Many women think that foot and back pain after walking is something natural, or that ’the shoe is still new’. But the truth, dear, is that the secret lies in your ’walking pattern’ (Gait Analysis). Each of us has a different way of walking, and if you wear a shoe that doesn't match the ’engineering’ of your foot, you'll keep suffering. In the world of handmade shoes, we design the shoe to support your walk, not work against it.
First: What is the ‘gait cycle’ and why is it important to understand it?
Walking isn't just a ‘step’ — it's a complex process that begins the moment your heel touches the ground and ends when your toes lift off it. This cycle goes through several stages, and any disruption in the foot's alignment during them causes pain in the ankle, knee, and even the neck. When we use genuine leather, we give your foot room to breathe and move freely within this cycle.
Second: The three types of gait.. where do you fall among them?
1. Balanced gait (Neutral Pronation):
This is the ideal gait — the foot lands on the heel and tilts slightly inward to distribute weight evenly.
- What suits you? A shoe that balances softness with durability.
- Our handmade pick: Loafers with a medium-firmness sole that give you the stability you need.
2. Outward tilt or ‘leaning out’ (Supination):
Here the woman walks on the outer edge of her feet. Notice that the shoe wears down more on the outside than the inside. This gait causes the knees to absorb all the shock.
- What suits you? A shoe with very high ‘cushioning’ (Cushioning) to absorb the shock your body doesn't absorb on its own.
- Our handmade pick: We use extra-soft leathers and rubber (crepe) soles to compensate for the lack of natural cushioning in your walk.
3. Inward tilt or ‘excessive collapse’ (Overpronation):
This is very common among those with ‘flat feet’ (Flat Feet). The foot tilts strongly inward, which tires out the ‘arch of the foot’.
- What suits you? A shoe with strong, stable ‘arch support’ (Arch Support) that keeps the foot from collapsing inward.
- Our handmade pick: We build the handmade last with a calculated raise on the arch side, which supports the foot and corrects the gait.
Third: The ‘wet foot’ test (the secret you already have at home)
To find out your gait type and avoid confusion while shopping, wet your foot with water and stand on a dark tile or cardboard:
- The full footprint: If you saw the entire footprint, it means you have ‘flat feet’ and need a shoe with strong support.
- The thin footprint: If you only saw the heel, toes, and a thin line on the outside, it means you have a ‘high arch’ and need an especially soft, flexible shoe.
- The natural footprint: If you saw a light, spread-out curve, your gait is golden and almost any shoe will suit you.
Fourth: Why genuine leather and handcraftsmanship are the ‘doctor’ for your feet
Machine-made shoes are ‘one size fits all,’ and that's the biggest mistake. In handcrafted work, on the other hand:
- Biological fit: Genuine leather is the only material that ’feels’ your walk — it expands and contracts according to the pressure your foot applies.
- Stitch placement and sewing: We're careful about stitch placement so it doesn't press on a protruding bone as you walk, especially if you have a ‘corn’ or a bunion.
Fifth: The link between your gait and chronic back pain
If your shoe doesn't match your gait, your entire body starts to ‘compensate’ for it. The knee tilts, the pelvis shifts, and the back starts to ache. That's why a handmade shoe isn't just a fashion item — it's a way of protecting your spine so you stay upright, head held high, and pain-free.
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