Choosing the correct footwear selection is proving to be challenging!
We're all aware that the shoes we wear can have a significant impact on the health of our feet, but why exactly are flat shoes bad for our feet and can they cause foot pain? Foot pain, structural injury to the foot and ankle, corns, and calluses, as well as numerous other problems and pathologies further up the food chain, are just a few of the long-term effects your footwear may have on your feet. It can be challenging to make sure you are selecting the best pair of shoes for your feet with so many options available. Your footwear is essential for the health of your feet, regardless of your profession or the nature of your daily activities. The negative effects of wearing the wrong shoes might extend far beyond your feet. Inadequate footwear can cause back, hip, and knee issues.
Since they press the feet into an awkward and uneven position, high heels are frequently blamed for the problem, and in many cases, this is accurate. Contrarily, we frequently believe that flat-soled footwear is more secure and cozy. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
It's important to understand the distinctions and risks of both forms of footwear because while certain flat-soled shoes are preferable, the wrong kind of flat shoe can cause just as many issues as high heels.
What is a Flat Shoe?
A flat shoe is a type of shoe that is flat through the midfoot or the innersole; as a result, the arch of the shoe is unsupported (the sole of the shoe does not contour your arch).
It could also refer to footwear with no heel to toe drop (HTT drop). This could include thongs, dress or ballet flats for women, or casual flats. Flat shoes may be acceptable in some circumstances, but we advise against wearing them frequently as they may cause various foot, ankle, lower limb, and other pathologies.
Risks of Flat Shoes
Joint impact: Flat shoes' lack of padding and support causes a lot of impact to pass through the foot's structures, particularly its joints. This might cause joint deterioration over time, which will cause pain. Jumping and other quick movements cause impact in the joints but walking alone can also do it. With better footwear, such as a shoe with cushioning and support for the arch, the
impact on the joints can be diminished.
Ankle injuries: Footwear may not always prevent ankle injuries but wearing flat shoes can increase your risk of suffering an ankle sprain or painful soft tissue inflammation. Since most flat shoes don't offer any ankle support, the ankle is exposed to lateral mobility. Ankle sprains can also be caused by wearing high heels.
Plantar fasciitis: The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue (fascia) that attaches to the metatarsal (toe) bone heads and inserts into the inside of the heel bone. In essence, it oversees the foot's arch. We typically push off with the first toe when walking, which activates the windlass mechanism.
So Flat Shoes Are the Answer?
Depends, really. Some flat shoes do not offer enough support. Flip-flops, smart court shoes, and casual shoes offer little to no ankle or arch support, and only limited shock-absorbing in the heel and sole. A lack of buckles, laces, or straps also causes your feet to slide about frequently, which can result in blisters, corns, and bunions.
We can conclude that shoes with an arch support, ankle support, sturdy heel counter, and a broader toe box are better for our feet and may lower our risk of suffering an accident or other concerns with our feet.