The Risks of Poor Fitting Shoes

• Posted on 10 November 2024
• By Simon Steele
• 0

Poor fitting shoes can lead to a range of potential issues, some of which can be quite serious and have a detrimental impact on your health. Having your feet properly measured and ensuring the fit of any shoes is correct is essential to ensuring the long-term health of your feet and body.

The Risks of Poor Fitting Shoes

Whilst most people know that poor fitting shoes or those without proper cushioning can lead to discomfort, tired feet or even blisters in some cases, many don’t realise that it can actually lead to more serious problems, not only for your feet but also other parts of your body. In this blog, we highlight some of the common issues and complaints from wearing shoes that don't fit properly, and also offer some advice to help avoid it happening to you.

1. Blisters and Calluses  

Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have rough seams can create friction on the skin, which can potentially lead to blisters and calluses. Whilst blisters are painful, they can also lead to infection if not treated properly. Calluses form in response to constant friction on your skin. Whilst this has the effect of protecting your skin, they can also lead to discomfort or alter your walking gait.

2. Foot Deformities  

Bunions are bony bumps on the joint at the base of the big toe and can from poor-fitting shoes, especially those with pointed toes or high heels. Corns (thickened skin) are another common issue, often caused by pressure from tight fitting shoes. Another more serious issue is something called hammertoe. This is caused by shoes that are too tight or short in the toe area and this leads to toes becoming unnaturally bent. A similar but different problem are toes that cross over each other. This is usually caused by shoes that are too narrow and can cause discomfort and difficulty walking.

3. Flat Feet and Fallen Arches

Shoes that lack proper arch support or are too stiff can contribute to or exacerbate flat feet, where the arches collapse, leading to improper alignment of the feet. Whilst this will often cause discomfort in the foot it can also lead to pain in the knees and hips and lower back. Likewise, shoes that lack support or proper cushioning can lead to pain and conditions like Osteoarthritis or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (knee pain due to abnormal patella movement).

4. Foot, Heel and Ankle Pain

Shoes that are too tight or have inadequate cushioning or support can lead to strain on the feet, ankles or heels. Conditions like tendinitis, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), and ankle sprains can be aggravated or caused by improper footwear.

5. Poor Posture

Ill-fitting shoes can alter the way you walk by shifting your weight improperly across your feet. This can lead to misalignment in the knees, hips, and spine, contributing to back pain and poor posture over time.

6. Numbness and Tingling (Neuropathy)

Tight shoes, especially those that pinch or compress nerves, can lead to numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the toes or feet. In severe cases, nerve compression can cause nerve damage, leading to chronic numbness or pain. Tight shoes or those with tight straps can also lead to reduced circulation. This can cause swelling and in the most extreme cases increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

7. Ingrown Toenails

Shoes that are too tight or too short can cause the toes to press against the front of the shoe and this increases the likelihood of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and may lead to infection.

8. Tendonitis

Poor footwear can place undue stress on tendons and muscles, leading to inflammation and injuries. Conditions like Achilles tendonitis or shin splints can develop as a result.

Prevention and Treatment

To reduce the risks associated with poot fitting shoes we recommend that you follow the below advice. Of course, ensuring that you get your feet professionally measured each time you buy shoes and having them fitted by a professional will also help.  

1. Ensure shoes are the correct fit: Shoes should have enough room for the toes to move comfortably. The toe box should be wide enough, and there should be enough space for the foot to expand as it naturally does during walking. Buying a foot measuring gauge (Clarks Junior Gauge) is a good place to start and will ensure you buy the correct size to begin with.

2. Know what kind of arch support you need: Choose shoes that offer adequate support for your arch type, whether high, low, or neutral.

3. Ensure your shoes provide the right level of cushioning: Proper cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce pressure on joints and the feet.

4. Use insoles and orthotics if necessary: If necessary, custom or over-the-counter insoles can provide additional support.

5. Take care of your feet and regularly check them: Check your feet regularly for signs of wear or irritation and address any issues promptly. If necessary, get your feet re-measured or go and see a chiropodist.

Investing in proper, well-fitting is an investment in your own health. As we’ve explored in this article, poor fitting shoes can lead to a variety of problems, in some cases quite serious. It’s therefore important to take the time to choose carefully and ensure shoes fit correctly.