3 Reasons to Choose a Cork Footbed
Cork has been used as a natural material for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks were the first to use cork in footwear, because of it’s soft yet hard-wearing properties. We offer a wide variety of shoes with cork footbeds, a premium, natural material that provides a trifecta of benefits: sustainability, comfort, and foot health. Here are three important reasons to choose a shoe with a cork footbed.
Sustainable Style
Cork is a naturally renewable resource that can be harvested many times without harming the cork tree over it’s 200 – 300 year life span. The bark regenerates over time, making cork a great eco-friendly choice for the environmentally conscious consumer. The material is also biodegradable and recyclable.
Cork Equals Comfort
Cork is naturally lightweight and flexible, conforming to the shape of your foot for a custom, comfortable fit. Because cork molds to your foot and has natural shock absorption, it provides important arch support, which can help alleviate symptoms from Plantar Fasciitis and reduce stress on your joints, promoting better overall foot biomechanics. Read more on Biometrics of feet here.
Cork Promotes Foot Health
Did you know that cork can actually improve your foot health?
Cork as a natural material is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. With natural antimicrobial properties, cork can help prevent foot odor and fungal infections too.
Our Favorite Brands Featuring Cork Footbeds
At Peterson Shoes, we carry a wide selection of brands built on cork footbeds. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Birkenstock
The OG of comfort sandals, Birkenstock has been using cork for decades. Birkenstock contoured cork footbeds provide maximum support and even weight distribution for proper posture. Check out our Complete Guide to Birkenstock: to find your perfect pair.
Mephisto
Mephisto is another brand that offers incredible arch support and comfort, thanks to their signature cork footbeds and the SOFT-AIR midsole. Additional padding between the cork and chemical-free leather reduces the shock from walking for supreme comfort.. We have a wide variety of Mephisto styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Haflinger
Known for their cozy slippers and sandals, Haflinger uses cork footbeds for added comfort and support. The natural cork and latex footbed makes them soft enough to adapt and mold to the unique shape of your foot, providing support for the foot & arch and pressure relief for the metatarsal heads.
Learn more about the many benefits of Haflinger footwear here: Ten Benefits of Haflinger Clogs.
Cork is a superior material for foot health, support and comfort. Aside from the health benefits, cork is a sustainable material that is also extremely comfortable for all day wear. Did you know that as many as 75% of people wear the wrong size shoes? At Peterson Shoes, we measure your foot length, width and arch to find the perfect size and fit. Because Halflinger clogs are sized on the metric system, with fit varying by style, it’s a good idea to be sized and fitted onsite. Our experienced staff, which includes Certified Pedorthists, can help you try on shoes or inserts, and make sure you leave with shoes that will both look and feel great.
Peterson Shoes is a family-owned shoe store and shoe repair shop serving the Andover, Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Minneapolis areas. We specialize in orthotic shoe inserts, shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and shoes for Tendonitis. Come check out our selection of Women’s shoes, apparel and accessories, and Men’s shoes at 209 E Main Street, Anoka, MN. Or shop our selection online now.