7 types of footwear harming your feet: Podiatrist's list

Flip-flops

Researchers from America’s Auburn University found that people who wear flip-flops take shorter steps and lift their feet less to keep the sandals in place. This increases the risk of tripping and creates strain in the feet and ankle joints.

Podiatric surgeon Kaser Nazir stated that the lack of arch support and cushioning can lead to foot problems such as plantar fasciitis (when the tissue at the bottom of the foot tears or becomes inflamed), as well as knee, hip, and back pain.

The open nature of flip-flops also means that feet are more prone to injuries such as stubbed toes, cuts, and abrasions.

Flip-flops are great for the beach, but if worn all day, they will harm your feet.

Podiatrist Bharti Rajput suggests slide sandals that have a thick strap across the front of the foot and a thicker sole that follows the arch. They also don’t cause as much chafing between the toes and can be worn with socks.

Flip-flops (photo: Freepik)

Ballet flats

This type of shoe usually has low sides and a thin sole, which provides poor support or cushioning. They also do not stabilize the ankle, which leads to the foot rolling inward, potentially causing knee and hip pain.

Ballet flats have the same effect on feet as flip-flops. Toes are often squeezed together, leading to calluses and blisters.

I recommend my patients treat ballet flats as ‘pretty shoes’ reserved for special occasions, like pairing with a dress. I also advise them to add a slim cushioned insole for better arch support, says Bharti.

Ballet flats (photo: Freepik)

Rubber wellingtons

Rubber boots can keep your feet dry during rainy walks. But because they are usually loose yet stiff, the foot can slide around inside them.

When toes constantly hit the hard surface, it can lead to thickened toenails or ingrown toenails. The lack of ventilation can contribute to fungal infections and calluses.

They are not meant for long walks. Wear rubber boots with soft, moisture-wicking socks and add insoles for arch support.

Rubber Wellingtons (photo: Freepik)

High heels

Although high-heeled shoes can help you look taller and more elegant, they are very harmful to your feet. This is because the higher the heel, the more body weight is shifted onto the balls of the feet.

In turn, this creates pressure on the metatarsal bones — the five long bones between the top of the foot and the toes. There are also other consequences for the foot skeleton. Under the base of each big toe, two bones help the foot push off with every step.

But wearing excessively high heels can cause pain in these bones. This can cause shooting foot pain — a condition known as metatarsalgia.

If you wear high heels too often, fibrous tissue can grow around the nerves, usually between the third and fourth toes. This is another condition called Morton’s neuroma, which can feel like a pebble stuck in your shoe.

Pressure on the front of the foot can lead to various foot issues, including hammer toes, bunions, and stress fractures. Heel height can also affect the Achilles tendon and cause stretching of the foot.

High heels (photo: Freepik)

Sheepskin boots

Soft and snug-fitting sheepskin boots often provide weak support for the foot and ankle, causing the foot to slide around inside. This repeated strain can contribute to joint wear, affecting the femur, pelvis, and lower back.

With every step, the force acting on the foot will cause it to turn slightly inward. Since people who wear them daily are prone to joint wear, this can lead to damage to the thigh bones, pelvis, and even the lower back.

Although they may be comfortable, such boots provide very little support for the arches of the feet or ankles, meaning the feet are more prone to plantar fasciitis, as well as tendon and ligament damage.

Platform sneakers

Quality sneakers are one of the best options for foot health, thanks to their supportive shape and ankle joint stability.

They have raised, reinforced sides that support the ankle joint, reducing the chance of an ankle sprain, which refers to a tear or strain of the ligaments holding the ankle bones together.

Platforms are not ideal for long-term wear, as they are inherently heavier, more uncomfortable, and create more strain on the feet and lower back. These shoes also tend to be stiff, which prevents the natural flexing of the foot during walking. This affects posture and gait, significantly worsening back problems.

Platform sneakers (photo: Freepik)

Heavy boots

Heavy black boots can be constant favorites for both men and women. Shoe weight matters. Heavy boots can place extra strain on the legs and feet, especially if worn for extended periods.

They can cause fatigue, alter gait patterns, and in some cases, contribute to joint discomfort or even lower back pain.

There should be enough room to comfortably move your toes. Avoid wearing the same heavy boots every day.

Rotate depending on different activities like work, walking, or exercise, and give your shoes time to air out. This reduces wear, sweat buildup, and potential hygiene issues.

Earlier, we wrote about 4 ways to keep your legs strong for years

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.