I am a podiatrist and you’ve been wearing the wrong shoes – flats aren’t always best

WHETHER it’s blisters, corns or a bad back, choosing the right shoe is essential to help you feel your best and prevent injuries.

Here, Tony Gavin, who is a podiatrist and CEO at Osgo Healthcare www.osgo.co.uk, has spoken exclusively to Fabulous and revealed why you have been wearing your shoes all wrong.

GettyTony Gavin, who is a podiatrist, has spoken exclusively to Fabulous and revealed why you have been wearing your shoes all wrong. Pictured, stock image[/caption]

According to the expert, people often have the misconception that flat shoes are the best for your foot health – but adds this isn’t always the case.

Flexible, low arch foot

‘The term “flexible” means that while the foot is flat when standing (weight-bearing), the arch returns when not standing,’ explains Tony.

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“A structurally supportive shoe such as those with a fastening, may be more comfortable than sandals or shoes with minimal support.”

For those with this type of foot, the podiatrist goes on to note how a 2inch heel rather than a flat shoe may just be the best option.

“A slight heel can have the effect of decreasing the amount of flattening of the arch during normal standing, walking, or activity,” he adds.

Inflexible, high arch

High arches are a condition involving the excessive curvature of the arch of the foot – the opposite of flat feet.

“Wearing shoes with a cushioned sole is especially important for people who have high arches,” Tony explains.

“Choose a shoe that is well cushioned and supportive with sufficient room in the toe box as  a high-arched foot needs more space inside the shoe.”

The expert also suggests using a wide-foot lacing technique – which involves skipping every other eyelet to reduce pressure on the top of the foot – to reduce pressure on the top of the foot.  

According to the podiatrist, this will ensure you don’t end up with pain or a numb foot from the pressure of the shoelaces.

Unstable, prone to ankle sprains

An unstable ankle usually follows a severe twisting injury which would lead to swelling, bruising and difficulty walking, Tony notes.

“High-heeled shoes put extra stress on your ankle and should be avoided,” he warns.

“To stabilise the ankle opt for a boot with a fastening and either a small heel or no heel.”

Party shoes

And when it comes to dancing, Tony says a shoe that holds onto your foot is essential.

“Some form of fastening is needed and will reduce the risk of a fall,” Tony explains.

“A sole which will offer some protection from uneven dance floors would also be wise, and maybe a lower heel if you are not so confident in them.”

He also highlights the important of questioning whether there’s enough room in the shoe for your foot.

“If toes are squashed for any length of time, painful corns or blisters can develop,” the podiatrist adds.

Feet prone to cracked heels

In this instance, Tony warns against backless shoes.

“They allow the heels to move against the sole of the footwear more, increasing friction and pressure thus causing a buildup of callus,” he warns.

“This added to reduced hydration and callus can cause splits, or fissures in the skin.”

He goes on to say that try, wherever possible, to have footwear that holds onto the back of the foot if you are walking any distance or standing for prolonged periods, because it will stop the heel friction.

Feet with hammer or mallet toes

The podiatrist explains that hammer and mallet toes are toe deformities which can sometimes be caused by ill-fitting footwear.

“To prevent continued rubbing of the toe, choose a shoe that has a deep toe box,” he says.

“Avoid wearing tight, narrow, high-heeled shoes where possible as they don’t allow the toes to lie flat therefore aggravating the symptoms.”

And for those that wear high heels, Tony notes the heel height should be 2 inches or less.

“Wearing shoes with high heels increases the pressure on your toes and causes them to bend,” he continues. “Laced or strapped shoes are ideal as they’re roomier and adjustable.”

Tony GavinThe podiatrist says people often have the misconception that flat shoes are the best for your foot health – but adds this isn’t always the case.[/caption]

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