Can shoes really cause foot and ankle problems?
Yes, most definitely. Shoe gear is the most contributing factor in the long term development of several types of foot and ankle deformities. They affect the foot more than the ankle. There was a study done several years ago in a South American community where none of the natives wore any type of shoe gear. The researchers found nearly no signs of any structural/orthopedic deformities in the feet of these natives when compared to a similar population where shoes were worn daily. The researchers concluded that it is most likely that shoes do play a most significant role in the development of many foot problems. The ones most at risk are women. The pressure of looking good and stylish in today’s society has encouraged women to continue to wear narrow, pointed, high heeled, and most likely, ill-fitting shoes. Although they probably look good, individuals who consistently wear these types of shoes may have problems in the future, if not the present. If you would like a copy of my personal s
