You use your feet everyday. They take you from point A to point B, and neglecting to take care of them can lead to serious problems. Here are a few habits that you may have picked up that are may be damaging your feet:

Not wearing socks

Going sockless seems smart at first. Your toes are free to wiggle about, your bare feet get a chance to breathe and it feels like you’ve tapped in to a new world of freedom for your feet. It seems like you’re doing your feet a favor, but you’re really doing more harm than good. Sliding your feet into a pair of shoes without socks produces the perfect environment for fungus. These microscopic organisms thrive in dark and moist environments. Your feet sweat, and produce natural oils and secretions throughout the day. Skipping out on socks gives bacteria a chance to grow and do some serious damage, and in most cases leads to fungal infections. Always wear socks; your feet will thank you.

Addicted to high heels?

Reaching into your closet and pulling out those killer pair of heels is fine, but only every now and then. Wearing heels all day long day after day isn’t the best idea. The pressure heels create can lead to serious foot problems. When you wear heels you’re mimicking the way the body walks on a ramp. A downward force is created when you wear heels and pushes down on the balls of the feet. Scrunching the toe box can cause bunions, long-lasting discomfort when walking and sometimes leads to surgery to realign the toes. Make heels an occasional look so you can avoid everyday pain.

Running new miles with old shoes

Sometimes it feels like your old shoes know your feet best. Unfortunately, your old friends can’t hold you up forever and eventually they have to go. Old shoes stop doing their job over time, and fail to provide proper support and absorption. Continuing to run in them gets you one step closer to injury. Conditions like tendinitis, hammertoe and even plantar fasciitis develop when you neglect to replace your shoes. Most experts recommend replacing your shoes every 300 miles, or four months after buying them. Treat your feet to some new shoes and comfort will follow.

You’re feet need a break

Your feet can only take so much. High-impact sports like running, gymnastics and football cause injuries all the time. Jumping right into a new sport can makes injuries much more likely, and is the reason why so many people who try to pick up new fit habits fail so quickly. Taking your time when training and implementing rest into your routine will help take the load off of your feet. Find your problems areas and be careful when exercising to ensure that your feet don’t quit on you.

Barefoot running: A trend that feet hate

Running barefoot may seem like a good idea and the more natural way to train. Making the transition to this style isn’t smart for most people. The average runner is used to training in supportive shoes. Years of running with shoes on means the muscles in your feet aren’t familiar with the stress running put on the body. Most people don’t train the muscles in their feet so they’re not strong enough to stand running barefoot. It’s best to avoid running barefoot but if you’re in love with the concept start to strengthen your feet with minimal footwear before you make the jump.

Wearing shoes with minimal support

Good support and structure is essential when choosing shoes. Without the proper arch support and cushioning you’re sure to experience pain. Many sandals and flip-flops don’t offer optimal support for your feet, which is why many experts don’t consider them the best option. Luckily, the Healing Sole was designed by Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Meredith Warner, who kept foot support in mind when creating the shoe. Unlike most flip-flops, the Healing Sole features a raised arch support that reduces stress. Five unique features come together to create a unique shoe that provides wearers with an experience that’s hard to find with another footwear.