For some people, memory foam shoes are ideal, while for others, they are disastrous. There’s no denying that memory foam is delightful, but there’s less agreement on the material’s quality, support, and durability. In addition, memory foam shoes have been linked to considerable foot pain in some persons.
In recent years, memory foam shoes have received a lot of attention and buzz. So naturally, Skechers Memory Foam Shoes are at the top of the list since it has made insoles out of this substance in practically all of its shoe models.
If you’re looking for the most significant memory foam sneakers on the market today, go no further than our Buyers Guide. However, if you do some research, you’ll find that many people believe memory foam is awful for your feet – and, in fact, bad for your knees, back, and overall health.
Some believe memory foam is a near-lifesaver. So let’s dig right in and see if we can solve the puzzle.
What’s The Memory Foam Shoes?
Memory foam is a sort of flexible polymer that adds comfort to your bed or shoes. Memory foam has grown in popularity since it is as springy as the real thing. Initially designed for furniture, memory foam is now being used in shoes to replace traditional materials that make them soft. Memory Foam shoes are now accessible in almost all major shoe stores and internet retailers, so you don’t have to go to a specific store to get them. Are these shoes, however, good for your feet? You might be surprised by the response.
Polyurethane compounds are used in the manufacturing of memory foam. After that, it’s molded into the shape of a visco-elastic polymer, which is firm but elastic. Some companies utilize foam because they believe it not only provides comfort but also promotes healthy foot. The result is footwear with exceptional comfort and stress absorption properties that are appropriate for your feet.
8 Reasons Why Memory Foam Shoes Are Beneficial Or Harmful To You
It offers excellent comfort and support. It also provides good shock absorption, which means that the body is cushioned before being physically impacted. The result is that any impact that gets through both the cushioning and support components of the shoe will not cause pain to your feet. This makes it ideal for people who work in fields where they are subjected to impact, such as butchers, plumbers, and even miners, and those who engage in strenuous physical activities such as athletes and military personnel.
Let’s look at why we should wear memory foam shoes in the first place before we look at the usual issues we have with them.
1. The Balanced Distribution
Although I own two pairs of these shoes, I haven’t worn them in a long time. But I’ve learned to appreciate and enjoy their balanced distribution. Add in the fact that they give mattress-like comfort for your feet, and you’ve got a footwear persona that’s nearly as wonderful for walking and running as it is for running. After all, there’s nothing like a pair of memory foam runners and a great pair of shoes for an important day.
2. Pressure Ease
You’ll notice a reduction in pressure as you walk in these shoes, especially near the ball of your feet. This will allow you to walk for longer distances while minimizing the pressure impact from the ground you step on.
The most delicate part is that the impact between your feet and the earth is minimal when you walk. When compared to what you experience while running, it’s a lot less. So the only potential issue with memory-foam shoes is that they’re designed for those who walk and run but not those who play sports.
3. Shock Absorption in the Heel
If you’re a shoe fan, you’ve probably noticed that memory foam insoles are incredibly trendy these days. The bottom line is that memory foam insoles are lovely.
If you’ve experienced the pain of having sore feet, you may not want to go without memory-foam shoes for too long. Memory foam is an excellent insulator. Most people find that it helps alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or even flat feet. In theory, it’s a great substance to have as a replacement for orthotics or other types of foot-aids because it’s so much more comfortable than those other aids.
What is the explanation for this? They give a layer of support while also boosting the overall comfort of the shoe. So it’s no surprise that memory foam walking shoes minimize heel impact while also offering additional stability as you walk. As a result, I believe they are good shoes to wear if you have foot pain.
4. Comfortable
These are the most lightweight and flexible sneakers on the market. They have a mesh upper with no stitching to fit a wide range of foot sizes. In addition, because of the overall fitting design, your toes will not cramp against the material, making them suitable for persons with bunions. And, as I previously stated, they’re cushioned enough to conform to the shape of your feet, ensuring that you’re comfortable as you go about your everyday tasks.
Everything you need to know about memory foam running shoes is that they are ideal for men. And if you’re a man, it’s probably safe to say that you need a pair of memory foam sneakers at least twice a week. It can be challenging to find the right pair, especially if you have narrow feet or an all-around athlete. Try out their runners if you’re one of those folks who typically work out in regular shoes but want something comfortable for regular life activities. I rarely see this kind of comfort in men’s work boots or shoes designed chiefly for general use.
5. The Harmful of Memory Foam Shoes
The first issue that you’ll want to remember is that memory foam shoes are incredibly tight. They are very comfortable, but they are tight.
As a result, in 2010, there were reports of people developing blisters all over their feet after wearing the shoes for an extended period. Keep in mind that you should wear them for no longer than 8-12 hours at a time. The second issue is that people have reported having to clean the shoes after wearing them several times. This can be due to foot odor or perspiration build-up inside the shoe. Either way, you should always give your memory foam shoes time to air out before wearing them again.
6. They aren’t the most stable of creatures
Walking and running shoes, in theory, should provide as much stability as feasible. However, this isn’t always the case with memory foam footwear. Take them for a spin, and you’ll quickly see that they have very little heel stability, which might be troublesome for folks whose heels roll in excessively.
The usage of the same density from heel to toe is one of the most evident elements of memory foam design. The midsole part does not provide much stability. The exact thickness allows the feet to flex without losing control once more. As a result, these are unlikely to be ideal for persons who overpronate. Even the mesh upper, in some ways, can be an annoyance to some people. While the slip-on style makes them simple to put on and take off, the lack of a lacing system makes it difficult to get a secure fit. If you really must wear these shoes, make sure they fit well right out of the box.
7. These Shoes retain heat
The ability of memory foam shoes to retain heat is perhaps their most serious flaw. Even with the most common footwear, this isn’t a good thing. Shoes, after all, are made to allow air to pass through them. It’s difficult for the feet to breathe, let alone stay cool and dry, without a breathable mechanism. While these shoes are light, cushioned, and pleasant to wear, the lack of ventilation makes them unsuitable for jogging.
This brings us to the next issue
8. These shoes make you sweat and make uncomfortable
Because memory foam shoes cannot breathe, your feet will sweat, especially if you wear them in hot weather. And the longer you walk or run in these shoes, the more uncomfortable they become.
More perspiration equals more odor. When you add that too much sweat causes a heat zone that breeds blisters and spots, memory foam shoes become the most inconvenient for walking or jogging. The good news is that you can prevent these shoes from sweating and stinking. You can do it in two ways:
To begin, only purchase memory foam shoes from the most recent release. Second, clean your shoes every time you take them off and let them air dry before putting them back on.
Memory Foam’s Popularity
Despite the disadvantages of memory foam, the popularity of memory foam shoes has continuously increased. The shoes appear to be more prevalent among people who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. Many experts recommend them because they relieve tension on the plantar ligament.
Memory foam shoes are also popular with people whose occupations demand them to stand for lengthy periods. Nurses, teachers, and postal workers, for example, are all high on the list. The controversy over whether memory foam shoes are beneficial or destructive continues to this day. Many people who have worn these shoes can confirm that they have helped them cope with discomfort. This is most likely the main reason for the shoes’ appeal. Most individuals choose to buy the shoes and cope with the scent because airing the shoes helps lessen the smell of new memory foam.
Others find that memory foam either does not reduce their foot discomfort or makes it worse. As a result, it works for some feet but not others. Memory foam shoes, on the other hand, appear to be gaining popularity by the day.
In Conclusion
Some people’s walking styles will not be compatible with memory foam, similar to walking on soft sand. If you’ve ever walked on a beach, you’ll know that your feet get tired strolling on soft sand and that you need to shift course to more solid sand after a while.
However, some people can walk on soft sand all day. This is due to the way their muscles work, how they balance themselves, and their muscle strength. Similarly, some people will find walking in memory foam shoes exhausting, forcing them to adjust their walking style and compensate subconsciously, resulting in foot difficulties, foot discomfort, or pain elsewhere. This is why some individuals love memory foam shoes while others are in excruciating pain after only a few hours of use.
Finally, if you appreciate the relaxed fit and comfort of Skechers shoes, go ahead and get a pair. However, remember that support may not be sufficient, so restrict how long and how often you wear them to avoid difficulties.
FAQ
Do Memory Foam shoes cause knee Pain?
You may or may not be aware that the mechanical function of your foot has an impact on a variety of body parts. A condition that begins in the foot can develop knee pain, hip discomfort, back pain, and neck pain. Because our brain compensates to keep discomfort to a bare minimum, problems in those other regions can also impact the foot. A sore right knee, for example, would cause your brain to lessen the amount of time your weight is supported by your right foot, resulting in a loping gait.
As a result, forces on your left foot may grow, perhaps leading to plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, pronation disorders, or ankle problems. One damaged knee could cause a slew of problems.
Can You Wash Memory Foam Shoes?
Maybe. It depends on the shoe’s other materials. The memory foam can be washed, but handwashing is preferable because you can get a better through-flow of soapy, fresh-smelling water through them than a machine can. The shoe’s other materials, on the other hand, maybe harmed by washing.
If the shoe is entirely synthetic and the footbed is not removable, machine washing usually yields satisfactory results. However, if you’ve ever tried washing a shoe by hand, you know how difficult it is.
Are Memory Foam Shoes Supportive?
In one sense, memory foam will compress and adapt to your foot shape, providing support everywhere. However, multiple types of support are required for your heels, arches, balls of your foot, and toes, which single-density foam cannot provide. Furthermore, different people require various levels of support in different areas, and cushioning is more significant in some areas of the foot than in others. Older people, on the whole, require different types of support than younger people.
How to Wear Memory Foam Shoes Properly?
It’s OK to wear memory foam shoes for walking and jogging, but there are a few things to keep in mind: To begin with, these shoes should not be used regularly because they are not designed for lengthy-standing, jogging, or walking. However, wearing them for a short distance stroll is good, and there’s nothing wrong with using them on occasion.
Why Do Memory Foam Shoes Have a Bad Odor?
Because memory foam shoes collect moisture from your feet, they have an odor. In addition, because memory foam reacts with your body heat, its capacity to retain heat allows it to adjust to the shape of your foot. As a result, sweat is produced, which leads to stinky shoes.
To address this problem, numerous shoemakers are adding moisture-wicking linings into their shoes to keep their feet dry and breathable. As a result, walking shoes such as Skechers and Reebok work shoes feature a breathable mesh upper that allows air to circulate freely through the shoe, reducing sweat and moisture content.