Most of us put a lot of thought into how our shoes look and very little into how they actually work. We grab whatever pair is closest to the door for a quick dog walk, slide into the same worn-in sandals every weekend and keep wearing a favorite pair long after the soles have started to give out. As long as nothing hurts too badly, it’s easy to assume everything is fine.
But your feet carry you through thousands of steps a day, and the shoes you put on them can either help with that job or quietly make it harder. Footwear that doesn’t fit or support you well can contribute to aching arches and heels, nagging tendon issues and even changes in the way you walk. Because those changes tend to happen gradually, many people never connect their sore feet, tired legs or achy back to what they’re wearing.
Related: ‘I’m a Podiatrist—Here’s How To Shop for Shoes if You Have Plantar Fasciitis’
The tricky part is that comfort in the moment isn’t always a reliable signal. A shoe can feel soft and cushy when you first slip it on and still force your feet to work overtime with every step. Padding, price and brand name don’t guarantee support either.
So how can you tell whether your shoes are helping or hurting? According to a podiatrist, there’s a simple test you can do at home in a matter of seconds—no special equipment required.
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The Simple Test That Shows if Your Shoes Are Hurting Your Feet
Pay attention to what your heel does when you walk. Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS, director of Foot and Ankle Services, Docs Health, previously told Parade that a good shoe should move with your foot as you push off the floor.
“Look for shoes that stay attached to the foot when you push off the floor while walking. If your heel comes off the ground and the shoe is still on the ground, you have to strain to hold that shoe attached to the foot, and that is not good,” Dr. Baravarian said.
In other words, take a few steps and watch your heel. If it lifts and the shoe stays behind, your toes and foot muscles have to grip to keep it on—extra work they shouldn’t be doing with every stride.
Related: Here’s Exactly What Your Walking Gait Can Tell You About Your Health
Flip-flops are a classic culprit. “Most flip-flops don’t attach to the foot well. The strap is too low on the foot, so the shoe comes off if you don’t grip it on. This can cause foot problems, tendinitis and overuse-type issues,” Dr. Baravarian said.
He added that because flip-flops offer little structure or support, wearing them for long stretches can put excess stress on bones and joints, raising the risk of strain or stress fracture. And the compensating doesn’t stop at your feet. Dr. Baravarian explained that gripping a shoe with your toes on every step can change the way you walk in ways that strain the ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
That doesn’t mean you need to toss every pair of slip-ons. Wearing them to grab the mail or carry in groceries is fine; the problem is making a loose shoe your all-day default.
What to Look for in a Supportive Shoe
If your current pair fails the test, Dr. Baravarian recommended choosing something that’s secured to your foot rather than held on by your toes.
“An alternative is to wear a shoe with a stable sole, an upper that is better attached to the foot with a wider upper cover or a strap that is closer to the ankle than the toes,” he said.
Related: ‘I’m a Podiatrist—This Common Habit Is Wrecking Your Feet’
For sandal lovers, that might mean a style with a strap positioned higher up near the ankle or one with a back strap that keeps your heel in place. Beyond that, look for a stable sole, built-in arch support and a contoured footbed. Cushioning is nice, but it isn’t the same as support—a squishy shoe can still fail the heel test.
Your shoes should move with you, not against you. If your heel is slipping out with every step, it may be time for a pair that actually stays put.
Adapted from Parade’s Podiatrists Are Begging You To Stop Wearing This Around the House—and Share What To Wear Instead by Emily Laurence Sardinha.
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Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS, Director of Foot and Ankle Services, Docs HealthHence then, the article about a podiatrist says this simple test tells you if your shoes are hurting your feet was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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