Every kind of footwear, from antiquity to the present day, has had two important functions – protection of the foot from external influences and a decorative function.
Mankind in its history has invented dozens of types of footwear, from simple sandals and boots to many variations of men's and women's shoes. However, not all of them are harmless.
The selection of spring and summer shoes is huge in terms of styles: flip-flops, sandals, ballet flops, Crocs, sneakers – as well as in terms of materials and colors. But some of these shoes may not be right for your feet, legs in general, spine or posture. You should strive for a balance between beauty and health benefits.
Let's take a look at what shoes are the most dangerous in spring and summer:
Flip-flops
When it gets warm outside, most people prefer to wear shoes that are as open as possible, because there are a lot of sweat glands on the feet, which are active in hot weather. In fact, you may not even realize that familiar shoes can be dangerous and lead you to the doctor.
For example, the soles of flip-flops are often very thin, so they put a lot of strain on the foot. This can exacerbate existing foot problems. Another important point is that the fixation of flip-flops on the foot is very weak, which can lead to injuries of the foot and ankle.
Flip-flops are best worn for short periods of time, such as at the beach, but not every day for extended periods of time.
Ballet flats and sandals
Feminine romantic ballet flats and open summer sandals many people love and wear with pleasure in spring and summer.
What are the dangers? Not all types of ballet flats and sandals are dangerous for the feet, but models with a complete lack of a heel.
Any such shoes, where there is almost no sole, will not be good for your feet. When wearing such shoes, in addition to the fact that the foot is poorly cushioned, it takes on an additional axial load. From this there is an even greater change of overload, and soon the joints will begin to hurt.
In the case of open sandals consisting of several straps, there is also a risk of injury to the toes, especially in transport and public places.
High Heel Shoes
High heels belong to the most dangerous category of shoes. Wearing them not only puts a lot of stress on the joints, but also destroys and deforms the front part of the foot. The big toe is under excessive strain, and so its joints begin to break down. This can lead to unfortunate consequences up to and including surgery.
Sneakers
Perhaps one of the most popular types of shoes are canvas sneakers. I think most of you have similar shoes. Yes, they are comfortable and stylish, but you must remember that in flat-soled shoes the foot does not work as it should. It has no support in the central arch, and this begins to progress flatfoot.
In addition, when wearing these shoes, the foot ceases to perform its main function: cushioning. With decreased cushioning increases the load on all the joints and spine.
Besides, the rubber sole (even with a fabric upper and insole) does not allow the foot to breathe, which can lead to increased sweating and create favorable conditions for fungal infections.
The solution is simple: alternate them with other types of shoes and don't wear them all the time.
Trainers
It's a really comfortable and practical kind of shoes, and the variety of shapes is just amazing. But they, if chosen incorrectly, can serve badly.
What is the danger? Variety of shapes of trainers is not only in their design, but above all in their functionality.
Depending on their purpose – running, cycling, basketball, fitness, urban, etc., trainers can have a very different internal structure, sometimes very complex, which is associated with technical requirements to them: cushioning the arch of the foot and ankle support. The wrong type of trainers can have the opposite effect, sometimes in the long run.
Also, trainers have a very short lifespan, not so much in terms of appearance, but above all in terms of technique, after which they cease to perform their practical functions.
Worn and, even more so, used up trainers stop fulfilling their support functions, and the foot begins to "hang out" in them, which is especially dangerous for teenagers and the elderly.
How to avoid this? Choose your trainers carefully, taking into account the conditions of use. Use them interchangeably with other types of shoes, and don't wear them all the time.
In conclusion, I can say that most people over the age of 30 have foot problems, some more than others. It has to do with our physiology. Sooner or later everyone will have foot problems. So the main task of everyone is to start taking care of their health as early as possible to prevent the problem at an early stage.