Choosing the right shoes is essential to maintain foot and body health. Some popular styles, despite their appealing look, can cause various problems when worn regularly.
This article explains why certain types of shoes like high heels, flats, heavy shoes, and soft shoes should generally be avoided.
Shoes to avoid: high heels
High heels, although elegant, put significant strain on the body. They increase the risk of sprains and falls and can cause foot deformities such as hallux valgus and corns. They may also contribute to osteoarthritis in knees, hips, and the spine.
High heels alter the natural body position, leading to lumbar pain, back deformities, and poor alignment of the pelvis, head, and rib cage over time.
If you wear high heels, alternate them with more comfortable shoes, especially during long walks.
Shoes to avoid: flat shoes
Flat shoes like moccasins, ballerinas, sandals, and slippers are popular in summer but can cause foot and back pain, Achilles tendon inflammation, plantar fasciitis, toe deformities, corns, and hallux valgus.
They absorb shock poorly on hard surfaces, potentially leading to pelvic and neck pain. It’s recommended to choose shoes with a small heel (1 to 3 cm) instead of ultra-flat models.
Shoes to avoid: heavy shoes
Heavy shoes are heavier and less flexible than traditional ones and are not recommended by podiatrists. Intended to burn calories and build muscle, they may cause body fatigue, microtrauma, injuries, and joint, tendon, and muscle stress.
Their inflexibility can make walking painful and contribute to corns, blisters, and other foot issues.
Shoes to avoid: soft shoes
Soft shoes, resembling slippers, offer comfort but can lead to arch collapse, toe deformities, and foot, knee, and back pain if worn regularly.
They may also increase the risk of tendinitis and fungal infections, especially if made from synthetic materials and worn with sweat accumulation.
A guide to choosing the right shoes
If you want to avoid problematic footwear, consider these tips when choosing shoes:
- Ensure the correct size in length and width, matching your foot shape and morphology; bring orthotics if used.
- Try shoes to confirm comfort, proper support, and an appropriate balance between rigidity and flexibility.
- Pick shoes suitable for the season and your intended activities.
Choosing the correct shoes is critical for your feet’s health
Aesthetics should not be the primary criterion for purchasing shoes. Properly fitting shoes tailored to your feet and morphology help prevent accidents, pain, and foot diseases.
Alternating shoe types and wearing suitable footwear promotes foot health. For personalized advice, consult a PiedRéseau podiatrist.