You might be wondering if the price of Converse sneakers still justifies the comfort after hearing about its downfall in 2012.
So, are converse comfortable? Converse sneakers are comfy, but they have their drawbacks.
When you try them for the first time, they are uncomfortable, and a break-in period is required. Second, these shoes have no arch support, have stiff insoles, and are not suitable for people with wide or flat feet. Converse sneakers are comfortable if you have small, normal-arched feet and wear them for brisk walks following the break-in time.
However, how can you make them more comfortable and appropriate for you? To reverse this Converse problem, read all the way to the end.
Are Converse Bad For Your Feet?
Converse are bad for your feet in three ways: if you have foot problems, if you have wide/flat feet, or if you wear them for long periods of time.
Let’s focus on podiatrists’ opinions on Chuck Taylors, a legendary pair of Converse formerly popular among athletes.
According to Dr. Kor, president of AAPSM, the structure that supports the area between the heel and toe (shank) is the most important feature of any shoe. The more it bends, the more pressure it puts on your foot, causing pain. According to doctors, because Converse bends in the shank area, they can cause foot pain. As a result, if the shanks feel stiff when bending, one is less likely to experience foot pain.
Other reasons that podiatrists do not recommend Converse (specifically Chuck Taylor) shoes are:
- They are flat, less cushioned, and offer minimal arch support. Converse shoes, as a result, allow for heel and arch pain, including tendinitis.
- The thin soles have little shock absorption capacity.
- Most customers have complained of plantar fasciitis after wearing them for extended periods of time.
So, if you wear the classic Converse (Chuck Taylor) for more than 10 hours a day, you’re likely to develop the previously mentioned foot problems.
Converse, on the other hand, reduced the shank’s flexibility in their second version of Chucks, resulting in the Chuck Taylor II. Thankfully, it had resolved all of the comfort issues that had plagued the previous version. Furthermore, while maintaining the classic Chuck Taylor design, Chuck Taylor II offers improved cushioning, a breathable liner, and improved arch support.
Read more on: Are Converse True To Size?
Are High-Top Converse Comfortable?
High-top shoes cover your ankles or extend all the way to your ankle bone. High-top shoes are specifically designed to prevent ankle turns and fractures due to their covering nature. So, how comfortable are high-top Converse? Let’s answer.
Converse high-tops are available in a variety of heights and are mostly made of canvas with a springy sole. The soft Canvas material conforms quickly to your feet, and the sole is ideal for brisk walks.
Despite the features listed above, high-top Converse shoes are not comfortable. Why? Because their toe-box is narrow despite having a flexible ankle. Furthermore, due to the limited toe room, the shoes are not suitable for wearing all day.
This is a problem with high-top shoes in general, not just Converse. According to some studies, high-top shoes reduce muscles’ ability to combat ankle turns, increasing the likelihood of a sprain. Simultaneously, another study concluded that high-top shoes increase the force and risk of injury to the Achilles tendon.
As a result, Converse high-tops are uncomfortable and won’t help reduce ankle strains much.
Are Converse Comfortable For Walking?
Converse are only suitable for walking if you keep an eye on the clock. And by this, I mean that if you intend to wear your Converse on a hike, day trip, at work, on long errands, or for long hours, Converse is not the best option.
They are appropriate for both short walks and long walks. Using them as a substitute for work boots will result in blisters, sores, and backaches. Converse has low cushioning, thin insoles, no shock absorption, and a minimal support system.
To compensate, you can replace the soles or add padding. Converse, on the other hand, has thicker Canvas material and support than Vans. So, when it comes to traveling, Converse are still superior to Vans.
But, just like podiatrists, I don’t recommend wearing Converse if you have foot problems (as discussed in one of the previous sections).
Are Converse Comfortable For Wide Feet?
Yes, they are comfortable for wide feet. Customers with wide feet have given positive feedback on Converse shoes. Some claim that they are the only shoes that fit wide feet without squeezing them.
To achieve this level of comfort, you must order the correct size and break them in properly. And, for effective breaking, allow at least two weeks for the material to stretch and mold to your wide feet.
Furthermore, to douse the flames for wide feet, converse shoes come in a variety of wide-width sizes. And such sizes have ample volume, and wider platforms have better dimensions. And the measurement for such dimensions include:
- 15 mm width to the instep and ball.
- 6mm width to the bottom.
What’s more? Unlike in regular Converse, you don’t need to wait to break into wide-fit Converse!
If you’re not sure if you should order your wide-width fit, you can go a half size up from your regular Converse.
Read more about: Do Vans Stretch? 5 Easiest Way To Break In Vans!
Are Converse Good For Lifting?
Yes, you can wear Converse while performing weight-lifting exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and so on.
These Converse shoes are ideal for weight-lifting because of their rugged, flat insoles, low padding, high-top features, and minimal cushioning. In short, Converse’s features serving as a boon for comfortable walking are a bane for weightlifters.
The flat sole provides a stable foundation, keeping the foot in a natural, parallel to the floor position. Second, Converse rubber soles are breathable, creating a light and airy environment for feet to work out. Third, because Converse shoes are non-slip, they are ideal for exercises such as Olympic lifts.
Converse, on the other hand, are not suitable for professional weightlifting, cardio training, or exercises such as lunges and calf raises. In short, Converse are a good substitute for casual workout deadlift shoes.
Are Converse Good For Running?
Converse shoes are not suitable for running. Quality running shoes must have better arch support, increased breathability, a secure heel area, lightweight, and a non-flat sole. Although Converse are breathable and light enough for weightlifting, the thick Canvas and rubber insole do not provide the same value needed for running.
Why Are Converse Shoes Considered Good?
Among the negative aspects of Converse shoes discussed in this guide regarding comfort and health, you may be wondering what makes Converse shoes good.
Contrary views are still encouraged because:
- They are fashionable and have an iconic retro design that nearly every global customer adores.
- Converse shoes (especially Cons Converse) are ideal for skateboarding due to their rubber-backed uppers and toes.
- Various sizes and fits are available, even for wide feet.
- Lastly, as discussed previously, they are suitable for casual weight-lifting.
How To Make Converse Shoes More Comfortable?
You are now aware that Converse shoes have numerous “ifs” and “buts” in terms of comfort, but how can you make them more comfortable? Here are a few tips:
- Replace the insoles and add more to elevate the padding
- To alter the experience, try changing the lacing and opting for more comfortable types such as heel locking lacing.
- Stretch them with a shoe stretcher while wearing thick socks or other traditional shoe-breaking in methods.
- Purchase the pair that corresponds to your arch type and width.
- Use a tongue pad to reduce friction.
Wrap Up: Are Converse Comfortable?
Converse shoes are comfortable for a small group of shoe lovers worldwide, but they are more of a fashion statement than a functional shoe.
Converse are not recommended by podiatrists due to its flat, shock-prone, low-support soles and structure. They are not suitable for long periods of standing, running, strenuous exercises, or having flat feet. Converse, on the other hand, can be worn for short errands and weight lifting if you have normal-sized feet.
However, if you are unable to abandon Converse due to their design, you can make them more comfortable using the methods discussed in this guide.
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