Fashion Boot Faux Pas

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Cute boots are definitely the footwear fashion stars during the winter. At NY Foot Health, however, we know that this type of shoe can result in harm to your feet and ankles, increasing your risk for several common podiatric problems and exacerbating chronic issues you may already have. It is due to several potential design flaws, which include:

Lack of arch support—this puts stress on your plantar fascia (the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot) and can leave you with sore heels and arch pain at the end of the day.

High, spiky heels—yes, they add to the fashion appeal, but they also increase the risk of ankle sprains, falls, and other injuries. Most of these types of boots do not have any gripping tread either, further increasing the likelihood of slips and falls in winter weather.

Narrow, pointy toe boxes—the other effect of wearing high heels is they force your foot forward. Squeezing toes into a narrow toe box can cause bunions to develop (or make ones you already have worse) and corns. Pressing toes up against one another can also increase your chances of developing ingrown toenails.

Best Boot Tips

Does this mean you have to stop wearing these desirable styles altogether? No, but you should take steps to make it easier on your feet by doing the following:

  • Get your foot professionally measured and make sure you are not buying to small boots for your feet.

  • Try to find styles that mediate some of the harmful flaws—look for slightly wider toe boxes and boots made of softer, more flexible fabrics. Choose boots with a lower heel height and/or increase in heel width.

  • If your podiatrist has prescribed a custom orthotic, try to find boots that will accommodate it. Your podiatrist can make recommendations for shoe design choices that will help with any chronic podiatric problems you may have. If you need help finding a foot doctor in your area, consult our online directory. Your

  • Alternate your footwear. Don’t wear the same pair of boots (or shoes) every day.

For more information on protecting the health of your feet this winter, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.

footwear, Proper Footwear, Foot PainNYSPMAheels, ankle sprains, bunions, corns, ingrown toenails