For those who spend lots of time on their feet, the right footwear can prevent foot, ankle and knee problems. It’s important to avoid wearing shoes that are not designed for the activities you engage in and to look for footwear that will provide long-wearing comfort and support.

Whether you’re a casual office worker who wears flats or a weekend hiker who loves the idea of walking on rocky terrain, there are a variety of leisure shoes that are designed to fit your needs. These shoes are comfortable, look good and come in a range of styles to suit your lifestyle.

Leisure shoes are casual footwear with a touch of class, not designed to be athletic performance shoes. They’re split into myriad types and are designed to go with a wide range of clothing from skirts and spring dresses to jeans and denim shorts. While they’re not the best choice for working out at the gym, they are more practical than slip on sneakers, and a good alternative to ballet flats and high heels.

Although they’re not as stiff as Mtb race shoes, leisure shoes are much more comfortable to walk in and will reduce the pressure that can be felt over a long period of pedalling. They typically have a trainer or lightweight hiking style sole that will allow you to get a good grip on the ground without cleats scraping against the floor or clogging up with dirt and muck.

You can also find leisure shoes with a padded insole for extra cushioning and a lightweight mesh upper that’s breathable, making them ideal for long walks. Mercier says the breathable mesh helps keep these slip-ons cool and adds that they’re machine washable, making them easy to maintain. You can also pick up a pair that’s designed for women and comes in six neutral and versatile colors.

When shopping for leisure shoes, you should always try them on and test the fit before you buy. Don’t assume that they need to be broken in or that the size stated on the shoe label will fit your feet. You need to make sure that the shoes are sturdy and flexible, giving your feet a natural range of motion while providing long-wearing durability. You should also check that the soles have a deep gain tread to help with grip and stability, as opposed to a light textural tread that will wear down quickly.

The right footwear is essential to your health and wellbeing. A long stint in the wrong shoes can cause pain and stress to your hips, knees and ankles and even lead to arthritis. The right leisure shoes will give your feet the protection they need, helping you feel better and perform at your peak. So shop the latest range of lifestyle footwear online today. You’ll be glad you did.