Flip flops, ballet flats and high heels should be avoided if you want to keep your feet healthy and pain-free
As the summer approaches, the boots go away, giving way to some open, ankle-exposing shoes—both heels and flats. Even though they look sexy and comforting, the reality is different. According to experts, some of your favourite skin-showing shoe choices may not be good for your feet in the long run.
Podiatrists say a few kinds of footwear should be avoided if you want to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
What are the kinds of footwear to avoid?
Flip flops
According to experts, flip-flops do not offer any substantial arch support, cushioning, or shock absorption—causing issues like plantar fasciitis, a common condition causing pain and inflammation.
And so, opt for sandals with arch support, cushioned footbeds, and adjustable straps for stability. Also, you need to take care of the adjustable straps that help secure your foot in place to get proper support from the footbed.
Ballet flats
Podiatrists say they do not recommend any type of shoes that do not have arch support, like flats. Most flats have thin soles that do not provide the much-needed support and strain the arches and heels of your feet if worn for a longer time.
To prioritize comfort and support, try buying flats only with supportive footbeds and ergonomic designs.
Pointed toe shoes
Narrow- or pointed-toe dress shoes are extremely common when worn for special occasions. However, they make your feet cramped—putting pressure on the forefoot, thereby increasing the risk of bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia.”
Always make sure to wear shoes that have a wider toe box, which allows your toes to spread more naturally and get better weight distribution, preventing unnecessary pressure.
High heels
While you must wear heels, always make sure to wear the ones that are sturdy, with lower heels—mostly under two inches—and with cushioned insoles. According to experts, excessive heel height puts a lot of pressure on your forefoot and, in the long run, can damage your joints and bones.
Common problems faced by your feet when you wear the wrong shoes
Improper footwear can lead to painful and debilitating issues like:
Bunions
Bunions, also known as Hallux valgus, happen when the bone at the bottom of the big toe enlarges. It forces your foot to turn inward, creating pain and swelling. Women who wear narrow shoes are more likely to get bunions, but they can happen to anyone.
Fractures and sprains
Wearing improper footwear increases the chances of slips, trips, falls, and missteps leading to fractures, and damage to the ligaments and tendons of the foot and ankle.
Hammertoe
If you wear extremely flexible flat shoes or high heels for a long time, a hammertoe can occur, weakening the muscles and tendon pulling the joints of the second toe upwards.
Claw toes
Claw toes are caused by foot curling, which forms into an inflexible claw shape. Pain is usually felt when wearing shoes because the toes are in an unnatural position. It also leads to ulcers from friction made by shoes, as well as the development of corns or calluses.
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