Top 5 Footwear Mistakes (You're Probably Making One Right Now)

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you really thought about your shoes? For most people, footwear is more about fashion or convenience than foot health. But at Select Foot and Ankle Specialist, we see the consequences of bad footwear choices every day. Whether it's aching heels, bunions, or mysterious foot fatigue, many problems trace back to the shoes you wear. So let’s talk about the top five footwear mistakes—and yes, you might be making one of them right now.

👟 1. Wearing Shoes That Are Too Small

Tight shoes can cause blisters, bunions, and hammertoes, and even contribute to nerve compression. Your feet actually change size over time, especially with age or pregnancy, so it's important to get remeasured at least once a year. While feet do not actually "grow" the ligaments on the bottom of the foot do begin to stretch which leads to the feet "laying down" depressing the arch and making the foot longer. The stretching of these ligaments and change in the foot shape is also one of the reasons why people tend to tolerate barefoot walking on hard surfaces less and less as they age.

Fix it: Measure your feet regularly and always try shoes on at the end of the day (when your feet are most swollen).

🩴 2. Living in Flip-Flops

We get it—they're easy. But most flip-flops offer zero arch support, minimal shock absorption, and force your toes to grip unnaturally. This can lead to heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis. Most flips flaps are barely a step above walking barefoot. See above point about the need for support and you see why this can be a problem.

Fix it: Reserve flip-flops for poolside lounging. For daily wear, opt for supportive sandals with arch support and heel cushioning. Check out brands like Birkenstock, HOKA recovery, GPOS, Oofos and the like. The bands have built in cushioning and arch support.

🧤 3. Ignoring Arch Support, A Big Footwear Mistake!

Flat shoes or high heels throw off your body’s alignment and place extra strain on your knees, hips, and lower back. Without proper arch support, your feet do all the work—and suffer for it.

Fix it: Choose footwear with built-in arch support or invest in custom orthotics tailored to your foot shape.

👠 4. Prioritizing Style Over Support

We’ve all been there—sacrificing comfort for a killer pair of heels or trendy sneakers. But over time, the wrong shoes can cause lasting damage, especially to your toes, tendons, and joints.

Fix it: Look for stylish shoes that also support foot health. Many brands now combine design and function (think Vionic, Naot, or Ecco). Got a business meeting but you have to walk halfway across downtown before you get there? Consider wearing good supportive shoes when traveling to and from the meeting and switching to your stylish shoes only when they are needed to complete the fit.

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👞 5. Not Replacing Worn-Out Shoes

Worn-out soles and flattened cushioning no longer provide the support your feet need—leading to chronic pain and overuse injuries.

Fix it: Replace your shoes every 300–500 miles of wear (especially if you’re active), or if the soles are visibly uneven or worn. More information about when to replace your shoes here.

👣 Your Feet Deserve Better

If you’re feeling foot pain or just not sure if your shoes are helping or hurting, let’s talk. At Select Foot and Ankle Specialist, we can evaluate your gait, recommend supportive footwear, and even fit you with custom orthotics if needed.

📞 Call us today at (832) 743 0508 to schedule or schedule online for a custom footwear consultation. Your feet will thank you.