If you haven’t purchased shoes in a while, it can be quite intimidating to walk into a shoe store these days. There are shoe store logos such as New Balance, Birkenstock, Spenco, Powerstep, Pedag, Sof Sole, Superfeet and UGG everywhere and you may not understand why any of them are quite important and how the companies have placed themselves in the market.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the top brand names and what you can expect from them.
Apara – This brand name is associated with the Implus Footcare Company. Apara is a name borrowed from the Hindu god for undefeated and superior to all others. The brand is applied to shoe inserts good for high heels and includes heel inserts, arch inserts and other types of orthotic devices.
Birkenstock – This company started way back in the 1900s so its legend continues; its reputation is great. Expect to find shoes, insoles, footbeds and orthotics. Comfort in the arch of the foot is especially important to this company as well as foot pain relief from shin splints, plantar fasciitis, over supination and over pronation.
New Balance – These are OVC- and latex-free. They fit in well with New Balance shoes, Nike and Adidas athletic shoes. These can fit into boots, athletic shoes, casual and dress shoes.
Pedag – These orthotic insoles and inserts are made in Germany and the company stands behind the highest quality of ingredients – vegetable-tanned cow hide, sheepskin, cotton, sisal and charcoal. Natural ingredients allow your feet to breathe. You can wear them in the summer or in the winter. These orthotic insoles are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association and appropriate for flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, arches that have fallen, heel pain, and other foot issues.
Powerstep – This company was founded on the idea of therapeutic foot relief as well as foot comfort. You can expect foot support and foot comfort since all their products are designed by the podiatrist Dr. Les Appel, who has over 25 years experience working with patients’ feet. Pain-free Powerstep is what to remember – an easy mnemonic for one of the top shoe store logos.
Sof Sole – These are part of the company Implus Footcare, which has specialized in high performance cushioning and comfort. Expect footwear that leaves your foot moisture-free, high quality and products that give you tons of support.
Spenco – Of all the shoe store logos, this one is one you should remember. This brand of Spenco sandals, slides, shoes, orthotics and other products are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. They’re designed by Dr. Wayman Spence, a podiatrist. The company was created in 1967 so they have a long track record of success and innovation.
Don’t let the shoe store logos intimidate you. Use this as a guide to then view the products available that will fit your needs.