Essential accessories to face hot days with style and comfort, some shoes can however cause more harm than good to your feet. Here are the ones to absolutely avoid.
When you say summer shoes, you say flip-flops and lightweight sandals. Practical and easy to put on, they seem to be the ideal choice for a day at the beach or a walk in the city. But be careful, some of them can be harmful to your well-being. We explain.
According to podiatrist Zoran Vucinic, a certain type of shoe actually offers no support. For these shoes in particular, “we try to carry the shoe with us when we walk“, explains the expert. “Because of this gripping movement of the toes, the gait is no longer healthy or natural. The thin straps can also cause irritation and blisters between the toes.” As you can see, we are talking about plastic flip-flops. While wearing flip-flops on the beach may be acceptable, using them on a daily basis is strongly discouraged by professionals. Experts recommend choosing shoes that offer better support and adequate protection to avoid any discomfort.
But plastic flip-flops aren’t the only culprits. Other types of summer footwear can also cause problems. Ballet flats, for example, are often purchased in a size that’s too small. Because they’re very curved at the front, they tend to compress the toes, leading to bunions, ingrown toenails, and pressure points. In addition, their very thin soles don’t provide enough protection against hard surfaces, which can cause additional pain. Jellyfish-style sandals, while beloved for their nostalgic and colorful look, are also to be avoided. Made of PVC, a non-breathable material, they promote excessive sweating. This can lead to blisters and even infections like athlete’s foot. In addition, these shoes don’t provide adequate support, which can lead to posture and gait problems.
The popular Crocs, while comfortable for wearing around the house, are not suitable for prolonged outdoor wear. According to Dr. Chandler Hubbard, they do not provide enough support and can cause irritation and chafing due to the heat. Finally, gladiator sandals, despite their stylish look, can also be problematic. If you tend to have swollen ankles, these sandals are not for you. The straps can dig into your skin and cause chafing, especially at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. It is better to opt for sandals with more support, such as those from Birkenstock.
While soft shoes may seem more comfortable, stiffer models actually provide better support. Experts recommend limiting wearing unsuitable shoes to two to three hours. For long walks, shopping trips or days of sightseeing, comfortable sneakers are the safest choice. In fact, there is no reason to deprive yourself of them, as they are the most fashionable category of footwear throughout the year.