What is a buttress and why do I need one?
What is a counter?
The counter is essentially nothing more than the sturdy part located in the heel. This part of the shoe can be made from various materials. If you wear a lot of athletic shoes, there's a good chance that the counter is made from some kind of mesh material. If you wear leather shoes, the counter is usually made of leather or suede. Suede is preferred, as it is softer on the heel and prevents blisters.
Shoes without a counter
The counter ensures that you literally don't walk "beside your shoes." The heel remains upright, providing more support. This prevents complaints, such as the stretching or weakening of muscles that run from the leg to the foot and vice versa. Plantar fasciitis, for example, can develop more quickly in people who wear shoes without a counter.
But a counter alone is not enough. You need a combination to create a good shoe. A shoe also needs a shank (located in the outsole) and, of course, a good footbed that fits your own foot. Fortunately, at Hafkamp, we have many shoes with removable footbeds, making it possible to wear the shoes with your own (orthotic) insoles.
