### We change our shoes when the seasons change without really thinking about it.   Sandals and flip flops disappear. Trainers come back. Boots get pulled out of cupboards. And suddenly we’re walking over wet pavements, fallen leaves and ground that’s a little less predictable than it was a few weeks ago.   Our feet are pretty clever. With every step, they’re constantly responding to what’s underneath us, making tiny adjustments to help keep us balanced, stable and moving comfortably.   But do they actually notice when the seasons change?   And when we swap lightweight summer shoes for autumn footwear like trainers, loafers and boots, does that change the way we move too?   We asked FitFlop’s resident biomechanist, Dr Kim Lilley, to explain what’s really going on underfoot as we head into autumn. From why grip matters on wet pavements to what cushioning, support and stability actually do for our feet, and what we should be looking for in a good autumn shoe.   As Dr Kim would tell you, the best footwear works with the way your body moves, rather than asking your feet to do all the work  

 

"The best footwear works with the way your body moves, 
rather than asking your feet to do all the work."

  **Do our feet actually notice the change in seasons? What happens to the way we walk as we move from summer into autumn?**    Our feet are incredibly responsive to the environment, and after a long summer they may actually look and feel slightly different than they did at the start of the hot season.   Warm weather causes blood vessels to expand to help regulate body temperature, and many people can experience a degree of fluid retention (swelling) in their feet, particularly if they have spent time walking, travelling or standing. In addition, the time spent in open toe styles allows the toes to move freely and the forefoot to spread more naturally during walking.   Therefore as we move into Autumn and start wearing more closed toe footwear, many women may notice that shoes feel tighter than they remember, or that their feet need a short time for adjustment.   **We go from sandals and lighter shoes back into trainers, loafers and boots. Does that change affect our feet or the way we move?**   Lighter summer shoes tend to allow more freedom and flexibility, whereas trainers and boots tend to provide more structure and support. Neither is better, they are just designed for different purposes.   They key is that as there is a requirement for footwear to become more substantial, we ensure that our styles still work with natural movement rather than restricting it. We create styles that help encourage efficient movement, with fit that works with varying foot shapes.   **As the seasons shift and the weather gets colder, are there any changes women might notice in their bodies, feet or the way they move?**   Cold weather can make muscles and soft tissues feel less flexible, and some people notice their joints become slightly more sensitive. For women specifically, hormonal transitions, balance confidence, comfort perception and feelings of fatigue can fluctuate throughout the year.   This is why we work to engineer footwear that balances comfort, cushioning, support and stability, to help women feel comfortable even when the body isnt feeling its most supple.   **Wet pavements, fallen leaves and uneven ground are all part of autumn. How does our body naturally adapt when surfaces become less predictable?**   In addition to what we can see, our feet are constantly collecting information from the ground and sending it back to the brain. When surfaces become less predictable, the body increases its focus on balance, and the muscles around the feet/ankles/lower legs work together to make rapid adjustments to the terrain. This is a key reason why we focus on grip and stability in our footwear, to reduce the corrective work the body has to do.   **What role does grip play in helping us feel stable and confident on our feet?**   Grip is an important aspect of footwear, particularly during the autumn/winter months. When the foot trusts the surface, the body will move more naturally and confidently. When grip is poor, walking gait slows down, cadence reduces and the wearer will tend to stiffen their posture. So appropriate grip allows the body to move more freely rather than preparing for a loss of balance.   **We hear a lot about cushioning, support and stability. What do those actually mean for our feet, and how do they work together?**   All three are different features of the shoe. Cushioning helps manage impact forces and reduce underfoot pressure. Support helps the foot to maintain an efficient position during movement. Stability helps to control unwanted movement and improve balance. Generally, to achieve true long term comfort and functionality, all three need to work together.   **Is a softer shoe always a more comfortable shoe, or is there more to good cushioning than softness?**   This is probably one of the biggest myths in footwear. Softness and long term comfort are not the same thing. A shoe can feel soft, but will soon cause fatigue if it allows too much movement, positions the foot in the wrong way, or fails to distribute pressure effectively. Great cushioning absorbs impact as well as providing control and rebound. Its about helping the body move efficiently, not simply sinking into foam. For me, long term comfort is the real test, not just how a shoe feels in the first 30 seconds.   **What should we look for when choosing an everyday autumn shoe, particularly if we’re on our feet a lot?**   The key is to look for footwear that supports how you move throughout the day. Good grip is essential for wet conditions. Then beyond that, look for shoes that feel cushioned and contoured rather than just overly soft. Specifically, think beyond the first impression.   **If you’re switching back into boots after months of sandals, is there anything you’d recommend looking out for?**   Pay attention to fit. It may feel slightly tight when you first make the switch, but ensure there is always room for the toes to move. And flexibility is key. A boot shouldn’t feel like a rigid cast around the foot. The best shoes provide protection and structure while still allowing natural movement of the foot.   **What’s one thing most people misunderstand about their feet or the way they walk?**   We tend to think footwear isnt important, or that walking is simple (because most of us to it every day). In reality, every step we take is a coordinated movement involving muscles, joints, balance and sensory feedback all working together. Discomfort in your footwear is often considered normal, however it’s actually a sign that the body is having to work harder than it should. Good footwear should work with the body so well, you can barely feel it.   **Is there anything our feet do every day that’s actually quite remarkable, but we rarely think about?**   Our feet are continuously sensing, calculating and adapting. Every step provides information about pressure, stability and terrain. This information is processed by the brain almost instantly, which allows us to make thousands of movement decisions without conscious thought. And we barely notice it. We move through the world while our feet and nervous system are doing an enormous amount of work behind the scenes on every single step.   **Finally, if you could give us one simple rule for keeping our feet comfortable as we head into autumn, what would it be?**   Choose footwear that feels as if it works with your body, not against it. Comfort isn’t about the softest sole, it’s about enabling you to move naturally, confidently and efficiently throughout the day.   ### The seasonal takeaway   **So, do our feet feel autumn? In a way, yes.**   We change our shoes. The ground gets wetter. Things get a bit more slippery. 
And our feet quietly get on with adapting to all of it.    Which is pretty amazing when you think about it.    The trick is not to make their job any harder. Good grip. Smart cushioning. 
The right support. Shoes that work with your feet, not against them.    Because your feet are doing something clever all day long. Your shoes should 
be clever too.    Making the switch to autumn shoes? Explore our [Transitional Footwear collection](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-transitional-styles-uk), discover [boots](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-boots-uk) and trainers, or get ready for wetter weather with our guide to [How to Clean Suede Shoes](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/how-to-care-and-clean-suede-trainers).