Shoes are necessary to protect our feet. They grant us entrance into establishments and allow us to show off our style.

And while there are millions of styles to choose from, you should be cautious when choosing a pair, because shoe construction can have a direct impact on your foot and overall health. The wrong shoes can leave you with serious problems, which eventually limit the types of styles you can wear.

Your shoes don't have to harm you though, and with the right knowledge, you can prevent long term foot problems. Keep reading to learn how.

Flat Shoes

One style that people assume are safe for the feet are flat shoes. While they can be helpful, they can also cause several issues in the long run.

Prolonged wear of flat shoes can lead to collapsed arches, also known as flat feet, and strained ligaments. This can be extremely painful and cause swelling in the foot and surrounding areas, such as the ankles, knees, legs, and back. It can also lead to an uneven distribution of weight, which can wear down your shoes quickly and cause more issues.

Luckily there are ways to mitigate this pain, by wearing insoles and doing foot exercises.

High Heels

High heels have been a staple in women's footwear for centuries. There are different variations of the design available with intricate details. These styles, however, can cause several health issues.

High heels cause your foot to sit in an unnatural position and place more weight on your toes. The pain that high heels cause can be anywhere from ingrown toenails, back pain, to osteoarthritis of the knee.

Other common issues from the shoes include hammertoes, foot deformities, and a shortened Achilles tendon.

You can get relief by avoiding stilettos and heels over three inches. It's also helpful to wear insoles to support your feet when wearing high heels.

The Wrong Sized Shoe

When shoe shopping, it's common for people to go one size up for extra room and for people to get shoes that are slightly small because it's the last pair available. Both situations can leave you with lifelong problems that can easily be avoided.

Wearing shoes that are too big or too small will alter your stride and lead to painful blisters. It can also lead to metatarsal pain and Achilles Tendinitis.

A simple way to avoid this issue is by measuring your feet before buying new shoes and being cognizant of brands' sizing because it can vary depending on the company.

Ways to Prevent Long Term Foot Problems

There are several types of shoes that can lead to long term foot problems, but there are also several ways to fix it.

By practicing good foot hygiene, stretching, avoiding narrow shoes, and investing in quality shoes you will notice an improvement and can even reverse some foot pain.

The feet are the foundation of the body and what you adorn them with will support your overall wellness. Be mindful of the shoes you wear because they just might lead to irreversible damage later in life.

Are you interested in preserving your foot health? If so, explore our website for shoes that'll help prevent long term foot problems.