Shoes are a common topic on this blog because they are oftentimes a source of protection and a source of injury for many individuals. Shoes can help take some stress off our feet, while other times they can give us some signs that they aren’t a perfect fit for our feet. Today, we take a look at three signs that suggest you are wearing the wrong type of shoe.
Shoe Signs To Watch For
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your feet, it may be wise to invest in a new pair of kicks.
1. Corns, Blisters or Calluses – These foot conditions suggest that there is unequal pressure or excessive friction in one area of your foot. You may not think these minor foot developments aren’t anything to be concerned about, but over time this unequal balance of forces can affect the joints in your feet, which can lead to even more problems down the road. So if that new pair of shoes is causing blisters or other formations on your feet, consider swapping them out with a shoe that puts less pressure on that area of your foot.
2. Arch Aches – Shoes that are too tight aren’t the only problem. If your arches ache at the end of the day, it’s a sign that your shoes may be too big. If your shoes are too big, the muscles in your feet naturally tighten with each step in an effort to keep your arch up, as this instinctive flexing keeps the shoe from moving or sliding off. However, this excessive strain on the arch can cause problems with the plantar fasciia tendon under your arch, which can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis. If you’re curling your toes and flexing your arch with each step, find a smaller shoe.
3. You Feel Wetness – Wetness in your shoes is never a good sign, because it really can only come from two places – from sweat or from the environment through a hole in your shoe. Sweat means that your feet cannot appropriately regulate heat. Socks help with this process, but if your socks are damp, it’s a sign that your shoes are too tight. On the flip side, if your socks and toes are being dampened because water is seeping through the shoe, it’s clear that your old sneakers need to be thrown out and you should invest in a new pair without shoes. Excessive wetness can lead to friction, rashes and blisters, which as we spoke about above, can contribute to other foot problems.
