When you do your pre-trip inspection and notice that the tread on your tires is wearing off, you immediately buy new ones, don’t you? What do your truck-driving shoes look like? Maybe it’s time to buy a new pair of work shoes, or better yet, running sneakers for training. Working as a professional truck driver, you regularly encounter various conditions that require you to have the right shoes. You may find yourself around heavy objects that can crush your foot. Or on a slippery surface where it’s very difficult to stand. Sometimes you may have to walk on gravel that can cause ankle injuries without the proper footwear. You can read more about the best shoes for truck drivers here: https://www.hmdtrucking.com/blog/best-boots-for-truck-drivers/. And today, we’re going to give you a little general information about truck driver shoes and some tips for picking them out.

The right footwear for truckers prevents injuries

The perfect footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable journey. Just like our fingerprints, our feet are completely unique and thus require specialized shoes that are tailored to your preferred style of movement. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause significant injuries, so choosing the right ones is paramount for any avid traveler. Structurally, most shoes have five basic components:

• The toe box is an integral part of the shoe situated at the top. It is typically constructed with a rounded, square, or pointed shape which serves to limit the amount of space accessible to the toes. Along with providing protection and comfort, the toe box is of utmost importance to ensure the correct fit of the shoe.
• The cuff is the upper middle part of the shoe, where in most cases the lacing is located.
• The components of a shoe’s sole are the insole and the outsole. The insole makes contact with the foot and the outsole touches the surface when walking. The cushioning effect of the sole is what offers protection against shock. Without the proper cushioning, any sudden pressure can cause pain or injury. It is therefore important to choose a shoe with a sole that provides adequate shock absorption.
• The back heel of the shoe is designed to provide the wearer with a boost in height, as it increases in size the stress put on the front of the foot also increases. Higher heels will add more strain and may cause discomfort.
• The last part of the shoe is where the curvature slightly follows the arch of the foot to create a form that is unique to each shoe. This arch ensures that you can easily distinguish between the right and left sides of the footwear.

What kind of shoes you need

Putting on the right pair of shoes for running is key for any truck driver. It is essential to be aware of our pronation patterns when choosing the shoes for running, as this can help us to prevent injuries. So, flip your shoes over, with the sole facing up to check the level of wear. This is a useful way to understand our pronation pattern and have an idea of the support that we need. Pronation is part of a natural movement and helps the lower leg cope with impact. It essentially is the inward rolling of the ankle when walking and running. Normally, some level of pronation is necessary and beneficial, however, excessive pronation should be avoided. That is why monitoring it and choosing a shoe that helps to prevent possible ankle and foot injuries is so important. Finding the best running shoes for truck drivers can only be done with the help of a good shoe fitter. This professional can assess the exact pronation pattern, advise on the perfect shoe and suggest additional liners and modifications that may be necessary. To make sure you find the ideal pair of shoes, contact a podiatrist or a reputable shoe fitter and let them help you find the right pair. Once you find the right shoes, you will be able to move naturally, protect your feet and enjoy the full running experience.

Necessary foot care

• It’s important to be aware of any pain and tenderness you feel. Don’t ignore any signs of pain, as it’s not normal to put up with it. As soon as you start feeling any kind of discomfort in your ankle or foot, it’s best to visit a quality podiatrist and get examined.
• To help prevent any serious problems, it’s important to check your feet regularly. Look out for thick or discolored nails, and search for any cracks or cuts in the skin. Pay attention to flaking, scales or any growths, as these should not be present.
• Make sure you’re keeping your feet clean. Wash them frequently – especially between your toes – and be sure to dry them properly. When trimming toenails, cut them straight across and be careful not to go too short and create ingrown toenails.
• The right shoes are an essential part of foot care. Ensure any shoes you wear are correctly fitting, buy them later in the day when your feet are largest, and replace them when they start to become worn and uncomfortable. Make sure you select the right shoes for your activities, such as running shoes when running, and rotate between these, rather than wearing the same pair every day.
• Avoid walking barefoot as much as possible, as this increases the likelihood of having a nasty foot injury. If you’re going to be wearing sandals, use sunscreen to protect your feet from the sun. And, be wary of using any home remedies to try and treat foot problems – these can often worsen the issue. Finally, if you’re diabetic get a foot checkup at least once a year.