ECCO FLUIDFORM is a footwear construction technology used in ECCO shoes. How flexible a pair feels underfoot depends on the whole shoe, including its sole, fit and upper.
For shoppers, flexibility is only part of the comfort picture. Cushioning, support and room for your toes matter too. Knowing how those features feel together can help you choose a pair you'll enjoy wearing.
What ECCO FLUIDFORM means for shoppers
You'll see the FLUIDFORM name associated with ECCO footwear, but the name alone doesn't tell you how a particular pair will feel on your feet. Shoes have different shapes and features, even when they come from the same brand.
As you walk, your foot bends at the ball before your toes push off. A shoe that moves comfortably at that point can feel easier to walk in than one that resists the movement. The amount of bend you prefer is personal: some shoppers like a supple feel, while others prefer more structure.
Consider where you'll wear the shoes, too. A pair for short errands may feel different underfoot than one you want to wear through a full day of walking.
How flexibility affects the feel of a shoe
Flexibility describes how readily a shoe bends. It's related to comfort, but it isn't the same thing as cushioning or support.
Movement at the forefoot
The forefoot is the part of the shoe beneath the ball of your foot and your toes. When you walk, that area needs to accommodate the movement of your foot as your heel lifts.
A comfortable flex should feel natural rather than forced. If a shoe presses into the top of your toes as it bends, or feels awkward when you step forward, the fit or shape may not suit your foot. Pay attention to the feel while walking, since a shoe can feel comfortable standing still but different in motion.
Cushioning and support
Cushioning describes the softness you feel underfoot. Support comes from the way a shoe holds and steadies your foot. Neither tells you on its own how easily the sole bends.
For example, a soft insole can feel pleasant under your heel even if the shoe itself has a firmer flex. A more structured shoe can also feel comfortable if it fits well and gives your foot the support you prefer. Look for the combination that feels right during your usual activities.
Two ECCO Soft 7 styles to consider
Our ECCO selection includes different approaches to everyday footwear. These two Soft 7 styles give you a choice between a low sneaker and a bootie.
Soft 7 black leather sneaker
The women's ECCO Soft 7 black leather sneaker has a low-cut shape that works with casual clothes. Its black leather upper gives it a clean look for everyday wear.
A low sneaker is a useful option if you prefer less material around your ankle. When trying one on, notice whether the heel stays comfortably in place and whether your toes have room to move as you walk.
Soft 7 black nubuck low bootie
The women's ECCO Soft 7 low bootie offers more coverage around the ankle. It's lined in soft leather and made on a full anatomical last, the form that gives a shoe its shape.
It also has a removable leather-covered inlay sole with ECCO Comfort Fibre System. A removable inlay gives you the option to take it out when assessing the space inside the shoe or considering a different insert.
How to judge the fit when you try shoes on
A flexible-feeling sole can't make up for a shoe that's too tight or slips at the heel. Try both shoes with the type of socks you expect to wear, then walk around rather than judging the fit from a seated position.
Give your toes room
Your toes should have space to move without pressing against the front or sides. As you step forward, notice whether the upper pinches across the widest part of your foot.
Also pay attention to where the shoe bends. If the bend doesn't feel comfortable beneath the ball of your foot, another size or shape may be a better match. Avoid choosing a tight pair on the assumption that it will stretch enough to solve the problem.
Pay attention to the heel and instep
The heel should feel secure without rubbing. Some movement can happen as you walk, but repeated slipping can create friction. At the instep, the top of your foot should feel comfortably held rather than squeezed.
If you wear an insert, try the shoe with it in place. An insert changes the space inside, so the fit you feel with the original inlay may not match the fit you'll get day to day.
Choosing a shoe for your routine
For everyday city wear, consider how much time you'll spend walking and what surfaces you'll encounter. A shoe that feels good for a quick trip may not provide the cushioning or support you want for a longer outing.
Your preferred feel matters more than how easily a shoe bends in your hands. Walk at your normal pace and notice the pressure beneath your foot, the movement at the forefoot and the fit around your heel. Those details give you a fuller picture of comfort than flexibility alone.
Find the feel that fits your feet
ECCO FLUIDFORM is one feature you may encounter while shopping, but your comfort depends on the complete fit. Look for a shoe that moves comfortably with your foot and provides the cushioning and support you prefer.
You can try ECCO styles with us at 155 West 72nd Street in New York City, or shop our selection online.
