When it comes to shoes, it’s important to wear the right shoe size and choose footwear that supports you. Opting for ill-fitted or poorly-designed shoes can cause long term consequences to your feet over time and worsen existing foot conditions. Prevention is better than a cure, and it’s surprisingly simple to keep your feet in tip top condition to avoid running into uncomfortable problems in the future. Read on to learn about the importance of wearing the right shoe size.
It’s more common than you think
According to a 2018 study, only about 28 to 37% of people are actually wearing shoes of the right length and width.
The study found that the wrong size shoes correlated with increased foot pain and foot conditions, including corns, hammer toe, and calluses. It was also discovered that people with diabetes tended to wear shoes that were too narrow.
Shoes that are too tight often lead to pain and deformity over time. Wearing the wrong size shoe can cause problems, but the shape of the shoe may also be unsuitable depending on the contour. If you already have a foot problem of any kind (for example, an ulcer or deformity), shoes with a smooth shape may add pressure on the sensitive areas of your foot and worsen the condition.
Ingrown Toenails From Not Wearing The Right Shoe Size
Often caused by pressure from tight shoes or poorly-fitted shoes, ingrown toenails are painfully common. Ingrown toenails occur from extra pressure on your toe, which leads to the toenail growing into your skin. If left untreated, ingrown toenails may cause the skin around your nail to become infected.
Ingrown toenails are most commonly found on the big toe, but may also occur on other toes. To prevent this issue, ensure that you have properly fitting shoes and avoid cutting nails too short or rounded at the edges.
Decreased Quality of Life From Wearing Poorly-Fitted Shoes
If your shoes are hurting your feet on a regular basis, this is bound to affect the quality of your day-to-day life. It is more common in women as in the fashion industry, ladies shoes are often not designed to be as functional or comfortable as men’s shoes. At Uufey we believe comfort shouldn’t have to compromise style, and our range of comfortable shoes for tired feet reflect this ethos.
Shoe Size Changes Over Time
Most people often think of foot size as being fixed – once you stop growing or reach a certain age in life, your feet no longer change in size. But the truth is that your feet adapt to different changes over the course of a lifetime.
- As you get older, tendons relax with age and widen the size of your feet.
- Certain medical conditions and medications cause water retention, which can cause foot swelling and wider feet.
- During pregnancy, feet are affected by hormones that often result in increased foot swelling and shoe size.
Signs Your Shoes Are the Wrong Size
If you experience any pain or discomfort when walking, this is usually a clear sign that your shoes are the wrong size. However sometimes it is less obvious. If you can relate any of the following issues, it may be time to check your shoe size:
- Bruising on your toenail:
- Toenail loss or damage
- Blisters
- Calluses
- Skin irritation around your toenails
How Can I Measure My Shoe Size?
You can visit your shoe store for a proper measurement and professional advice. Although there is no definitive guideline, some experts recommend that you measure your feet at least once or twice a year, or any time you buy new shoes.
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