Foot issues can be particularly debilitating. Think about how often most of us need to use our feet throughout the day as we move from point A to point B. That is why it is important to do what we can to keep our feet healthy and functioning, including avoiding certain footwear and behaviors.
"As a podiatrist, we literally see the worst of the worst foot cases," said Dr. Ebonie Vincent, a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle specialist in California. "Naturally there are things we would refrain from doing knowing what we know."
Below, Vincent and other foot and ankle health experts share the behaviors they avoid in order to protect their foot health.
Wearing Crocs Everywhere
In recent years, Crocs have come back into style, to many podiatrists' chagrin. "Don't get me wrong, Crocs are a decent shoe to wear around the house or while doing small tasks," Vincent said. "However, when I see people wearing Crocs at Disneyland or for long hours of standing, I know they will probably suffer from some foot issues down the line." She recommended wearing a good walking shoe from brands like Brooks, Asics, or New Balance for long days of standing or walking.
Living in High Heels
"Women who live in high heels will eventually suffer from foot pain from bunions, corns, heel spurs, or even Achilles tendon pain," Vincent said. While high heels are fine for special occasions, moderation is key. "You should wear high heels in moderation, not the entire day or every day," said Dr. Jason Gold, a board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Florida. "Wearing high heels causes your foot to go into pronation, which can lead to bunions, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis." He advises patients to wear supportive shoes at least 80% of the time, with platform heels helping to alleviate stress.
Walking Around Barefoot
During COVID, many people began working from home, leading to more foot and ankle issues due to lack of footwear, Gold noted. He recommends having a pair of supportive sneakers for indoor use, especially on hard surfaces like tile or marble. "Time and time again, we hear that people live on their bare feet and are supposedly comfortable that way," Vincent added. "If you consistently don't provide support for your feet, you will develop calluses or even fat pad atrophy, limiting your shoe options in the future."
Running in Non-Running Shoes
"Avoid running in shoes that are not running shoes," said Atlanta-based podiatrist Dr. Jay Spector. Many people use cheap shoes for running, which can cause pain. He recommends changing running shoes every 300-500 miles or every six to eight months. "Also, wear the right shoe for the right activity," Spector added, warning against using running shoes for tennis and vice versa. Dr. Michael J. Trepal, professor of surgery at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, cautioned against zero-drop shoes or barefoot running, as they can lead to injury and poor mechanics.
Going Barefoot in Hotel Bathrooms and Other Germy Spaces
Podiatrists advise against walking barefoot in public bathrooms, gyms, or hotels. "I never walk barefoot in a hotel or take showers without flip-flops to avoid chances of wart or verruca exposure," Gold said. Walking barefoot in public places increases the risk of contracting plantar warts, which can multiply and become difficult to remove.
Wearing Cotton Socks
The fabric of your socks matters for foot health. "Avoid wearing cotton socks, as they retain moisture and can cause blisters and foot and nail fungus," Spector said. He recommends synthetic materials that wick away sweat and moisture.
Going to Untrusted Nail Salons
"I would never go to a salon that doesn't sterilize their instruments after usage, which helps avoid fungal or bacterial infections," Gold said. Ensure salons follow hygiene standards, and avoid soaking feet without a liner. "We see a lot of 'post-pedicure syndrome' with MRSA staph infections, ingrown nails, and foot cellulitis," Spector added.
Self-Treating or Ignoring Infections
"I would not recommend using products like Outgrow for ingrown toenails, as it is an acid that can lead to greater infections," Spector said. Swimming in lakes or rivers with unknown E. coli levels is also risky. Trepal advised against self-treating ingrown toenails due to infection risk and stressed not ignoring foot pain, as it could signal something more serious.
Not Retying Laces
"Especially in pediatric patients, I would avoid not opening laces and retying them when putting on," Trepal said. The support function of the shoe is lost or reduced in an unlaced or under-laced shoe, particularly for those with flat or low arches.
Forgetting to Take Extra Care as a Diabetic
"Those with diabetes should never go barefoot," Vincent said. Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, increasing injury risk. She recommends daily foot inspections and supportive shoes. Trepal added that diabetics should avoid heating pads or radiators due to limited sensation, which can lead to burns.
