Are Your Shoes the Real Cause of Your Foot Pain?
Most people don’t realize that 90% of foot pain comes down to one thing, the wrong shoes.
According to Dr. Po Raval, podiatrist and founder of Archmaker, most foot issues rom bunions and plantar fasciitis to calluses and hammertoes can be prevented or significantly improved by wearing shoes that meet five simple design standards.
These are what she calls her “Shoe Non-Negotiables.”
Wide Toe Box
Your toes need room to move.
A wide toe box prevents pressure on the forefoot and allows your toes to spread naturally — which improves balance and prevents bunions, neuromas, and hammertoes.
If you can see your toe joints bulging through the material, your shoes are too narrow.
High Toe Box
A high toe box gives vertical room above the toes, preventing friction and irritation that can cause corns, calluses, and nail trauma.
Your toes should never hit the top of the shoe. If you see bony elements or your toes rubbing against the material, it’s a red flag.
Deep Heel Cup
A deep heel cup stabilizes the back of the foot and supports your natural alignment.
It ensures your heel sits securely, helping distribute pressure evenly across your arch especially important for anyone with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or overpronation.
Wide Heel Base
Your heel base should be wide enough to support your weight and provide stability.
A narrow heel or wobbly shoe may look stylish but forces your ankle and arch to overwork, leading to tendon strain, ankle instability, and pain.
A solid, grounded heel base is a must for everyday comfort.
Supportive Insole
A good shoe is only as good as its foundation.
Whether you use an over-the-counter insole like PowerStep ProTech or a custom orthotic from your podiatrist, proper arch support is key to preventing pain and promoting long-term foot health.
Dr. Raval recommends replacing insoles in most shoes even brand-new ones because factory liners are rarely supportive enough.
Final Thoughts
Before you buy your next pair of shoes, check for these five non-negotiables:
-Wide toe box
-High toe box
-Deep heel cup
-Wide heel base
-Supportive insole
These simple design details can solve 90% of common foot problems and keep your feet healthy for life.
For more foot health tips and product recommendations, visit Archmaker.net where better steps begin.
