October 25, 2024
Whether we're walking to work or doing the school run, we rarely get a moment to rest our feet - even on our off days. We rely on our soles to carry us through the daily stresses and strains of life. Yet, we may actually be doing them harm in shoes that aren't right for us.
This can cause issues such as pain, discomfort, a never-ending need for a foot masseur, and even ongoing problems that could require treatment. But, with the right shoe, you could help to keep your feet ache-free in the long-run.
Discover a range of the best shoes for painful and sore feet and give your soles the care they deserve.
What's on this page:
According to the NHS, shoes that don't fit correctly can be a cause of many foot problems. That's why it's important to consider the best shoes for your sore feet. Not only can the correct shoes bring relief, but being considerate of your footwear can prevent foot pain altogether.
Other issues can be caused by excessive exercise, with incorrect footwear escalating this issue.
Sometimes, footwear can alleviate or aid in soothing specific issues. For example, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis may be different to the ideal shoes for arthritis. Here are a few examples of foot problems and causes.
There are many ways to tackle or cope with all forms of foot issues, but it's best to speak to your doctor if you notice anything is wrong.
However, choosing the best shoes for painful feet can be one way to help soothe and even prevent foot problems from occurring.
There are a few reasons why shoes may hurt your feet. And, sometimes, we take our footwear for granted. Let's take a look at a couple of reasons why your shoes may be hurting your feet:
Sometimes, to get the shoes you want when you want them, we must make sacrifices, right? That might mean buying a size up, or a size down. Or maybe you haven't had your shoes fit in a while. Either way, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause issues from blisters, to chafing, to corns and ingrown nails just to name a few. It's always better to get a pair that fits, even if it means getting a pair a little later.
Take a look at our size guide to find the perfect fit
We all have our favourite shoes, those trusty treads that keep us feeling confident in every situation. But, eventually, our favourite shoes wear down without proper upkeep and may be doing our feet more harm than good.
This isn't as obvious as you might think! Everyone knows not to wear heels running, but not all trainers are made for marathons, not all sneakers are suited to basketball. Find the right shoes for the activities you love, and you'll feel a world of difference.
Striding into a room with a strut, echoing through the halls with that confidence clop - it's hard not to feel confident in heels. But wearing high heels every day can cause a range of issues and put excessive and abnormal amounts of stress on your feet and joints.
Everyone's feet are different, but most of us have some form of foot arch. Shoes without arch support can result in us putting more weight on the plantar fascia
(a little band that runs along the bottom of the foot.) That means some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis (or for preventing it) are those with arch support.
Like most things, looking after your feet is one of the best ways to avoid certain problems. The issue is, we're often on them all day so we can't just stop moving!
With some self-care and a set of go-to shoes that'll keep you comfy, supported, and stable, your feet will be able to go the extra mile (and then some.) Here's some of the best things you can do to prevent problem or painful feet:
The best shoes for painful feet are often those with arch support. They can ease foot pain and reduce symptoms that lead to foot problems. If you're flat-footed or find you have regular arch pain, you might want to think about shoes with arch support.
Shoes with arch support have a firm enough sole to provide support, and are flexible enough so you can bend and move comfortably. They come in a range of styles, so you can be supported on every occasion.
If you can't find a pair you love, then supported arch insoles could be a good compromise.
Here are some ideas:
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis and heel pain are often those that protect the heel. That's because plantar fasciitis often refers to heel pain. It's usually caused by irritation - so try to avoid running or walking in ill-fitting or worn-down shoes.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis provide the right support for your heels. It's all about shock absorption, and taking pressure off your heels.
You may also want to think about arch support, as well as cushioned soles and making sure your ankles are supported too.
Let's take a look at some footwear that can help soothe plantar fasciitis and heel pain:
The best shoes for arthritis are those that offer a large amount of midsole support, with plenty of cushioning. With arthritis in the feet, you're looking to distribute weight evenly, stabilise the joints, and keep them firmly in place to alleviate strain on your joint.
As you can imagine, that means footwear such as high heels aren't the best choice, though specialist choices may exist. Ideally, you're looking for something cushioned, stable, and without a large heel that keeps your foot from sliding around. For example:
There are a lot of things that can lead to sore & swollen feet - from going on a hike in the wrong pair of trainers, injuries big or small, and even your diet. The best shoes for sore and swollen feet are usually ones that provide enough space and ventilation.
Cushioned soles can comfort tired heels, but you may want a bit of rigidity to keep your arch supported.
You can't go wrong with resting your feet when they feel like this, but the next best thing is a shoe that works with your feet - not against them. For example:
Corns, calluses, and bunions can be caused by ill-fitting shoes that create friction, or that place pressure on parts of your feet. You want to find shoes that fit just right - keeping in mind length and width.
The best shoes for feet with corns and calluses are those that are comfortable and well fitting. However, you'll want to leave space around the corns and calluses, to relieve them of any unnecessary pressure.
Bunions typically form along the edge of the foot and can be quite painful. This pain tends to be in the big toe and its joint, because the bunion causes the toe to push inwards. Sometimes, bunions aren't bothersome, but you may still want to take precautions.
The best shoes for feet with bunions are ones with roomy, flexible soles. While footwear helps, resting your feet a little more than usual can help too.
Our top pick is:
Unlike bunions, calluses and corns aren't caused by a malformed bone. They're tough, thick areas of hardened skin that can be painful.
Generally, you'll want to keep pressure off the area to reduce them and ease any pain. That means spacious shoes that fit well will be good. Too tight and they risk friction, too loose and they could intermittently rub.
Take a look at:
Yes, shoes can cause inflammation. While this may not be super uncomfortable for everyone, ill-fitting shoes can cause inflammation either through pressure, or from other problems like ingrown toenails.
The bottoms of your feet could hurt in certain shoes if they're not suited to the activity you're doing, or they aren't providing the type of support you need. Some people have a foot shape that can put extra pressure on the bottom of the foot, and certain skin conditions can cause pain on your soles too.
It's normal for your feet to be sore after wearing new shoes if they're new. That foot pain comes from something widely known as 'breaking in your shoes.' This is where shoes need to be worn a few times to lose that initial stiffness. If they continue to be sore afterwards, or feel incredibly tight, they may not be the right fit.
The best shock-absorbing running shoes are thick, cushioned EVA or foam midsole. These can reduce the impact of shock on your feet. Some shoes to try include the Skechers Arch Fit Infinity Cool Men’s Navy Trainer or Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal Women’s Navy Trainers.
If your shoes just aren't cutting it, one way you can improve arch support is by adding insoles. There are a range of insoles, including memory foam support or warming liners. Just like your shoes, make sure they're the right size for you.
Through little moments or big ones, our feet carry us through it all. It's important to look after your soles with proper footwear to avoid pain. But there's a lot more to looking after your shoes and feet. Whether you're looking for safety shoes, or you're searching for shoe-specific style tips, find everything you need to know about footwear at the shoezone blog.
Treat your feet the right way, shop men's and women's shoes today with shoezone.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.