last updated May 2026.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Shoes
Finding the right shoe is just as important as finding the right pair of jeans – the wrong fit, and you’ll be uncomfortable all day long. As the feet carry the weight of the body (with little distribution while standing in one place), a comfortable shoe is extremely important.
Why Women Experience More Foot Problems
Women tend to suffer from more foot problems than men because of the difference in how their shoes are made. Women’s shoes are designed for fashion, while men’s shoes are designed for functionality.
In recent times, male shoes have crossed the functionality barrier and entered the trending fashion spotlight. A shoe should still, however, fit according to the shape of your foot, whether flat across or round at the top, always leaving a half an inch at the top, measured from the longest, not the biggest toe.
The Hidden Cost of Fashion Footwear
Have you ever noticed a woman with a pained look in her eyes, trying to keep it together while she hurries over to the nearest seat to ease the pain she’s feeling in her feet? Not surprising if you have. Women put themselves through a lot for beauty, but beauty comes at a price.
Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a wide variety of foot conditions, from bunions and calluses to nail infections and ankle pain. Two of the biggest culprits of foot problems are high heels and narrow, pointed-toe shoes.
Common Problems Caused by High Heels and Narrow Shoes
High Heels and Long-Term Damage
Over time, high heels can cause back pain, Achilles tendon tightening and shortening, and plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes severe heel pain.
Narrow-Toed Shoes and Toe Deformities
Narrow-toed shoes lead to blisters, nerve pain and hammertoes. What’s a hammertoe, I hear you ask? It is a deformity usually in the middle three toes, causing them to be permanently bent. They resemble a hammer — not exactly something you want going on in your shoes.
Are Flat Shoes and Flip-Flops Any Better?
But before all the blame is put on high heels and pointed-toe shoes, flat shoes and flip-flops need to be examined.
Flat shoes offer very little support to the foot and can lead to painful arches. Not only do flip flops offer little protection against splinters, but they can also cause plantar fasciitis.
This is why it is important to choose the right shoe for your foot, prioritising comfort and support.
Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Shoe
To help you find the right shoe, here are a few tips to avoid some of the problems mentioned above:
- Make sure the shoe bends at the toe box
- Choose a shoe with sufficient arch support
- A chunky heel, less than two inches high, is best
- Walk around in the shoes for a bit to make sure they are comfortable
- When buying ballet flats, consider an insole to reduce foot pain
- Purchase shoes that are the right size (one foot is usually bigger — fit the larger one)
- Shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen
- Wear heels on days that do not require a lot of standing
- Stretch your calves, heels, and feet to reduce pain and tightness
- Alternate between heels and flats where possible
- Do not buy shoes that need to be “broken in” or stretched
Final Thoughts: Look After Your Feet
Remember that your feet carry the weight of your body, so to at least make their job a little easier, be kind to them when choosing your shoes.
