Dr. Irina Lyalina, acting dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Russian University of Education, warned that wearing inappropriate shoes can cause serious problems in the feet, back, and joints.
In an interview with the Russian newspaper Gazeta.ru, the doctor said: "Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to corns and ingrown toenails, and over time, they can cause foot deformities, toe curvature, and joint damage. This, in turn, can disrupt the distribution of body weight, causing pain not only in the legs but also in the back, which can lead to postural problems and various musculoskeletal disorders. On the other hand, carefully chosen shoes help maintain the health of the feet and the body as a whole: healthy feet are key to good posture and preventing spinal problems. Therefore, it is important to choose shoes carefully and avoid the cheapest options, especially when it comes to children's shoes."
"The ideal shoe size is when it is about 1-1.5 cm longer than the foot to provide comfort for the toes between the heel and the base of the shoe. This space is practical in all seasons: in winter, it is enough to wear a warm sock, and in summer, the foot will not be subjected to pressure if it swells due to the heat. However, choosing one or two sizes too big is also a bad idea: the shape of the sole and the curvature of the arch of the foot may not match the anatomy of the foot, and this will lead to an incorrect distribution of pressure, causing corns, and the foot may deviate to one side, increasing the risk of ankle sprains."
Layalina advised buying shoes in the evening, when the feet are slightly swollen. As for buying shoes online, she called for relying on accurate measurements, by measuring the length of the foot (by drawing its circumference on a piece of paper while standing), and paying attention to the width measurement. She also stressed the need to choose shoes made of natural materials, taking into account their weight and flexibility, and that the shoe should be made in a way that supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shocks while walking, while remaining flexible.
