Everyone dreams of having wonderful feet that can make them walk on air. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most people. It is imperative to be in good health, and the quality of your feet has something to do with it.

1. Wearing Narrow Shoes

A lot of people think that bunions, or those bumps surrounding the joint at the big toe’s base, are the result of genetics. But the truth is, the most common culprit is wearing shoes that are too tight. Bunions can lead to severe swelling and pain and might even require surgery for their removal. Wearing narrow shoes can also cause the formation of ingrown toenails since your first toe is pressing against your second that can result to abnormal pressure on your nail which can trigger pain and inflammation. It is always best to buy your shoes later in the day once your feet swell for you to get the accurate fit. It is also recommended to purchase shoes made from softer materials such as leather to have enough room for swelling which can occur later on.

2. Gaining Weight

Too much flab can be a pain for your feet. Based on a survey, about 41% of people who suffer from foot pain have reported to gain weight before the pain started to set in. Researchers have discovered that a weight gain of even only 10 pounds can trigger the start of foot issues. When you weigh more, there is also greater stress placed on the tendons, ligaments, and bones in your feet. Gaining those pounds can even break down the fatty tissue below the heel bone and this can contribute to the so-called plantar fasciitis, or the inflammation under the feet between the heel and the ball.

3. Following a Fad

Fads come and go, and while others are good, there are some that are not. Just because a particular brand of running shoes has been getting all the hype doesn’t necessarily mean that you should be getting a pair for yourself as well. Also, switching from one pair of shoes to another without changing the way you walk or run can also have an effect on your feet.

For instance, when it comes to traditional sneakers, you are landing on your heel. There are shoes that are meant to mimic the way you run barefoot, and this means that you have to land on the middle part of your foot. Once you wear this kind of shoes then run 10 miles per day using the same technique you use in your regular shoes, you will experience a significant impact on your feet that can lead to injuries.

4. Ditching the Socks

You can increase the risks of suffering an infection if you wear your shoes with no socks. Athlete’s foot is brought about by fungi which prefer moist, warm, and dark environments, all of which are things you can find inside your shoes. Socks can wick away some of the moisture coming from your feet. This means that if you wear your shoes without your socks, there will be nowhere for the moisture to go, giving the fungus the chance to thrive. Search for socks which are made from synthetic materials as these can do a much better job when it comes to zapping moisture compared to cotton.

5. Going for Fashion Instead of Function

Feet are all different so it pays to purchase your shoes from a reliable shop which specializes in assisting you in finding the perfect fit instead of simply ordering your shoes online just because you like their appearance. Your local shop will analyze your needs and help you identify the shoes that best fit your requirements. It is ideal that the shoes you select will offer support in all the right places where it is required for you to lower the risks of stress fractures, knee pain, and overuse injuries that can happen when you wear shoes that don’t fit you properly.

6. Relying on Just One Pair of Shoes

When you work out several days in a week, try to alternate two sneaker pairs instead of lacing up the very same pair every single day. Once a workout is finished, the midsole will compress so it offers lesser support until it gets the chance of expanding all over again. Depending on the intensity of your workout and the amount of sweat you shed, your shoes will fully dry out within one day or more. Alternating the pairs you wear will help in making them last longer and this can lessen the need of replacing them on a frequent basis.

These are just some of the mistakes most people often commit that can bring harm to their feet. Which of these are you guilty of?