If you can’t wiggle your toes when they are inside your shoe or your feet are in significant pain every time you take your shoes off, those are some pretty obvious signs that you’re wearing the wrong shoes. However, there are some subtler signs that can tell us the same thing, and they may be able to get us into the right pair of shoes before pain or an injury develops. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at five subtle signs that suggest you’re wearing the wrong shoes.
Signs You’re Wearing The Wrong Shoes
If you notice any of these signs, it’s high time to rethink the shoes you’re wearing.
1. Blisters – Blisters tend to suggest that part of the foot is being subjected to repetitive friction and rubbing. It’s not uncommon for mild blisters to develop when you’re breaking in a new pair of shoes, but if blisters are large or chronic, they could be suggesting that your shoes aren’t an optimal size for your feet.
2. Toenail Dislocation/Detachment – Another telltale sign of a shoe size issue is a problem with your toenail. If you’re dealing with bruising or discoloration, and you didn’t drop anything heavy on your toe, it could be the shoe that’s traumatizing the nail. Similarly, if one or more toenails ends up detaching from the nail bed, it could be caused by overly tight shoes exerting chronic pressure on your toe box. Check your toenails regularly for signs of a poorly-fitting shoe.
3. Uneven Wear Patterns – Sometimes the signs of an ill-fitting shoe will be on the shoe itself and not your foot. If you’re dealing with uneven wear on your shoes, it may suggest that you haven’t found the right fit, or it could indicate that you would benefit from an orthotic insert that normalizes how pressure is dispersed along your foot.
4. Ingrown Toenails – Shoes that are too tight are the most common cause of an ingrown toenail. Oftentimes they are seen in athletes that put a lot of stress on their feet while wearing tight shoes, like soccer players, dancers and basketball players, but regular use of any overly tight shoe can lead to ingrown toenail onset. Switching to a more comfortable shoe can prevent ingrown toenails from returning.
5. Stress Fractures – Finally, a stress fracture is typically the result of repetitive strain and overuse, but they are more common when your feet aren’t in a comfortable, supportive and protective pair of shoes. The right pair of shoes can help to protect against repetitive strain that increases your risk of a stress fracture. If you’re dealing with a stress fracture in your foot or you are constantly battling shin splints, consider reevaluating the shoes you’re wearing.
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