If you've ever experienced foot pain or have suffered a podiatric injury, you know just how important wearing the right shoes is. You're also not alone; over 20 million adults have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Below, we'll explore the critical factors to consider when buying a pair of athletic shoes for the perfect fit and function.

Shock-Absorption

Whether you're running, jumping, or simply walking, your heel must be protected. Look for shoes with extra shock absorption in the heel and under the ball of the foot. This feature can help prevent shin splints, stress fractures, and other injuries caused by overuse.

Light Weight and Flexibility

To prevent foot fatigue, choose a light-weight athletic shoe and one with a soft, flexible upper (the part that covers the top of the foot. If you plan to move around quickly – if you're playing tennis, for example – you'll want a shoe that offers flexibility in the sole underneath the ball of the foot. Where you won't want flexibility is on the inside and outside of the foot; make sure the shoe has stability on the sides to prevent your ankles from rolling.

Arch Support

Some people have low arches while others have high arches. Regardless, you'll need an athletic shoe that comfortably hugs the arch of your foot to reduce unnecessary pressure. If you have a chronic foot ailment, like severe flat foot, high arches, shin splints, or tendinitis, you can get custom arch supports to insert in your shoe. These custom inserts concentrate relief on one area while supporting other areas of the foot.

High-Top vs. Low-Top

You might assume that high-top athletic shoes will do more to protect your ankles, but that's not necessarily the case. A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research reported that there was no difference between participants who wore high-top shoes and those who wore low-tops. Still, the study did show that high-top athletic shoes stopped the participants' ankles from moving as much, and over time, those participants lost flexibility in their ankles, making them more prone to injury.

Foot and ankle injuries are more common than you might think. It's important to note that if you were injured at work and your injury is covered by workers’ compensation, your first temporary disability payment is due within 14 days of your employer receiving notice.

Your shoe needs may differ from those of your friends and family, so always talk to your doctor about choosing the right footwear if you're experiencing pain or chronic discomfort. You can get a recommendation from your primary care physician or even a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs make up approximately 11% of the physician population in the United States).

Over 145 million adults report that they include walking as a part of their physically active lifestyle. To always put your best foot forward and protect your health, choose the right shoes for your feet.

Get excited, online fashionistas, Vagabond Shoemakers and Need Supply Co. are collaborating and expanding their e-commerce presence in the United States. With 77% of Americans going online daily, 43% going online several times per day, and 26% spending time online almost constantly, the online shopping market is pretty saturated. Vehicle buyers spend 59% of their time online researching and shoe and clothing buyers are starting to do the same kind of due diligence.


That's why you've got to get into this store and check out there footwear collab that covers three hot styles this fall season.
According to Fashion United, Vagabond Shoemakers announced in late September its expanded U.S. online presence, kicking off with a digital concept store, as well as an exclusive collection through Need Supply Co.


"We are focusing heavily on the UK and U.S. now," said Marie Nilsson Peterzen, co-founder and creative director at Vagabond Shoemakers. "We started off in Germany, so we are very well known there, and we have a steady distribution there. We also think that having a strong foundation there has set the standard a bit -- if you work with Germany you must really deliver, and we deliver."


Buying shoes online is a lot of fun -- no matter what you're purchasing. But these shoes... These shoes are as chic as they are fab. It's going to be extremely difficult for the fashion inclined to keep their hands (and feet) off these shoes -- check out some pairs of Atelier shoes for yourself!
This style of footwear will focus on three fall trends: a western theme, a sporty look, and a series of boots inspired by the most eclectic, stylish, and revolutionary decade of all time: the 1990s.


Atelier by Vagabond embraces both style and quality. To top it all off, in order to present the new collection, the women's shoe brand teamed up with English art photographer, Annie Collinge, and asked her to showcase the pieces through her unique vision and lens. When hanging art, keep its center at eye level, which is generally 56" to 60" from the floor, says Driven By Decor. When donning artsy shoes, however, all you have to do is simply Strut. Your. Stuff.


These products emphasize quality and are geared for perceptive shoe-buyers who have a fashion-forward approach. They are available through retailers including Urban Outfitters, Asos, and Nordstrom, with plans to grow their e-commerce plans throughout October. Enjoy every second of rocking this footwear and "work it," as they say.

We are all about bows this season and you should be too. The super feminine detail is a must for those looking to rock chic footwear. Today we're drooling over these Dolce Vita Amber Heels that boasts a striped fabric lacing tied neatly into a stylish bow on a leather upper. We love the modern appeal of this heeled mule, an update to the classic slide sandal silhouette. It also features a 4" flared architectural stacked heel that ensures stability and comfort.

Available in Ivory with a chambray/white stripe bow, and Caramel, with a black/white stripe bow, these retail for $140.00 each on www.dolcevita.com and www.shop.nordstrom.com but if you hurry you can get them on sale for $87.00 on www.bluefly.com.

We're back with another drop-dead fabulous pair of shoes to celebrate the new year in. We've been in love with this amazing African American footwear designer since we first laid eyes on her gorgeous shoes. Say hello to the Aminah Abdul-Jillil Metallic Open Toe Sandals, sure to be the most talked about shoes at any New Year's Eve party. These sandals, shown in her signature silhouette, boasts a metallic leather upper, open toe, a single, thin band across the toes, a skinny ankle strap buckle closure with large elaborates bows at the sides, and a 4 1/2" heel with 1/2" hidden platform. Bask in the envy with every step. Get these statement heels in metallic silver or metallic pink for $298.00 each on www.aminahabduljillil.com.

We couldn't help but be inspired by our recent Keds X Minnie Mouse Sneaker blog post, so today, we're giving you more Minnie Mouse. Today's Shoeography Shoe of the Day is the absolutely jaw-dropping Oscar Tiye Minnie Glittered Sandals. These stunning Italian-made single sole heels boast a beguiling black, gold and red glittered leather upper, a classic ankle strap with buckle closure, round appliqués at the back that captures the features of everyone's favorite and most fashionable lady mouse, and a statuesque 4" stiletto heel.

Normally these luxe darlings would set you back $580.00, but thankfully you can snag a pair for yourself for only $290.00 for a limited time, thanks to www.net-a-porter.com. Once these are gone, they are gone, so get them while you can. Happy Footwear Friday!!

No one ever said florals have to be ultra girly, they can in fact be quite badass and cool. Take for instance the Matisse Footwear Graffiti Bootie, the classic boot silhouette appears in a dark floral print leather upper that looks painted on. These cool mid-calf boots also boast a round cap toe, side zipper closure, and a very on trend 3 1/4" self-covered block heel. The Graffiti Bootie is available on www.matissefootwear.com for $195.00, but you can get it at www.dsw.com for $129.95 under the name "Posey Bootie". We're not sure why there's a name difference, but we'd truly appreciate any chance to save while shopping, so DSW can call it whatever the hell they want.

What are your thoughts on the  Graffiti / Posey Bootie?

Ready to turn heads this #FootwearFriday? Set the trend in these attention-getting ankle boots that's perfect for the fall season. The Cape Robbin Babys Breath Ankle Boots features a soft, suede-like upper covered in round metallic studs (silver on the dust rose and nude, and antique silver on the black), an almond toe, side zipper closure, and a 3 1/4" circular block heel with mirrored details. As previously stated, this fab women's ankle boot is available in three colors - dust rose, black and nude. Get all three for only $64.99 each on www.heels.com.

Be still our beating heart. We are in love, enamored, hypnotized by these gorgeous pumps. Forget the Redbull slogan, because YRU is giving you these fab wings. Aren't these YRU Angyl Pumps stunning? we know it's officially fall and we should be showing more boots but the extremely mild weather and these gorgeous heels have made us step back a bit. Boasting a vegan leather upper in a creamy bone (totally wearable this season), a majestic set of feathery wings which flanks the right side of the pump from the vamp to the back counter, a printed satin lining, and a 4" stiletto heel. We hear that these runs a bit small, so we advise going one size up when you head over to www.yru.life to get yourself a pair.

Welcome to another gorgeous women's shoe from a footwear designer whose name is permanently on our wish list (unfortunately our current budget won't allow our indulgence). Drool along with me over these attention-getting Kat Maconie Frida Shoes. The stunning shoes feature a silver metal shine leather and kid suede upper, hypnotizing spiral laser cut panels, thin ankle strap with buckle closure, round toe, and 4" of Kat Maconie's newest signature frame heels, the kicker.

These darlings are available on www.asos.com for $323.00 and www.katmaconie.com for £200.00, in Spiral Silver and Multi Stone. Get them while they're still available.

Happy Footwear Friday ladies! Are you ready for the weekend? We're ready for some weekend shoe shopping but with budget withstanding of course. This is why we've chosen the very wallet-friendly Michael Antonio John Peep-toe Bootie as today's Shoe of the Day. This classic silhouette, with its faux leather upper, open toe, back zipper closure, and 4 1/2" block heel, gets a fabulous update thanks to its glossy tortoise trim. While this style is available in five other colors (including one with a black patent leather trip), we're completely head over heels (pun) with the tortoise patent.

Grab the tortoise, or any of the other available colors for only $59.99 each on www.heels.com.

We've said it many times, we love color! The brighter the better in our book, so of course we're excited about this latest color collection from Puma. We head into the weekend with the energetic color options of the Puma Fierce Bright Pack on our minds. Designed for both function and versatility, these lightweight and florescent high-top sneakers features an Ariaprene upper for breathability, a slip-on bootie construction with mesh and caging overlays for optimal lock down, stability, and support, pull tabs at the tongue and heel for easy on and off, internal flatlock stitching for reduced friction, an exaggeratedly thick heel for even greater stability, and pivot points at the outsole heel and toe for 360 degrees of movement, all in a monochrome silhouette.


The Fierce Bright Pack comes in the following bright color palette: white, yellow, pink, and navy and is available now (it officially launched yesterday) at www.puma.com, Six 02, and Finish Line for $90.00.

It's Friday, the day dedicated to keeping things casual, so we thought we'd do so with today's Shoe of the Day highlight. Forget what you thought about casual comfort footwear, it's no longer just your mother's style anymore. Take for instance these LifeStride Quell d'Orsay Flats..... they're totally stylish and perfect for the season. These darling flats feature a faux leather upper, d"Orsay silhouette with asymmetrical strap, softly pointed toe, Lifestride's SoftSystem comfort elements for all-day support and cushioning, and a 1/2" heel with traction outsole. You'll be happy to know these super cute flats come in both medium and wide widths, so everyone will get the chance to look chic. e love the above stone/black colorway but it also comes in all black for you lovers of black. Grab either color or width for only $59.99 at www.lifestride.com, but they're currently on sale for 20% off when you use code LSSAVE20. Happy shopping!

Life is beautiful when you're in a stylish pair of comfortable shoes, and life is also good when you're doing something good for others, so today we highlight the TOMS Blush Textile Floral Women's Classics, which declares “La vie est Belle” over its pretty, floral printed, blush body. These statement TOMS boasts a textile upper with TOMS signature toe-stitch, elastic gore for easy fit, a new molded footbed for increased cushioning, a removable antimicrobial sock liner, and improved traction. This floral classics is available at www.toms.com for $55.00, and as with every TOMS purchase, a new pair of shoes will be given to a child in need through TOMS One for One® program.