How Your Shoe Choices Affect Health

Most of us tend to underestimate this health issue, but it is important to know that wearing the wrong shoes can harm the health of your feet and lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort.
A foot and ankle specialist explains common mistakes people make when choosing shoes and how to reduce potential damage:

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day
Wearing the same pair of shoes daily is harmful. Feet sweat throughout the day, and shoes do not always absorb the moisture. The result is poor ventilation for both the foot and the shoe, which can lead to fungal infections and bad odor.
Additionally, the sole and shoe structure put daily pressure on the same areas of the foot.
What to do: Have at least two pairs of shoes and allow each pair to air out for 24 hours after extended walking. Alternating shoes may also relieve pressure on different areas of the foot and reduce unnecessary pain.
Trying shoes while sitting
After walking around a shopping area for hours, you sit on a bench to try on shoes. You may think you found the right pair without standing up.
When standing, the foot slightly shifts forward and to the sides due to weight, and you may later realize the shoes you tried while sitting are slightly tight.
What to do: Always try shoes while standing and measure both feet, as there can be differences between them.
Insisting on a fixed shoe size
Feet stop growing around age 20, but this does not guarantee the anatomical structure will remain the same over time. Gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy can affect foot size and shape. Studies show changes in arch height and foot length can occur over time.
What to do: Stay open-minded and occasionally try a half or full size larger than your usual.
Wearing shoes inappropriate for the activity
Comfortable sandals may feel great indoors or on the beach but are unsuitable for long walks. Shoes should support the entire foot, including additional straps around the heel. Wearing inappropriate shoes during physical activity can cause blisters, sunburn, toe pressure, and even injury.
What to do: Choose shoes suitable for the planned activity. Keep a pair of appropriate shoes handy for spontaneous activities.
Buying shoes online without prior knowledge
Online shopping can be convenient, but the new shoes may not fit well or feel comfortable. This can lead to blisters and foot pain. The same issue applies to hasty in-store purchases.
What to do: Buy online only if you are familiar with the shoe model and size in real life. When buying in a store, walk around for a few minutes to ensure comfort and correct fit.
Insisting on pointed high heels
High heels with a pointed toe are harmful. They place significant pressure on the forefoot and toes and shorten the Achilles tendon. This pressure can cause toe deformation, pain, and imbalance, increasing the risk of ankle sprains or even fractures.
What to do: If wearing high heels, choose shoes with a wider toe area and limit heel height to five centimeters. Use them only for short events.
Removing shoes at home and walking barefoot
Walking barefoot at home can feel refreshing but standing or walking long periods on hard surfaces without arch support can cause pain, blisters, and stress fractures. Feet are also more exposed to infections or injury from sharp objects.
What to do: Wear supportive slippers that provide comfort and proper arch support, giving the feeling of being barefoot safely.