Closed-toed shoes are any type of shoes that completely covers your entire toes. This type of shoe is usually required for factory workers, construction workers, and others that require safety precautions for their work.
We wear closed-toed shoes a lot especially if it is the cold season or if your work requires it. During winter, we never dare to step outside in our strappy sandals because forbite will visit us in a matter of minutes.
Some occupations, like construction workers, factory workers, and even medical practitioners, are required to wear closed-toed shoes because of the hazards that may come into contact with them. Aside from looking more professional and sharper, the closed-toed shoe also provides safety for people in those fields.
Do you like wearing closed-toed shoes? Well, for some it can be a hassle to wear these types of shoes. It is especially hard for people who like wearing strappy sandals because they may feel constricted. But, wearing closed-toed shoes have their fair share of benefits that you do not want to pass up.
Benefits of Closed-Toed Shoes:
Close-toed shoes offer protection
As we mentioned before, some professions require them to ensure the safety of the work. While many may say that closed-toed shoes will not keep your feet cool, at least you will avoid getting stubbed or coming into contact with foreign elements.
They keep you from developing blisters or having scratches. Some closed-toed shoes can even protect your feet from water and superfine particles like sand and dust.
Closed-toed shoes are sturdier compared to open-toe shoes
Since closed-toed shoes have more foundation and materials, it lasts longer than open shoes. Put it to the test, compare how long your sandals last compared to your boots. The boost will last longer since the material is more solid and not skeletal compared to the sandals. Plus, the possibility of your sandals snapping during hours of walking is higher compared to a running shoe breaking.
Closed-toed shoes are perfect for strenuous activities
Imagine playing basketball with your buddies, will you wear your Birkenstock or your Nike Kyrie 6? Of course, you will go with basketball shoes since they will give more support than your sandals. We’re not saying that sandals or open-toe shoes are bad. It is just that for these types of activities, closed-toed shoes give you more advantage.
Closed-toed shoes give better support for long walks
While it is comfortable and fresh to wear sandals for long walks, it can cause calluses and blisters because your entire feet are not covered. If you plan to have a long trail walk with your family, closed-toed shoes are a must.
Aside from protection, some closed-toed shoes are designed to absorb shock and offer support and grip. You need this if you want to enjoy your trek since some paths can be slippery.
The closed-toed shoe will make you look more professional
In a corporate set-up, would you wear an open-toed shoe or a closed-toed shoe? Most of the time, women would prefer wearing a closed-toed stiletto over peep toe heels. Why? Because it makes them look sharper and more professional. Open-toed shoe suit parties, events, and other casual gatherings. Alternatively, closed-toed shoes are ideal for a corporate setup.
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What are examples of closed-toe shoes?
There are a lot of examples of closed-toed shoes. Some include mules, oxfords, espadrilles, sneakers, pumps, and more. As long as you do not have your toes in the open, a member of this category.
Not everyone enjoys wearing footwear that exposes the feet. If your one of them, then you do not have to worry because there are a lot of options you can go for. Whether it is sports shoes, casual shoes, or formal shoes, there is always a closed-toed shoe that you can enjoy.
During summer, we tend to prefer wearing clothes that are more breathable and keeps us fresh throughout the day. This includes our shoes. We prefer wearing something that will prevent our feet from sweating so we go for sandals over closed-toed shoes.
But what if you do not like exposing your feet? Are there any other summer shoes that you can wear? Fortunately, there are summer-appropriate closed-toed shoes that you can sport if you do not like open-toed shoes.
Examples of summer closed-toed shoes:
Closed-toe with open heel
For this style, since the back of the shoe is open, it will keep your feet ventilated. While it covers your toes, it will not accumulate that much moisture because a part of the shoes is open. This is perfect if you do not mind exposing your heel. You can wear them at work if your company does not follow any dress code. I can also work if you have a smart-casual dress code.
Perforated closed-toe shoes
This style is perfect for the summer because those perforated holes around this shoe will allow air to circulate your feet. You can see this style in pumps, boots, sneakers, loafers, oxfords, and flats. It comes in a variety of choices so you will not run out of options if you have several summer parties in line. You can pair a perforated pump with a flowy dress if you are attending a summer garden wedding.
Cut-out closed-toed boots and oxfords
This style provides you with more coverage around the toes but less in other parts of the feet. They are not as ventilating as the earlier two but, it is still breezy nonetheless. Do not think about wearing socks with this style because you aim to keep air flowing around your feet to keep them from sweating.
d’Orsay Pumps and Flats
If you have a formal supper party, these shoes it the best pick. The d’Orsay detail makes the shoe look classy and elegant and at the same time will keep the air flowing inside the shoe. You just need to size down a bit for these styles to make sure that you won’t have a Cinderella moment if you will be attending.
Are mules considered closed-toe shoes?
Mules by definition are backless shoes that are either closed-toe or opened-toe. So, by definition, some styles of mules are open-toes while others are closed-toes.
If you a fashionista who does not wear the same shoes for almost every outfit, you have probably come across some mules. Did you know that the iconic Marilyn Monroe loves this style?
If you’re not up to date with the latest shoe trends you may be wondering what they are. Do not worry, most of us do not have any idea what mules are so you’re not alone. We’re here to help you gain some knowledge on this!
History of Mules
Although mules are rising in popularity now, did you know that they have a very rich history? The origin of the word “mule” can be traced down back to ancient Rome. But it was only in the 16th century when this word was defined as backless shoes. While today, mules are worn for almost every occasion, back in the days, it was mostly used in the bedroom as a slipper.
In the 17th century, rich women started wearing mules under their ballgowns. You can also see in the painting “The Swing” by Jean-Honore Fragonard, that a woman is removing a pair of mules while looking at her male admirer.
Although mules have a colorful and vast history, did not take off the market, unlike today. It was only when Marylin Monroe wore these shoes that it took off. She paired hers with lovely shift dresses and high-waisted trousers. We tend to follow the trends celebrities set that’s why when a legend sets one, it is bound to blow off.
The Benefit of Wearing Mules
Mules are one of the most comfortable shoes on the planet. It uses a soft leather and suede material for its design and women mostly wear them during summer. Others wear them during fall too so, it is not just one-season shoes. Aside from the extreme comfort these shoes give, there are also numerous health benefits we can get for wearing mules.
One of the most significant characteristics of mules is their backless feature. If you have Achilles tendonitis or other ailments that give you pain in the back of your heel, mules are the perfect shoes for you.
Since these shoes do not have a back rubbing or irritating the tendons while walking, they will not aggravate any pain. If you have arthritis, these shoes can also help relieve some pain while walking. So, if you’re looking for a shoe that’s not only comfortable but can keep up with your stylish outfit, mules will do a perfect job in this.
How to Style Mules
Mules are super versatile and fit almost every outfit. It has a large range of design options so you won’t have a problem looking for one to fit the bill. You can pair your mules with cropped pants or trousers to give your shoes more emphasis.
You can sport a black mule with a small heel then pair it with some cuffed jeans. For the top, you can wear a shirt and finish the outfit with some basic accessories. You can wear this look for doing errands, visiting a friend, or having a walk to the park.
For a more formal look, you can wear a pointed mule and pair it with a knee-length, A-line skirt and a blouse. This will give you a simple sleek look that will spice up your office wardrobe. You will have optimum comfort to last you the whole day but without sacrificing a stylish look.
Why do medical workers wear closed-toe shoes?
There are no specifications as to what footwear medical workers need to wear. But they are mandated to wear protective footwear if there is any possible danger to the feet.
As we mentioned before, closed-toe shoes are essential for certain professions to give them added protection while doing their job. One of those is medical workers. While it is not specified what types of shoes are needed to be worn, they are mandated to wear protective shoes for instances that their feet may come into contact with danger.
Reasons why medical workers need to wear appropriate shoes
Protection against toxic substances
Its common knowledge that the hospital is a hostile environment that one wrong move may lead to the inevitable. Health professionals are dealing with various toxic drugs, contaminated samples that may have deadly microorganisms, and bleach and disinfectants that may destroy unstable shoes.
If they plan to wear sandals in a harsh environment like this, what do you think will happen? That’s why to protect themselves from this danger, they need to wear EVA shoes that completely cover their feet. Those shoes are reinforced in the upper portions and the sole to prevent any liquids or syringes from coming through.
Comfortable movement
Spending hours in the operating room, aside from having protection, should also have comfort. The protective shoes that medical workers wear have optimum comfort to help them get through a day’s work. It is lightweight enough to not hinder their movements and provide the support that they need.
Anti-slip
Medical workers are always on the run in case of emergencies that’s why they need to have anti-slip soles. Also, the shoes need to have some pattern in the front and the back so contaminants can be easily removed.
Prevent back pains
Standing long hours through their shifts, if health workers wear uncomfortable shoes, it can aggravate their back pains. Aside from having closed-toe shoes for protection, an anti-slip sole for support, and a soft insole for comfort, they also need to check their heels.
Two to four centimeter is enough and if they go beyond that they might be in trouble. If the shoes it too high, it will stress the balls of your feet with too much weight. High heels will cause fatigue, circulation problems, and more which medical workers cannot afford.