The Four Shoes That Can Harm Your Feet

Some experts believe that wearing any shoes is unhealthy because they change the way you walk, increasing the risk of injury and chronic foot problems. Unfortunately, wearing shoes is a part of our culture; and few people would want to walk down a busy city street in their bare feet no matter how recently they had a pedicure. When it comes to foot health, the shoes you choose can make all the difference in how you feel when you walk and can even reduce the risk of foot problems. There are some shoes you don’t want to choose if you value the health and comfort of your feet. Here are some of the very worst shoes for foot health.

Pointed Toe High Heels

A high heeled shoe with a pointed to may look fashionable but the combination of toes crowded into a too narrow space and pressure created by the heel can lead to toe problems ranging from bunions to corns and hammer toes. Although bunions are caused by a genetic deformity of the foot, wearing high, pointed toe heels can make the problem worse. Both bunions and hammertoes can end up requiring surgery to relieve pain. If you wear heels, keep them two inches or under in height and avoid any style that forces the toes together. Stay away from stilettos except for special occasions. Round toed shoes with a wide toe box are best.

Ballet Flats

Although wearing ballet flats may seem like a way to avoid the problems associated with heels, they create their own set of foot problems. Because they lack cushioning and support, wearing them increases the risk of shin splints and plantar fasciitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the heel and foot. It’s particularly important for someone with flat feet to stay away from ballet flats and only wear shoes with good arch support. Ballet flats may feel comfy, but they shouldn’t be worn too frequently, particularly if you have flat feet.

Flip Flops

Ahh! The delight of having your toes exposed! But, all that comfort and freedom may come at the price of foot health. Wearing flip flops pose the same risks as wearing ballet flats, only greater. In addition to the risk of shin splints and plantar fasciitis, leaving the upper foot exposed increases the risk of cutting or scraping the foot. The risk of ankle sprains is also higher with flip flop shoes. Podiatrists recommend wearing flip flops only for short periods of time. If you value the health of your feet, heed their advice.

Crocs

They may be as unhealthy as they are ugly, particularly for children riding escalators. There have been a variety of accounts of children having their crocs caught between the moving stairs and the side of the escalator with some experiencing significant injury. While crocs have received the most publicity in terms of escalator injuries, flip flops could also be a health risk in this regard.  

The bottom line? When it comes to foot health, keep comfort in mind as well as style. Remember that shoes help to stabilize the foot as well as the entire body. Choose wisely.