How your shoes may be hurting you?

When looking for the right pair of shoes, you need to go beyond design and fashion. The wrong pair of shoes doesn’t just hurt but can easily become a health hazard. While a shoe might seem like a simple thing, the wrong choice can even lead to tripping over and accidents! An interesting find by ‘The Foot’, a medical journal published by the University of Witwatersrand even says that the Zulu people of South Africa have healthier feet than us and they have never worn a shoe! Well, here are 6 ways your shoes might be hurting you:

1. Restrictive design

First and foremost, your feet are made up of muscle, soft tissue and bones. Consequently, they require a full range of motion to be able to grow strong and be flexible. Restrictively designed footwear will limit the movement and growth and you will have discomfort all day. Moreover, you will not be able to get a good grip on the surface you are walking in.

2. Too tight

Smaller shoes with fastening laces might look cute but they again prevent your foot muscles to be free. You will not only have trouble maintaining balance but also encounter pain, which when becomes habitual, deters the heath of your feet.

3. Too stiff

Some footwear is made of very rigid materials to make them more durable. However, having a hard surface underneath your soft foot muscles can be a sore. It’s not unnatural to develop cracked ankles and foot pain.

4. Too high

A study found that European women, who are habitual in wearing high heels, have the unhealthiest of feet, compared to the rest of the world. It’s about looking and walking sexy but these high heels come with killer price. Getting separated from the ground with higher heels increases the strain on your feet joints and you will have to apply more force in walking.

5. Too flat

While high heels are a strict ‘no’, too flat shoes, like many ladies loafers, too don’t offer the required protection to your feet. This is typically when you are walking on a hard surface, like a sidewalk, street or uneven terrain. Pick a style that will offer the right amount of cushioning to your feet.

6. Too pointy

Again, some shoes are made too pointy to make your feet look sexier. However, the pointier designs also push your toes inwards and against each other. Over time, this can lead to bone damage and is a proven reason for developing bunions.

Whatever you are walking with, you need to be comfortable with them. Shoes become a part of your body and thus need to be properly evaluated. Some researchers even go on to say that walking barefoot is the best way to keep your feet healthy. While that wouldn’t be practical, it is necessary that the shoes you wear are minimally intrusive you your normal gait and foot shape. It is recommended that you look for softer, airier and more flexible materials when choosing the everyday shoe you wear. High heels are okay if you are just looking to pose for a sexy photograph but they shouldn’t become your regular companion. Foldable loafers on the other hand give you the right space to feel free. It is necessary that you are comfortable and have a good grip on the surface you walk in. that’s about being practical!