles or heels.) Worrying about slips and |
| than in a shoe box! It takes self-education to find the | | | | injuries due to improper shoes can definitely lower the |
| best walking shoe for one's needs to realize long-term | | | | comfort level of any walker. |
| satisfaction with the purchase. | | | | Another consideration is that nature had a reason for |
| Mephisto Shoes wants shoppers to have a basic | | | | shaping a foot as it has. It perfectly accommodates |
| understanding of what to look for in shoe construction | | | | weight, balance and changes of both. It's only when |
| and features. As proud designers of quality walking | | | | mankind forces the foot into shoes that are in |
| shoes, they believe that those who are seriously | | | | opposition to its shape that problems occur. Mephisto |
| interested in walking should have seriously comfortable | | | | Shoes enhance the foot's support and shape to |
| footwear! | | | | increase its purpose, providing the ultimate in comfort |
| First, the old rule of utilizing natural fabrics holds true for | | | | while doing so. It does this with a variety of designs |
| shoes as well as clothing: plastic or vinyl can't offer the | | | | and colors to meet personal preferences. Consumers |
| response to sweat and temperature like canvas or | | | | have found the Mephisto Shoe line to include |
| leather, and can abrade skin after awhile. However, | | | | "something for everyone" without compromising nature. |
| some synthetics do a good job of providing durability, | | | | But, as with all shoes, buyers must remember that the |
| and several "wonder" materials provide excellent | | | | shape of walking shoes is much less important than |
| shock absorption. Some linings (such as Gore-tex) | | | | how they feel. Narrow toes, spike heels, and high soles |
| allow for outstanding heat conduction, moisture | | | | have no place when it comes to walking. All pose a |
| protection (both from inside and outside) and | | | | dangerous risk of injury and pain and, as such, are not |
| "breathability". These features allow a walker to cover | | | | recommended by podiatrists for any use other than |
| a great distance before experiencing any sense of | | | | that of a short and temporary nature. |
| burning soles or clamminess, which can quite annoying, | | | | Finally, walkers need to buy the shoe that they enjoy |
| if not actually uncomfortable. | | | | wearing. Some people don't like tying laces while |
| Second, shoes with a construction geared towards | | | | others like to adjust shoe tightness. Certain folks are |
| flexibility often can make walking feet feel as cradled | | | | only comfortable in the most fashionable design, while |
| and cushioned as tennis shoes or moccasins when | | | | others don't want attention. Since most people won't |
| new, but soon become stretched out. This leaves the | | | | wear anything that makes them feel emotionally |
| user with the disconcerting feeling his feet are slipping | | | | uncomfortable, it's a bad idea to buy anything that |
| around. Although the fit may change only a half inch or | | | | doesn't have personal appeal. Along with an ability to |
| so, it may be enough to form painful calluses and | | | | suit individual tastes, Mephisto Shoes fit the bill when it |
| bunions. Mephisto shoes make excellent use of every | | | | comes to offering high quality, well made shoes that |
| resource in the industry to keep this from happening to | | | | ensure the best comfort available in walking shoes |
| their products. Their styles utilize padding, elastication, | | | | today! |