ENVIRONMENT

Do you work indoors or outdoors? Are conditions hot or cold? Wet or dry? Is the surface slippery or uneven?

ACTIVITY

Do you stand still or do you move around? Do you use ladders? Do you have work that involves kneeling?

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Do you have a wide or narrow foot? Is your arch high or low? How much do you weigh? Do you have warm feet or challenges that require special attention?

FOOTWEAR

In addition to environment, activity and personal characteristics, different footwear features affect our experience of comfort:

Fit

Fit is an expression of how well the shoes fit the foot
independently of the environment and activity. A poor fit leads to diminished comfort – and vice versa.

Shock absorption and cushioning

Shock absorption and cushioning refers to the shoe’s ability to absorb shocks and send back the energy. Footwear with good shock absorption reduces the load on the joints, feet, legs and back. Shock absorption must not be confused with softness, which often provides the immediate feeling of comfort – for example, when the inlay sole is made of an extra soft material. Softness, however, does not necessarily lead to good comfort in the long term.

Flexibility

Flexible footwear is characterised primarily by outsoles and uppers that are flexible and soft materials that follow the movement of the foot. Conversely, a less flexible shoe can also bring comfort in the form of greater stability.

Breathability

Breathable footwear allows the heat and moisture from the feet to escape, so the temperature inside the shoes stays comfortable and the feet are kept dry. Breathable materials are most often characterised by good sweat absorbing and transporting qualities that can absorb moisture and transport it away from the foot.

Support

Stability and support can minimise the risk of injuries. The need for support depends on the foot, surroundings and activity. Support can be created in the construction of the footwear and through stabilising materials used in exposed areas.