Discover the 7 signs that indicate you may have been wearing the wrong size shoes for years. Learn how to prevent discomfort and potential health issues by investing in proper footwear.
We know, we know: you’re a grown, independent woman and you know what your shoe size is – after all, you’ve bought them hundreds of times already.And yet, it’s possible that you’ve been wearing shoes that are too tight or too big for years. A 2014 study by researchers at the Royal College of Orthopaedics in the UK found that every third man and every second woman wear shoes that don’t fit them properly.
Signs You’ve Been Wearing the Wrong Size Shoes for Years.
Why does this happen? Most often, it is because we habitually take the same size, without taking into account the changes in the foot – and it becomes larger with age, due to weight gain or after injuries. Even during the day it will not be the same: by the evening, the feet swell a little, and therefore it is better to try on new shoes closer to the end of the day.
“Choosing the right shoes is very important – if you wear the wrong ones, you can face a variety of foot pathologies. The best way to find out your size is to consult a doctor who will measure your foot and give his recommendations. For example, in the case of a high arch, you should add an extra half size,” says podiatrist Berkeley Jensen.
Bruises on nails
Damaged toenails are a common sign that a person is wearing shoes that are the wrong size. Bruised toes are common among runners, basketball players, handball players, and ballerinas, but if you are not one of them, the bruise is most likely caused by shoes that are too tight.
Blisters and calluses
If they occur when you’re breaking in a pair of newly purchased pumps, that’s okay — a new pair takes some getting used to. But if blisters and calluses are a regular occurrence, it’s time to get your feet measured. “Skin abrasions indicate that the shoe is either too tight and constantly pressing on your foot, or too loose and your foot is sliding around inside,” Berkley explains.
Problems with sensitivity
Tight shoes not only damage the skin, but also the nerves. “Over time, this can lead to plantar neuropathy, the symptoms of which include burning pain in the foot, as well as sensory disturbances – numbness, tingling, increased sensitivity. Fortunately, neuropathy is treatable, but if you ignore the signs of the disease and do not consult a doctor, then it can lead to serious foot deformity and difficulty moving,” warns Jensen.
Pain in the foot
Do you take off your shoes in the evening and realize that your feet hurt? Or do you experience discomfort all day long? Most likely, you have been wearing shoes that are either the wrong size or the “wrong” ones for a long time – flip-flops, flat ballet flats, pointed shoes that squeeze your toes, boots without arch support or high heels.
“Depending on the shape of your foot, you may need more or less arch support. A great way to add this is with orthotics, which can be fitted by a professional to help keep your foot in the correct position,” says Berkley.
Pain in the ankles, calves or knees
“Poorly fitting shoes don’t just hurt your feet. The rest of your body will suffer because the load isn’t distributed correctly. If you have constant pain in your ankles, calves, and knees , it could be a sign that the shock load isn’t being absorbed as well as it should be,” Jensen explains.
Change in gait
It happens without you even realizing it: your brain tells your body to move differently to compensate for the effects of the wrong shoes and avoid pain. Do you notice that in your new sneakers you limp, walk slower, or avoid taking big steps? Chances are, they don’t suit you.
Foot deformities
Shoes that are too tight can lead to hammertoes – according to statistics, two out of ten people experience this pathology, when two or three toes curl downwards and their middle part rises.
Another common problem is hallux valgus (the same “bones”). Its development is facilitated by wearing shoes with too narrow toes or high heels. It is not always possible to cope with such pathologies with the help of therapy – often surgical intervention is required.
Of course, it’s better not to let it get to this point, so pay attention to all the symptoms listed – after all, it’s easier to change your shoes than to treat the consequences of wearing shoes that are too tight or loose on your foot for a long time.