(904) 825-0540

Having comfortable feet can be the difference between enjoying the day with your family and watching your family enjoy the day from the sidelines. Foot health and comfort is not only extremely pertinent to keeping our daily lives on track, it affects the health of several other body parts as well. Even though we recognize that it’s important, we often choose footwear that directly causes foot-related issues.

It’s important to note that comfortable, healthy feet start with shoes that fit correctly. Even the most supportive shoes won’t feel very nice if they’re the wrong size. Always try to find shoes that fit each part of your foot properly. If this has been an issue for you, it might be worth it to have shoes custom-fitted to your feet. Most of the issues we’ll discuss can be prevented with correctly fitting shoes. Below we’ll take a look at a few of the most popular types of shoes, what they’re doing to your feet, and how you can fix it.

Heels

Heels are probably the most widely known problem child in the shoe world. The higher the heel, the more pressure is put on just one part of the foot. The best shoes are the ones that help evenly distribute pressure.

There are three main subcategories of heels: stilettos (skinny heel), pumps (thicker heel), and wedges (platform heel). All three of these are prone to causing bunions, hammertoes, corns, and calluses. This is because the toe of the shoe is often too tight. This pushes the toes together in an extreme way that the foot can’t handle for too long without developing side effects. Pointy-toed heels are extremely prone to these issues.

With stilettos and pumps, weight is put on the ball of the foot. The ball can become sore. Also, this position lengthens the legs (one of the reasons many women prefer these shoes) which strains muscles in the legs and hips that aren’t normally used. This can cause soreness throughout the legs and in the lower back.

Wedges distribute the weight more evenly but they present their own issues. Because the entirety of the foot is so far off the ground, stability becomes an issue. Sprained ankles are a common issue with wedges as wobbliness can be hard to avoid.

What you can do to fix it:

Avoid excessively high heels (anything over one inch) as much as possible.  Also, choose heels that give plenty of wiggle room in the toe area. If you find yourself needing to wear high heels, try and bring a spare pair of shoes that you can switch to when appropriate.

Flip-Flops, Ballet Flats, and Sandals

These shoes are often worn for their simplicity, comfort, and style. These shoes generally lack any support for your arch. They are thin and flat on the bottom. This may not cause immediate discomfort as a heel would, but a lack of arch support can lead to plantar fasciitis, which presents as a sharp pain in your heel.

What you can do to fix it:

When it comes to beach shoes, it’s best to reserve them solely for the beach. For sandals and ballet flats, consider getting a shoe insert. Depending on your needs, you can get one from the drugstore or have a specialist fit one specifically to your foot. This increases arch support and helps evenly distribute pressure.

 

Sneakers

Sneakers are not one-sport-fits-all. Different activities require different sneakers. There are different weight, breathability, and traction considerations that need to be taken into account. Plus, getting the correct size sneaker is notoriously difficult. Choosing the wrong type of athletic shoe for physical activity is a easy way to injure your foot, leg, or back. This is not the time to focus on pretty designs or flashy colors.

What you can do to fix it:

Visit an athletic gear store and have a trained sales associate work with you to pick the right type and size of athletic shoe.

Rain Boots

Rubber rain boots are a favorite among gardeners and rainy-day enthusiasts. Due to the rubber material they’re made of, they are a breeding ground for germs. Wearing them too often and in damp conditions can lead to your feet smelling foul and becoming infected with a fungus.

What you can do to fix it:

Always allow your boots to dry completely before the next time you wear them. If possible, have two pairs to ensure this is never an issue. Also, wear cotton socks every time. When you’re finished wearing them, give your feet a quick scrub.

Make Your Feet Happy

In general, you have to find out what works for your feet and your lifestyle. Try and choose shoe options that both satisfy your needs and keep your feet healthy and feeling good.

If you find yourself dealing with foot pain on a regular basis, we recommend that you speak with a foot specialist to discuss your options. You may request an appointment or call 904-825-0540.