Whether you realize it or not, some of your footwear may be the cause of your foot pain. The types of shoes you wear impact the health of your feet because every shoe supports your feet in a unique way. Every shoe isn’t dangerous, but there are some that you should definitely avoid. We’ve compiled a list of five shoes that can cause trouble for your feet.

High Heels and Pumps

As heels get higher and higher, more women are suffering from chronic pain as a result. The problem with heels is that they force the foot into a unnatural position, and stress the bones in the feet. Pumps are also known to cause a knot on the back of the heel. This knot can be painful and becomes increasingly uncomfortable the more you wear heels. The rigid material in heels presses on a bone deformity, and this pressure can increase your chances of developing blisters, swelling and bursitis. Pain relief can be provided but bone protrusion is a permanent side effect.

Ballet Flats

The lack of arch support makes ballet flats one of the worst shoes for your feet. Wearing these shoes can lead to a number of problems with your knees, hip and back. The poor arch support can also cause plantar fasciitis to develop. Ballet flats do a bad job at supporting the weight of your body and don’t provide enough cushions for achy heels. Without proper support you’re prone to dealing with pain and discomfort when wearing ballet flats for an extended period of time.

Platform Shoes

Due to how they’re shaped, platform shoes disrupt the biomechanics of walking and make every step you take a threat to your feet. As you walk, your foot is trying to bend a specific way but the shoe is making it impossible for them to do so because of how rigid they are. Extensive damage is being done, especially if the heel platform is higher than the toe arena. These shoes put far too much pressure on the metatarsal bones as you move. A flatter platform may put less strain on your feet but they still aren’t recommended.

Pointed Shoes

Stuffing your toes into these types of shoes may look fashionable but your feet most likely don’t appreciate the tight squeeze. Over time, frequent and extended wear can cause bunions, blisters, nerve pain and hammertoes. Bunions form when the tissue or bone at the base joint is displaced. Pointy shoes typically cause this type of shift, and women who wear them often are more likely to develop bunions because of this.

Minimal Footwear

This type of shoe is fairly new and advertises that they mimic the natural mechanics of barefoot walking. However, most of these shoes don’t provide enough support for the heel or arch. The lack of support can cause problems and pain because of the poor distribution of pressure in the feet. Many of these brands separate the toes, and this can disrupt the natural walking position of the feet.