Why the Shoes You Wear are Hurting Your Feet, Back, and Posture (and How to Choose Better Ones)

For years, poor quality shoes have been the main suspect for foot pain, but it does not stop there. Certain shoes not only create problems for the feet, but also for the back, resulting in poor posture.

So many people suffer through their pain without knowing the true cause, and millions of guilty shoes get away scot-free.

If you are worried about your shoes causing foot, back and posture problems, keep reading to learn about how to rectify the situation, and walk easy once again.

Foot Pain

The natural positioning of the foot needs two things, to stay in that natural position and to be cushioned with support. High heels are one of the biggest causes of foot pain due to the fact that they force the foot forward into an unnatural position, putting all the force on the forefoot.

Things like flip-flops or flats may seem like they would not cause pain, but due to their extreme lack of arch support, they can cause just as much pain as heels.

Flip-flops also rely on the toes to keep the shoe on, which causes the arch of the foot to not be able to flex as it should. The best way to reduce the risk of foot pain is to buy quality sneakers that offer proper arch support and allow the foot to move as it would naturally.

Inserts can also be used for shoes that lack support on their own and heels should be kept to a minimum.

Back Pain

Everything in the body is connected, so that means that when something puts stress on the feet, that stress can travel to other areas—including the back.

Heels put the feet in a position that requires the knees to bend and the back to arch in an unnatural position.

According to professionals at The Foot Clinic who specialize in foot care in Toronto, feet are the foundation of the body and if they are forced in awkward positions, then the entire structure suffers.

Again, shoes with proper support or shoes with inserts that allow the feet to be in their natural position will reduce the risk of back pain.

Poor Posture

Again, wearing heeled shoes forces the back to arch in an unnatural position. In order to compensate for that discomfort, individuals often unknowingly lean forward while sitting or standing.

Another reason shoes with either too much or too little arch support can cause poor posture is because the shoes change the body’s center of gravity—which makes the back naturally slouch down to try to balance the body back out.

Since wearing non-supportive shoes puts so much stress on the calves, people often have to bend down to try and relieve that pain, thus forcing the back to a curved position.

Conclusion

The jury is in and millions of shoes have been found guilty of not offering support for their owners and ruining countless feet, ankles, legs and backs. In order to put an end to their crimes, it is time to purchase the innocent and give the body’s joints a well-deserved break.

Look for shoes with proper arch support, and depending on the shape of your foot, you might need special inserts. Many inserts can be purchased at your local grocery store, but you might need to consult with your doctor if your foot pain continues.

Editor: Dead link removed 24-10-2016