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Running shoe with proper cushioning being tied up

The Importance of Footwear for Foot Health

Footwear is an integral part of our overall health as well – not just our foot health. Proper footwear can serve several purposes, including protection, support, stability, comfort, and cushioning, all of which can help keep foot problems and conditions such as ingrown toenails, tendonitis, blisters, and foot pain at bay.

In this article, you’ll learn about five key reasons footwear is critical for short- and long-term foot health.

Protection

Winter footwear in snowy conditions

Shoes protect the feet from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. They also shield the feet from outside elements like rocks, hot pavement, and cold weather. Proper footwear with protection can help prevent foot conditions, including frostbitebroken bonesstress fracturesstubbed toes, and black toenails. Protection is especially important if you have diabetes; people with diabetes should wear covered footwear both indoors and outdoors

Protection is also about wearing the right shoes for the correct purpose. For instance, wear tough winter footwear in cold conditions to help prevent cold-related skin injuries. Relatedly, wear proper athletic footwear for various sports, including tennis, basketball, football, hockey, and running, as footwear can have specific features for the various movements you make while participating.

Support

Runner with proper Asics running shoes providing cushioning

Proper footwear supports the feet by helping distribute your body weight evenly across your legs and feet. Proper weight distribution can help prevent foot and leg pain and reduce the risk of sprains and fractures. Mainly, proper support can help prevent foot conditions, including pain from flat feetplantar fasciitisMorton’s neuromaAchilles tendonitisblistersheel spurs, and osteoarthritis.

Cushioning

Person playing tennis

Shoes with good cushioning can absorb shock and reduce pressure on the feet. Whether running, on the job or just walking around casually, cushioning can help reduce impact-related injuries such as tendonitis, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, hallux rigidus, and metatarsalgia.

Stability

Shoes with a stable sole and a firm heel counter provide stability. Stability is especially important for people who overpronate or have flat feet. You can get stability from shoes with stability features in the midsole that control the movement or the foot and ankle, or from custom orthotics. Proper footwear with stability can help reduce pain associated with overpronation, like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis.

Comfort

A critical component of footwear for foot health is comfort. Shoes should fit snugly but not tight to prevent common foot conditions like ingrown toenails, blisters, calluses, and corns. Ill-fitting shoes can add pressure points throughout your feet and toes.

Pair of feet on a wood surface showing a heel spur on one foot

By choosing shoes that provide protection, support, cushioning, stability, and comfort, you can help to prevent foot problems and keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Prioritize your foot health by investing in the proper footwear

Now that you know the importance of footwear, it’s time to invest in the proper footwear. Feet First Clinic is Toronto’s leading foot clinic specializing in foot care services & custom orthotics. To learn more, call us or book an appointment below today!

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Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures. She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.