Shoes are where fashion is at. A new trend across the world is to shop shoe up. From heels to flats, woman are shoe shopping their hearts out. But what are these shoes doing to your feet. High fashion is not so hot when your feet get injured. Here are some examples of popular shoes styles that may cause you to need podiatric medical treatment.



The Sling Back Heel: Usually a pointed toe with a strap around the back of the heel. These shoes often cause blisters and toe pain. They are also the most common heel to cause twisting in the ankle because of the lack of support around the rear of the foot. These shoes are in high fashion, especially in the spring and summer months, but can lead to significant injuries. Try to find a pair with lower heels, a square toe, and only wear when extending walking or standing is NOT expected.

Stilettos: Wedged high heel Nothing is sexier than a woman in stilettos. This is often said before one takes a good look at a lady's foot after a day in high heels. High heel shoes often cause blisters and other sores on your feet. These sore often subside over time but not always. Depending on the depth of the sore, it may leave scars, or if left untreated they could get infected. You can also develop toe deformities like bunions and hammertoes. I don't know about you, but that does not sound sexy! These shoes are also notorious for causing ankle sprains and pain on the balls of the feet. Some pads may relieve pressure, but may also cause the shoes to be more tight (watch for blisters). Make sure you buy the right size. Buy shoes in the afternoon or evening because your feet swell throughout the day. The size you wake up with is not the size you go to bed with. If possible, try to be sexy in shorter heels!

Flats: Slides, ballet, slippers

After a day in high heels, Flats are just what the doctor ordered... Wrong! Flats often have very poor arch support and will aggravate arch and heel pain or plantar fasciitis. It will also cause strain on the Achilles tendon and depending on your foot type or structure, this may cause severe pain. Do not wear these shoes for long periods of time because you could cause damage to your plantar fascia and get severe heel and arch pain. Though plantar fasciitis can be conservatively treated, it will impede on your daily activities. When shopping for flats, make sure they are not flexible. You should not be able to twist the shoe and it should only bend near the toes.

Fashion Sneakers: no laces, velcro laces, canvas material

A sneaker... this has got be okay for my feet right? Not quite. Fashionable sneakers are often made with no structural integrity. Like flats, they provide little to no arch support and may lead to plantar fasciitis. The most fashionable way to wear these type of shoes in sockless. This will cause increase foot odor and puts you at greater risk to get athletes foot. Always wear a cotton sock. There are low socks and even half socks that can be hidden in the shoe. Like with Flats, make sure you cannot twist the shoe and it only bends near the toes.

Platforms Strap up and get ready to walk on the moon. Actually, the moon is the only good place to wear platforms. These shoes have poor shock absorption, thus every step you take radiates up through your back. You may experience knee, hip, and lower back pain. These shoes add wanted height to the shorter population, but remember what goes up must come down. Because of their height, they are relatively unsteady. It is very easy to get off balanced and fall or roll an ankle. So if you must wear the 70's comeback, try to stay away from uneven terrain.

With so many styles, colors, and designers, it is easy to get carried away with shoe fashion. Try to be sensible when shopping and when pick out shoes to wear. If you plan on doing a lot of walking or standing, be sure to wear a more conservative shoe. Also, if possible, try to bring an extra pair of shoes so if you begin to feel pain or discomfort you can switch into something more sensible.

If you have continued pain in your feet, you should see you podiatric physician to be appropriately treated and get more information on proper shoe gear for your foot type.