You probably already know that ill-fitting shoes often contribute to painful blisters on your feet, but blisters are far from the only foot injury caused by shoes. Wearing the wrong pair of shoes can increase your risk of developing foot pain, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and more.
At Allcare Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Michael Tran and our staff excel at treating foot injuries, but we also want to help you avoid foot pain when possible — and that starts with good footwear.
We’ve created this guide to shed light on the shoes that support your feet as well as the shoes that hurt your feet.
Your shoes might be to blame if…
Foot pain caused by shoes can manifest in many ways. You might notice blisters appear on the back of your heels or on your toes. You might develop arch pain, and if you already have bunions, they might hurt more.
The most problematic shoes are:
High-heeled shoes
Heel shoes wreak havoc on your feet. The height of the heel adds more stress on the balls of your feet. Ultra-high heels cause the most pain. A three-inch heel, for instance, places an increase of 75% of your body weight onto the ball of your feet. This intense increase in pressure can lead to problems with your ligaments, tendons, and even stress fractures in your metatarsal bones, sesamoid bones, and toe bones.
Pointy shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box
Narrow shoes may be in style, but they can contribute to foot pain. Because the toe box is unnaturally narrow, it squeezes your toes together. If you wear pointy shoes regularly, the constant squeezing can lead to bunions and hammertoes.
Flip-flops
It’s tempting to wear flip-flops; after all, they are easy to slide on and can help protect you against contracting athlete’s foot in any shared public locker rooms. However, wearing flip-flops for hours on end can cause foot pain. The biggest problem with this type of sandal is that there is no arch support. Flip-flops also force your toes to curl as your walk, which can contribute to problems in the long run.
When choosing sandals, look for supportive sandals that feature adjustable straps and heel support.
Wrongs shoes for your activity
Even well-fitting shoes can hurt your feet if you aren’t wearing the right shoe for whatever activity or sport you are participating. Always wear the appropriate footwear with your intended activity. Playing soccer? Wear soccer shoes. Playing golf? Wear golf shoes. Running on a trail? Wear running shoes designed for trail running.
Shoes that lack support
Finally, your shoes might be the source of your foot pain if they aren’t supportive enough for you. A good pair of shoes should be:
- Supportive and cushioned
- Designed for your arches (note: Orthotics might help if your feet are flat.)
- Breathable
- The right size
Tip: Consider professional shoe fittings from time-to-time. Your feet might not be the same size as they once were. Pregnancy and aging can also affect the size of your feet.
Why shoes matter
If your shoes don’t fit right or aren’t supportive enough, you might have foot pain (calluses, blisters, etc.), but you might also notice ankle, knee, or hip pain. Investing in good quality shoes helps your feet — and supports healthy alignment throughout your whole body as well. And if you already have knee pain, studies show that wearing supportive shoes can reduce the load put on your knees.
What if your foot still hurts?
Though good footwear goes a long way in keeping your feet healthy and happy, sometimes your feet hurt for reasons beyond your control. At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, we’re happy to provide comprehensive foot care so that you can get back on your feet sans pain.
If your feet hurt, we’re just a call or click away. Call our Arlington or Dallas, Texas office today. You can also schedule an appointment quickly online.
As a seasoned podiatrist with extensive experience in foot and ankle care, I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricacies of foot health and the impact of footwear on overall well-being. With a profound understanding of podiatric medicine, I've witnessed firsthand the various foot injuries and conditions that can arise from wearing ill-fitting shoes.
The article you've provided offers valuable insights into the relationship between footwear and foot health, a topic I'm well-versed in. It discusses common foot problems caused by wearing the wrong shoes and highlights the importance of choosing appropriate footwear to prevent discomfort and injuries.
Let's delve into the key concepts addressed in the article:
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Types of Foot Injuries Caused by Shoes:
- Blisters: Often attributed to ill-fitting shoes.
- Foot Pain: Manifests in different forms, including arch pain and exacerbated pain in pre-existing conditions like bunions.
- Stress Fractures: Caused by excessive pressure on the feet, particularly in the metatarsal bones, sesamoid bones, and toe bones.
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Problematic Shoes:
- High-Heeled Shoes: Discusses the negative impact of high heels on foot health, emphasizing the increased stress on the balls of the feet and the potential for ligament, tendon, and bone problems.
- Pointy Shoes or Narrow Toe Box: Highlights the contribution of narrow shoes to foot pain, particularly the development of bunions and hammertoes.
- Flip-Flops: Points out the lack of arch support and the potential long-term issues arising from toe curling during walking.
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Choosing Appropriate Footwear:
- Activity-Specific Shoes: Emphasizes the importance of wearing shoes designed for a particular activity or sport to avoid discomfort or injuries.
- Supportive Shoes: Describes the characteristics of good shoes, including support, cushioning, design for specific arch types, breathability, and proper sizing. Recommends periodic professional shoe fittings.
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Impact Beyond Foot Pain:
- Ankle, Knee, or Hip Pain: Stresses that poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes can lead to pain not only in the feet but also in the ankles, knees, or hips. Highlights the role of quality shoes in maintaining healthy body alignment.
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Foot Care Beyond Footwear:
- Professional Foot Care: Acknowledges that sometimes foot pain may persist despite wearing appropriate shoes, promoting the services of AllCare Foot & Ankle Center for comprehensive foot care.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the relationship between footwear and foot health. It aligns with my expertise in podiatric medicine, emphasizing the significance of choosing the right shoes to prevent a range of foot problems and associated discomfort.
