Impact of Wearing Misfit Shoes

23 Jul Impact of Wearing Misfit Shoes

Are You on the Island of Misfit Shoes?

A surprising number of people are not wearing shoes that fit them properly. They might be wearing the wrong size entirely, or they might be settling for shoes that pinch, rub and squeeze their toes.

Doing that can have long-term damage for your feet and your overall health. Wearing uncomfortable shoes for a special event like a party or as part of a costume is fine, but don’t make a habit of wearing poorly fitting shoes.

What Happens If You Wear Shoes That Don’t Fit Properly?

Your Feet Will Hurt: There’s nothing quite as miserable as feet that hurt from tight shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight can make you feel miserable and cause-specific foot problems.

Women: According to numerous studies, women are more prone to wear uncomfortable shoes that are too narrow, too high and too tight. Women are also more likely to feel that foot problems and foot pain decrease their quality of life.

If you’ve always worn high heels and feel that flats are uncomfortable, that’s a sign that your calves are overstretched. You need to ease into wearing lower heels and alternate them with your high heels.

Children: Children and toddlers often wear shoes that don’t fit. Their feet are growing and changing, and it can be hard to keep up with the right size. Just like adults, children can develop ingrown toenails and calluses by wearing shoes that cramp their feet.

If your child is still toddling, ask your pediatrician if shoes are necessary. Most children develop proper gait by walking barefoot. Let your little one’s feet run free to avoid shoe-related foot problems.

Older adults: One 2017 study of older adults with corns and calluses found that more than 80% of them were wearing shoes in the wrong size. They also had signs of neuropathy, which is a very serious foot condition.

You Could Hurt Yourself

Shoes that have high heels, platforms, and a weak shank will not just hurt. They’re also more likely to make your gate falter with a trip and fall. You run the risk of twisting your ankle or suffering other injuries.

Wearing shoes that are too loose can also be dangerous. Loose shoes can fall off your feet as you’re walking, running, skating or dancing. Loose shoes don’t support your feet. Avoid them just like you avoid shoes that are too tight.

You Can Develop Long-Term Foot Problems

If you read about foot disorders, the top recommendation for avoiding them is always to “wear properly fitting, supportive shoes.”

You might gather from this that wearing shoes that fit properly is the best way to avoid foot problems, and you’d be right.

Poorly fitting shoes are the major culprit in many foot disorders:

• Hammertoes.
• Bunions.
• Heel spurs.
• Corns and calluses.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Ingrown toenails.
• Plantar fasciitis.

How Often Should You Measure Your Feet?

Get regular foot measurements from foot care professional. This will help you choose the correct size when you shop for shoes.

• You should measure your feet twice a year.
• Always measure your feet after a change in your weight.
• Measure your feet after going through a major hormonal change like pregnancy or menopause.
• If your job requires you to be on your feet, you may end up with a larger shoe size than you think you need.
• Understand that your feet always swell by the end of the day. They also swell after you stand on them for several hours or engage in any kind of exercise.

Are You on the Island of Misfit Shoes?

If you want to get the proper size, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate measurement of your foot. If you’re already suffering from foot problems, we can help your feet get healthy again.