Are Your Shoes Hurting Your Feet? Common Footwear Mistakes and How to Fix Them
When most people experience foot pain, they often assume it’s caused by overuse, age, or a minor injury. Yet, one of the most common culprits is sitting right on our feet every day — our shoes. The wrong footwear can quietly cause or worsen many common foot problems, from bunions and corns to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.
At Podiatry Hub, we specialise in helping Australians understand how footwear impacts foot health and guiding patients toward long-term solutions. Let’s look at the most common footwear mistakes, how they affect your feet, and what you can do to prevent problems before they start.
Why Footwear Matters More Than You Think
Our feet support the entire body with every step we take. Wearing poorly fitted or unsupportive shoes can change the way pressure is distributed across the foot, alter walking mechanics, and place stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Over time, this leads to fatigue, inflammation, and even structural deformities.
The good news? With expert advice from Podiatry Hub, most footwear-related problems are preventable.
Common Footwear Mistakes (and How They Harm Your Feet)
- Wearing Shoes That Don’t Fit
Shoes that are too tight compress toes and nails, leading to ingrown toenails and corns. Shoes that are too loose cause friction and blisters. Over time, ill-fitting shoes can even alter toe alignment and contribute to bunions.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Get your feet measured for length, width, and arch height. Feet change shape over time, and a correct fit is essential for long-term health.
- Ignoring Your Foot Type
Flat feet and high arches each require specific support. Flat feet need shoes with structured arch support and firm midsoles, while high arches benefit from extra cushioning to absorb shock.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Our podiatrists can assess your foot type and gait, helping you select shoes that complement your natural structure.
- Using the Wrong Shoes for the Activity
Running shoes, casual sneakers, work boots, and dress shoes are all built differently. Wearing the wrong shoe type for your activity can increase your risk of heel pain, shin splints, or Achilles tendinopathy.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Match your footwear to your activity and get guidance from a podiatrist on what works best for your unique foot biomechanics.
- Worn-Out or Unsupportive Shoes
Even the best shoes lose their structure over time. Worn soles, flattened cushioning, and stretched uppers stop providing adequate support.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Replace shoes regularly, or bring them in for a podiatry check — our team can advise if they’re still suitable for your feet.
- Fashion Over Function
High heels, narrow toe boxes, and ballet flats without support may look good, but they place excessive pressure on the forefoot and toes. This can cause bunions, hammertoes, and Morton’s neuroma.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Alternate fashion shoes with supportive options and always look for wider toe boxes and cushioned insoles.
- Flip-Flops and Flat Casual Shoes
In Australia, thongs and slip-on flats are wardrobe staples. Unfortunately, these shoes provide little to no arch or heel support, forcing the toes to grip for stability and straining the plantar fascia.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Limit wear of flat sandals and opt for orthotic-friendly casual shoes for daily use.
How Footwear Mistakes Lead to Common Foot Problems
Each mistake can set off a chain reaction of discomfort and injury:
- Heel pain / plantar fasciitis — from poor arch support or worn cushioning.
- Bunions and corns — from narrow or tight shoes.
- Morton’s neuroma — from narrow toe boxes.
- Achilles tendinopathy — from unsupportive footwear or excessive heel elevation.
- Shin splints and knee pain — from worn soles altering gait mechanics.
Learn more about these conditions in our dedicated guides:
- Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- Understanding Morton’s Neuroma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
- Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- Foot Strengthening Exercises: Why They Matter and How to Get Started
How to Choose the Right Shoes
When buying new footwear, keep these key features in mind:
- Fit: Aim for 1 cm space between your longest toe and the shoe’s front.
- Arch Support: Ensure midsole support matches your arch type.
- Heel Counter: Should feel firm and stable, not soft or collapsed.
- Toe Box: Wide enough to wiggle toes freely.
- Purpose-Built Design: Match to your activity — running, walking, or work.
Podiatry Hub Tip: Try shoes in the afternoon when your feet are slightly larger due to natural swelling.
When Foot Pain Persists: Book With Podiatry Hub
If you notice persistent foot pain, corns, calluses, or fatigue even after adjusting your footwear, book a consultation with Podiatry Hub. Our expert podiatrists will assess your gait, foot structure, and footwear choices, providing tailored advice, orthotic solutions, and preventative care to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
The Bottom Line
Footwear is more than fashion — it’s a foundation for long-term foot health. By following expert guidance from Podiatry Hub, you can prevent many painful foot conditions and make informed choices that support comfort, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
Take the first step today: Book your appointment with Podiatry Hub
Josh Condon (Podiatrist)