If you’re a regular reader of this site, you’re probably aware of some of the dangers caused by shoving your foot into a shoe that is simply too small to accommodate your foot. Shoes that are too tight can cause problems like hammertoes and bunions, so that leads some people to assume that they should always err on the side of too big instead of too small.
If those were the only two options, that would ring true, but you should always strive to find a shoe that fits comfortably, because shoes that are too big can cause their own problems. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the potential foot issues caused by wearing shoes that are too big for your feet.
Foot Problems Caused By Oversized Shoes
Shoes that are too large for your feet may not put excess pressure on your big toe joint like a shoe that is too tight, but that doesn’t mean the footwear can’t cause issues for your feet. Here’s a look at some of the potential issues caused by shoes that are too big.
Gait Changes – If your shoes are too big, they can end up affecting your natural gait. This can lead you to walk in an unnatural and even dysfunctional manner as your work to keep your heel from slipping out of the shoe, which can lead to new foot pain or problems like Achilles Tendonitis.
Ankle Sprains/Fractures – Shoes that are too big won’t provide ample support to the ankle joint, meaning it is more prone to rolling, spraining and even fracturing. This is especially true if you are attempting to run, jump or change directions quickly in a shoe that is too large.
Blisters – Shoes that are too large can rub against your feet, which can lead to friction and blister onset.
Calf Injuries – If you’re a runner, you want to ensure your shoes are not too large during a workout. If your shoes are too large, there will be a lack of support to the foot, meaning your calf muscles will have to handle more pressure, which can lead to overuse or overstress injuries.
Fall Risk – When your shoes are too big, your proprioception can be affected and it’s easier to miss a step or become off balance when navigating stairs. This can lead to foot injuries or hand/head injuries depending on how you strike the ground during a fall.
Metatarsalgia – Metatarsalgia is a condition that can be brought on by wearing shoes that are too tight, but it can also develop if your large shoes aren’t offering your feet enough support. This can lead to more pressure on the balls of your feet, and localized pain in this area.