Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Shoes are often designed for either function or style, but very few are able to merge the two together. Often times, the shoes considered the most stylish can ultimately prove damaging for your feet.
Although any misfit shoe can prove problematic for your feet, there are some general culprits behind the pain. These shoes can even cause prolonged problems with your feet, legs and back. They eventually requiring medical treatment to correct the issues.
Ultra High Heels
High heels are designed to flatter the calves and to make individuals look taller. However, high heels are becoming higher and higher.
While these shoes do strengthen the calf muscles, they can cause some serious damage to the feet and the rest of the lower bod. A pump bump, as it is called, is a knot that forms on the heel of the foot. This eventually leads to blisters, swelling and pain throughout the foot. Individuals who wear high heels too often can also cause damage to the ball of their foot. With the additional weight placed on this area of the foot, the region can become inflamed and even lead to stress fractures.
Ballet Flats
If you are looking for the exact opposite shoe style of ultra high heels, you are going to come up with ballet flats. These shoes can come in different thicknesses, but it is possible to purchase roll-up varieties that you can toss into a purse. This makes it perfect for dancing after a reception when you want to kick off the high heels.
However, these shoes are not going to offer much help either, due to the lack of any arch support. This prevents the foot from landing properly and can cause pain both in the knees and the back. Extended usage of ballet flats can lead to a pinched nerve in the back.
Flip Flops
Next on the list of most dangerous shoes is the flip flop. There are several issues with these. While a pair of flip flops is perfect for the beach, it is not something you want to generally walk around in. Not only do they provide no real arch support, the same as the ballet flats, but it leaves your foot completely exposed. This makes it possible for you to scratch, cut and infect your foot easier than others (it can also cause planters foot).
Platform Shoes
On the list of most dangerous shoes is the platform. These are generally a slight variation of the high heel, only the sole of the shoe is a few inches thick. It can cause stress on your feet as the feet basically are fighting gravity while you wear them. If you want platform shoes, go with ones that are a bit flatter so the ball of your foot is closer to the ground.
Pointy Toe Shoes
These come in both men’s and women’s varieties. The pointy toes pinch and squeeze the toes together, causing nerve pain. This can even develop bunions and blisters. It is best to avoid pointy toe shoes if at all possible, or to at least only wear these designs once in a while.
Lady Gaga Shoes
Lady Gaga first debuted these shoes in her Bad Romance music video. The style has started to catch on and it is an instant inclusion with the most dangerous shoes list. That is because the shoes are basically high heels without the heel. This places far too much stress on the ball of the foot and can cause significant nerve damage.
