Is your body trying to tell you something? Look out for these signs that your shoes are damaging your feet.
Introduction
There are a lot of ways in which you can ensure your feet are being supported correctly. Benefits of paying attention to your posture and overall support within your footwear can include additional comfort and preventing injuries. Improving your posture has been proven to aid circulation, and make deeper breathing easier.
In addition, studies have shown that improved posture makes you feel more confident. This is why the importance of posture correcting footwear is not something that should be underestimated. It can be reassuring to know that your feet are supported when you’re working out.
For those whose work in physical job roles, it is even more important to find some shoes that support you because it can have an impact on your overall performance and even health if you are wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly.
Modern fashion trends demonstrate how many different styles and functions exist nowadays, which is why you might find yourself with a pair of shoes or sneakers that you use for everything. Whether you work out often and want to know why your current pair of running sneakers make your feet hurt, or if you have a more involved laborious job, there are some things you can do to make your shoes more comfortable. There are also a lot of common reasons why your current go-to pair of shoes might not fit as well.
A lot of people might not realize that their shoes aren’t providing them with the support they need. Your body might be trying to tell you that there is something wrong with your shoes.
That is why this guide features some common signs that you can look out for when figuring out if your shoes are damaging your feet. This is a complete guide to looking after your feet and ensuring that you have the right footwear.
Importance Of Proper Footwear
Some important reasons why footwear should be supportive and comfortable are listed below. It is something that is often overlooked because so many tend to take it for granted. That is why some of the key benefits of proper footwear have been highlighted below.
There is a reason why footwear is often considered one of the oldest inventions, early humans saw the benefits of protecting the feet and supporting them. Some benefits included reduced rate of injury, as well as being able to cover longer distances without worrying about the impact so much. These are some of the modern reasons why footwear is so important.
Prevent Injuries
Avoid long-term negative feet problems from developing by maintaining correct form and support. When working out, it’s just as important to keep your feet cared for as it is to stretch properly. For those with a more intense workout regime or who spend more time on cardio, proper footwear can play an important role.
It can be the difference between muscle damage and correct movements. You might not know how much the repeated strain of your workout can be affected by incorrect footwear. Weightlifters can experience muscle tears if their form is off, which is another reason why correct support is important to feel the benefits of your exercises.
Proper footwear can also help with those who have medical conditions such as diabetes that predisposes them to secondary symptoms, including feet injuries. While there isn’t much that can be done to prevent the onset of common illnesses, some preventatives may make life easier and more comfortable for those who want additional support for their feet.
Better Functionality And Performance
Your workouts will be a lot easier over time when your feet are being properly supported. Not only that, but your muscles will be able to grow and work as they are supposed to. In addition to this, ensuring that your feet are properly supported will aid muscle healing and improve recovery time.
More Comfort
Physical performance and jobs can create discomfort in your back and feet. This is especially true for those who spend a lot of their day on their feet. Supportive shoes are one of the ways in which you can maintain a comfortable stance throughout the day. When you are comfortable, it allows you to be more productive and focus on the working day.
Posture
Correct foot landings for each step enable arch support and longer lasting posture correction. This comes with its own series of additional benefits to the body, and allows an improvement in circulation, quality of breathing, and self-confidence. Posture is even more important for those who lift weights.
Maintaining correct form allows you to avoid potential injuries and ensure that the right muscles are working as intended. Improving your footing and stance allows you to engage in better posture and build up some core and back muscles to encourage the right position.
Taking the steps to working on your posture can improve your footing, and mental health in turn because of the added confidence that allows for improved outlook on life.
7 Signs Your Shoes Are Damaging Your Feet
Most people make the mistake of wearing shoes that don’t support their walking style or even foot width. The human body has some fascinating ways to tell you when something is wrong, and it is definitely worth looking into changing your footwear if you have any of these signs.
If you are on your feet a lot and find yourself relating to one or more of these conditions on a regular basis, then it might be time to change your shoes and get measured properly. It is also worth investing in improving your arch support or even width of shoes in order to prevent some of these signs from getting worse.
You’ve Had Your Shoes For Longer Than 6 Months Or 300 Miles
Like most things, even the most supportive shoes will wear away after continuous use and won’t offer as much support anymore. Try to keep track of how old your shoes are and when you should consider replacing them.
This will allow you to get the most out of your sneakers or other shoes, as well as improved confidence knowing that you have as much comfort and support as possible.
Your Feet Ache During Or After A Run Or Walk
Avoid being harsh to yourself about fitness or other physical limitations. If your feet regularly hurt after spending a lot of time on them, then the problem might be with your shoes. The only way to properly ensure you are getting the support you need is with correct arch support and comfortable padding.
Repeated strain can be one of the biggest causes of sporting injury that develops gradually. It is worth preventing this from turning into something more severe over the long-term, because solutions can be as simple as putting some insoles into your shoes or getting your feet measured.
You Lose Your Toenails While You Wear Them
Another way in which your body might be trying to tell you to change your footwear is with the state of your toenails. When you are running, your toes can touch the end of your shoe if they don’t fit correctly. This is why it can lead to injury over time. It can be a sign that you need to size up your sneakers, and reduce the amount of friction created.
If you suffer from regular toenail injury caused by friction or scraping, it is worth getting them checked by a doctor to ensure that any open wounds are not infected. Additionally, speak with a specialist about finding shoes that fit properly to prevent any worse conditions from developing.
You Tend To Get Blisters, Calluses, And Corns
This is one of the most common indicators that your shoes aren’t supporting your feet or that they don’t fit how they should. Blisters, calluses, and corns often come into light as a result of excessive rubbing. They can also be a result of friction on the skin caused by material which shouldn’t be directly touching the skin.
It is also worth considering updating your socks to prevent unnecessary rubbing. Blisters, calluses, and corns can be very uncomfortable and are a sign that your shoes are too narrow, not as supportive anymore, or even the wrong size.
You Develop Plantar Fasciitis
Another common sign that you aren’t wearing supportive footwear is the development of plantar fasciitis. This is a structural issue that arises when the feet aren’t being supported in the correct position. The connective tissue between the heel and toes becomes inflamed and can create sharp pain in your heel.
If you are experiencing similar symptoms, speak to a doctor about your options. Plantar fasciitis can be an indicator of something else, which is why it could be worth seeing how well your most frequently worn pair of shoes are fitting.
You Struggle To Get Your Shoes Off Without Fully Loosening The Laces
While this might seem like a more obvious sign that your shoes don’t fit, it is still worth mentioning how many people ignore this. Exercise can cause some level of swelling in the feet, but if you struggle to take your shoes off it might be an indication that you need to replace them, and look for some with wider or longer options.
You Often Develop Tendonitis When Running
If you are wearing a shoe that is a little looser, you might be more at risk of developing tendonitis. This is when the ankle rolls within the shoe during exercise, and allows for the connective tissue between muscle and bone to become inflamed.
Tendonitis is often known for the tenderness, swelling, and pain, and it is a common injury among runners. It can be very painful, and is worth preventing if possible by finding the right pair of shoes for running, working out, or walking that suits you.
If you find that you are experiencing some level of discomfort from any of the above issues on a regular basis, it could be worth speaking to a specialist about changing your footwear and getting properly measured. Thanks to the modern world and immense covering of brands as well as advertisements, there is more option than ever before in terms of style, width, and overall fit. There is bound to be something that will suit you and still offer some designs and colors to create a custom experience.
Simple Mistakes That Could Lead to Foot Pain
A lot of people underestimate the role of corrective footwear and will spend a lot of their life suffering the consequences. Posture correction and preventing injury are among some of the benefits that come from working on finding the right type of shoe and support for you. These are some of the simple mistakes that are often overlooked and can lead to foot pain over time.
You Don’t Measure Your Feet Often
A lot of people don’t know that our feet change shape a lot. Lifestyle changes, diet, exercise level, and hormonal changes can all be influential factors that determine whether your feet change size. Even those with diabetes or arthritis commonly experience fluctuations in their shoe sizes, which is why it’s necessary for you to regularly get your feet measured and avoid wearing shoes that don’t fit.
Try to avoid guessing what size you are and take the time to try shoes on when you are in a store. This allows you to make mental notes about what sizes feel right in some places and not others.
One of the daunting things about the immense range of shoes that are available on the modern market is the huge amount of choice and variation. That is why you might want to consider speaking with a specialist in a sports shop.
You Don’t Know What Type Of Arch Your Feet Have
There are several types of categories for this that a lot of in-person shoe stores will ask about. “Flat footed” refers to someone who has very little arch in the bottom of their foot, and they appear to be flat on the ground. Someone with high arches will have significantly taller gaps between the balls and heels of their feet.
Additionally, lower arched feet are seen in those whose curve between the heel and ball of their feet is much closer to the ground. It’s worth doing your research into what type of arch your feet have, because each type has different requirements for shoes.
The curve of a shoe should support this arch, and it is worth speaking with a specialist about the role that arch support can play in a reliable shoe.
You Walk Around Often In Shoes That Aren’t Up For The Job
Shock absorption and arch support should be prioritized when considering the influence of daily wear. Shoes need to be comfortable, and you might find yourself in pain after your working day if you’re wearing the wrong shoes.
Try to see what your coworkers wear and ask about what is the most comfortable option. Try to find shoes that are intended for what you’re planning to use them for, like running shoes for running, for example.
You Choose Your Sports Shoes Based On Appearance
This is one of the most commonly made mistakes, and can be the reason why a lot of people suffer from impact-related injuries over time. Try to avoid being influenced by big brands or celebrities, and focus on finding a comfortable pair of shoes that will support you as much as possible.
Nike, Converse, Adidas, and other juggernaut brands have contributed to the fashion trends massively. More people than ever before wear sneakers and high tops to make fashion statements. While some of these brands were exclusively known for their professional athlete ambassadors, they are commonly features among young people. Style is a big part of someone’s identity, which is why it can be even more challenging to choose shoes for their function rather than how they look or who has endorsed them.
An option for those who find it particularly hard to avoid trends is to find a reliable brand of supportive insoles. This option allows more style choices and a little more flexibility with outfits. The key, however, is to ensure that your shoes fit already in order to make the most out of them.
One of the biggest contributors to shoes damaging your feet is ill-fitting sizes. That is why more size range options exist in the modern world, and different fits such as wide and narrow are also available to choose from.
Depending on your style and what is currently getting in the way of your most commonly worn pair of shoes, insoles could be a great option to avoid having to buy new shoes. It can be more cost-effective and provide more appearance-related options if you are someone who considers that as a priority.
You Dedicate Time To “Break In” New Shoes
While there are shoe stretchers on the market, it’s recommended that you will benefit the most from slowly wearing a new pair of shoes and letting them stretch or change shape to your feet over time. If you have the time, try to spend short intervals of time wearing them each day, rather than trying to see improvements after hours of painful blisters.
There are more benefits to a shoe adapting to you over time after regular wear, which is why experts do not recommend “breaking in” new shows in this way. The hairdryer and thick socks technique isn’t the most effective in the long run because it prevents you from molding the shoes to your walking style.
If you can spare the small levels of discomfort, it is worth spending small amounts of time walking in the shoes and allowing them to change to your feet. This is the best ways to break in new shoes, and it provides a better level of support.
When You Are Home, You Are Always Barefoot
This really depend on how curved the arch in your feet is and how comfortable you are standing upright while barefoot. Some people can find it very painful, which experts believe is related to the fat pads on the balls and heels of the feet.
They can wear down over time, which is why most people will wear foam slippers, shoes, or even pad areas where they stand a lot. Spending long periods of time barefoot around the house can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort over time. That is why it could be worth spending less time barefoot or finding some slippers to wear around the house.
You Don’t Use Or At Least Consider Insoles
Most people don’t give insoles a great deal of thought and will see little necessity for them. Insoles built into your shoes are usually a “one style fits all” concept, and they might not provide the support that you need. For those with flatter feet, more rigid, stiffer insoles offer the relevant support.
Higher arches are usually supported best with softer, cushioned insoles. It is definitely worth looking into the most popular brands of insoles and seeing how the reviews relate to the product description.
Summary
Health Benefits of Arch Support:
- Prevent more significant injuries that can be very painful, such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, caused by repeated strain on muscles
- Better posture can improve self-confidence
- Diabetes and arthritis can make the feet weaker, and it is often the posture that is the most visible signal that something is wrong. While improving footwear does not eliminate the key symptoms, it can prevent any additional discomfort from developing in the feet if they are properly taken care of. Hopefully, the posture will be another thing to see gradual improvement too.
Common Signs Of Damage To Your Feet:
- Significant of prolonged pain
- Tendonitis or recurring plantar fasciitis
- Difficulty removing or putting shoes on
- Blisters, calluses, or corns
- Losing toenails
- You’ve been wearing your shoes for more than six months
Closing Points:
- Speak with an expert and do your research to figure out how to support your arch
- Get your feet measured regularly as they can change shape and size with lifestyle, diet, and hormone changes
Invest in different shoes that are suitable for each kind of workout; Walking and running shoes are designed for forward movement
