What is an Adjustable Shoe?
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The right fit is not a fixed number. It shifts through the day, so the smartest shoes are the ones that shift with it.
Adjustability are “fine-tuning” points built into your shoes to help them fit better. This could be anything from laces or buckles and elastic panels, stretchy uppers or removable inserts. Did you know up to 70% of people wear the wrong sized shoes?1 Ill-fitting shoes can cause a whole range of problems, including corns & calluses, muscle & joint pain, deformities, balance problems, nerve compression and more.
It’s important to get yourself shoes that fit. However, feet size can fluctuate throughout the day, with what activity you’re doing or for a range of health reasons. So your best bet to protect yourself is to get shoes that fit well, but also with adjustability features built in. This means with a few simple adjustments you can have a pair of shoes that fits snug in any situation.
Why Adjustability Matters
There are several reasons why adjustability in shoes is important:
- Foot shape and size can change throughout the day - Your feet swell when you stand or walk for long periods of time, and they can also change size due to weight gain or loss. Adjustable shoes allow you to loosen or tighten the fit of the shoe to accommodate these changes.
- Foot problems - People with certain foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, may need shoes with extra adjustability to accommodate their unique foot shape.
- Activity level - The type of activity you will be using the shoes for will also determine how important adjustability is. For example, if you are planning to do a lot of walking or running, you will need shoes that fit snugly but comfortably. Adjustable shoes can help you to achieve this fit.
Features That Provide Adjustability in Shoes
There are a variety of features that can provide adjustability in shoes, including:
- Laces: Laces are the most common type of adjustable closure in shoes. They allow you to tighten or loosen the fit of the shoe across the instep and vamp.
- Straps: Straps can be found on a variety of shoe styles, including sandals, sneakers, and dress shoes. They can be adjusted to provide a more secure fit or to accommodate different foot shapes.
- Buckles: Buckles are another type of adjustable closure that is often found on dress shoes and boots. They can be tightened or loosened to create a custom fit.
- Velcro: Velcro is a quick and easy way to adjust the fit of a shoe. It is often found on children’s shoes and on some athletic shoes.
You can get even further adjustability with Revere. Their shoes come with a Revere Fit Kit that includes fit features specific to your type of shoe, from shoe fillers and removable footbeds to strap extensions. Revere truly make a shoe for every foot.
When Choosing Shoes With Adjustability, Consider the Following Factors
- Activity level: Consider the type of activity you will be using the shoes for and choose a closure system that will provide a secure fit.
- Foot shape and size: If you have any foot problems, such as bunions or hammertoes, choose shoes with a closure system that can accommodate your unique foot shape.
- Personal preference: Some people prefer laces while others prefer straps or buckles. Choose a closure system that is comfortable for you to use.
Benefits of Wearing Adjustable Shoes
- Improved comfort: Adjustable shoes allow you to achieve a custom fit that is comfortable for your feet.
- Reduced risk of foot problems: Adjustable shoes can help to prevent blisters, corns, and other foot problems by reducing friction and pressure on your feet.
- Improved performance: Adjustable shoes can help you to improve your performance while walking, running, or playing sports by providing a secure fit.
Shoes with built-in adjustability features can be an absolute game changer when it comes to finding that perfectly comfortable pair of shoes that are good for you. Shop The Comfort Co range to find a pair that fits perfectly, no matter what your foot looks like that day.
Quick Questions
What is an adjustable shoe?
An adjustable shoe has built-in fine-tuning points, such as laces, straps, buckles, elastic panels or removable inserts, that let you change how the shoe fits. A few small adjustments let one pair sit snugly across different foot shapes and through the natural changes your feet go through in a day.
Why does shoe adjustability matter?
Feet are not a fixed size. They swell over a long day, change with activity, and shift over time with weight or health. Adjustability lets you loosen or tighten the fit so the shoe stays comfortable and secure instead of being right in the morning and wrong by the afternoon.
What features make a shoe adjustable?
The most common adjustment features are laces, straps, buckles and velcro. Some shoes go further with stretch panels, removable footbeds and shoe fillers, which is how the Revere Fit Kit tailors a shoe to your exact foot.
Are adjustable shoes good for swollen feet or foot conditions?
Yes. If your feet swell or you have bunions, hammertoes or flat feet, adjustable shoes give you the room to accommodate that shape without squeezing. Look for a closure system that opens wide and holds a secure fit once adjusted.
Which closure type should I choose?
It depends on your activity and preference. Laces give the most precise fit for walking and running, straps and buckles suit sandals and dress styles, and velcro is quick and easy for anyone who wants to get in and out fast. Choose the one that is comfortable for you to use.
Find a fit that moves with you
From laces to the Revere Fit Kit, adjustable shoes keep you comfortable all day.
Shop adjustable shoesReferences
- Buldt AK, Menz HB. Incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders: a systematic search and narrative review of the literature. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
