"I Was Just Going Barefoot at Home"... "Absolutely Not": Why Doctors Warn Against It

U.S. Publication Reveals Surprising Habits That Harm Foot Health
Worn-Out Sneakers Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis
Going Barefoot on Hardwood or Marble Floors Can Cause Fatigue to Build Up in the Soles of the Feet

Feet support the body's weight all day and play an important role in balance and mobility, but it is easy to overlook their importance in everyday life. Many people only start paying attention to their foot health after feeling a tingling sensation in their heels or pain when walking. Experts warn that everyday habits we repeat without thinking, such as wearing old sneakers and going barefoot indoors, can harm foot health.

An image generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to help readers understand the article. ChatGPT

They May Look Fine on the Outside... Worn-Out Shoes Can Damage Foot Joints

The U.S. health publication Prevention recently shared everyday habits that can harm foot health, based on advice from podiatrists. One of the most common causes is wearing shoes past their useful life. Even if visible damage or wear is not apparent, the cushioning in a sneaker's midsole, which absorbs impact, gradually deteriorates as mileage and activity accumulate. Continuing to walk or run in shoes with reduced shock absorption can transfer ground impact directly to the plantar fascia, the shock-absorbing tissue on the sole of the foot, and the Achilles tendon, making chronic pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis more likely.

Experts advise regularly checking shoes for wear and following a replacement schedule. As a general rule, it is a good idea to inspect and replace shoes after walking or running about 480 to 800 km in them, or if they have been worn for a long time. Alternating between two pairs of shoes gives compressed midsole cushioning time to recover and can help distribute impact.

Image for illustrative purposes. Getty Images Bank.

Care is also needed when buying new shoes. Even if they are from the same brand or are the same model as a pair you have worn before, the fit may differ slightly depending on manufacturing processes, materials, and the width of the shoe. It is therefore safer to visit a store and try them on in the late afternoon, when your feet may be slightly swollen after a day's activity. High heels over 7.6 cm or shoes with narrow toe boxes can shift your weight toward the front of your feet, causing ankle instability and foot deformities. It is wise to choose designs with a broad, stable base and ample room in the toe box.

If Your Feet Hurt, Consider Wearing Slippers Indoors

Going barefoot at home after spending time outdoors can also be harmful, depending on the condition of your feet. Walking barefoot on hard floors, such as wood or marble, that do not cushion impact can fatigue the plantar fascia and worsen pain. If you often feel pain in the soles of your feet or heels, wearing slippers that provide stable arch support, adequate cushioning, and slip resistance can help reduce the strain on your feet.

You should never go barefoot in shared spaces with high humidity and many users, such as gym showers or public bathhouses. This is because exposure to fungi is common, creating a high risk of skin conditions such as athlete's foot. Always wear your own slippers in these spaces, and maintain good hygiene by thoroughly drying your feet, including between your toes, after use.

Don't Ignore Even Minor Pain... Regular Checks and Stretching Are Essential

To protect foot health, make a habit of regularly checking your feet, just as you would care for your facial skin. Two or three times a week, carefully examine the tops and soles of your feet and the areas between your toes for cuts, calluses, or subtle changes in skin color. Patients with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy in particular must check their feet every day, as reduced sensation may prevent them from noticing minor injuries that can develop into serious foot ulcers.

Do not dismiss soreness or pain in your feet after prolonged walking or activity as simple fatigue. If you unconsciously change your gait to avoid pain, the strain can spread beyond your feet and affect your knees, pelvis, and spine. If you feel pain after being active, get plenty of rest, apply a cold compress, and do stretches to improve flexibility in your calves and feet.

Image accompanying the article. Getty Images

Standing with one hand against a wall and stretching the calf muscle of your back leg, or using your toes to pick up a towel from the floor, can improve ankle flexibility and strengthen the small muscles in the soles of your feet. However, if you already have heel pain, lowering your heels deeply below the edge of a step may put excessive strain on the Achilles tendon and worsen your symptoms, so take particular care.

Experts emphasize that the most important way to protect foot health is not through elaborate tricks, but by checking the lifespan of your shoes and correcting small everyday habits that put undue strain on your feet. If pain persists or recurs rather than being a one-time occurrence, it is best to seek a prompt evaluation from a foot specialist to determine the exact cause.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.