Statement: The content of this article is written by quoting authoritative medical information combined with personal opinions, the source of the literature and screenshots have been marked in the text, in order to facilitate everyone's reading and understanding, some of the storylines have fictional components, which are intended to popularize scientific health knowledge, please be aware.
Shoes are not only a need of life, but also a direct impact on our health. With the advent of a wide variety of foot wear on the market, a shoe known as the "poop feel" has taken it all the wind due to its unmatched softness and comfort.
The shoes make the wearer feel as if they are walking on a cloud, providing an instant sense of pleasure, but does this pleasure mean that it is harmless to health? When initial comfort turns into long-term pain, do we still be so enthusiastic?
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The price of comfort
Ms. Li is a middle-aged woman of medium stature, and her daily job is a customer service manager, a position that requires her to stand or walk back and forth most of the time. Due to her busy schedule and long standing hours, she often suffers discomfort in her feet. By chance, Ms. Li was attracted to a pair of "-stomping" shoes that were very popular in the market.
These shoes stand out on the store's display shelves, with thick, soft soles that feel like they're stepping on cotton. According to the clerk, this kind of shoe is praised by customers as "stepping on" because of its excellent comfort and unique walking experience.
However, the good times did not last long, and after about a few months, Ms. Li began to feel pain in her feet, which was only mild at first, but gradually, the pain became more intense. At first, she thought it might be because the new shoes hadn't fully adapted to the shape of her feet, so she didn't pay much attention to it. But as time went on, not only did the foot hurt, but even the knee began to protest.
In the evening after one overtime, the pain reached its peak. Ms. Li barely walked out of the office building, and with each step, the sharp pain caused her to stop and catch her breath. That night, she sat alone on the sofa at home, rubbing her ankles and knees in pain, feeling helpless like never before.
Ms. Li decided to go to the hospital to see a doctor. After a detailed examination and X-rays, the doctor told her that her arch of her foot was severely collapsed and that her knee joint was gradually deformed due to excessive pressure from long-term improper shoes. The doctor advised her to change her shoes immediately, put on professionally designed supportive shoes, and start physical therapy.
Since then, Ms. Li has begun to pay more attention to her shoe choices. She followed her doctor's advice and purchased a few pairs of medical-grade shoes, which were not as stylish in appearance as her "-" shoes, but she could visibly feel the pressure on her feet relieved when she put them on. After a few months of physical therapy, her foot pain and knee condition improved significantly.
This experience taught Ms. Li a profound lesson: although comfort is good, the right support and protection are the most important factors to consider when choosing shoes. She also often brings up this lesson in conversations with her colleagues, reminding everyone to be cautious when choosing shoes for everyday wear.
The potential risks of ultra-soft shoes
The popular "-stomping" shoes in the market have become the first choice of many consumers because of their extreme softness and unique comfort experience. However, from a medical point of view, the potential risks to foot health of this ultra-soft shoe cannot be ignored.
Although "-stomping" shoes provide initial comfort, they often lack the necessary foot support. Good footwear should provide firm support for the arch of the foot and help distribute the pressure when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Shoes that lack support can leave the arch unprotected for long periods of time, increasing the risk of arch collapse. Collapsed arches can not only cause foot pain, but can also lead to permanent changes in the structure of the foot in the long term.
Wearing ultra-soft shoes may also affect an individual's gait. When walking normally, the contact between the feet and the ground creates some feedback that helps the brain adjust body posture and balance.
However, an overly soft sole reduces this feedback and can lead to incorrect walking posture. This unnatural gait not only increases the risk of ankle sprains, but can also lead to overloading of the knee and hip joints, causing pain and degenerative changes in the aforementioned joints, as well as the spine.
Wearing shoes that lack proper support for long periods of time doesn't just affect foot health. Since the foot is the foundation of the human body, any foot problem can go up and affect the postural alignment of the entire body. Incorrect foot positioning can lead to alignment problems with the legs and pelvis, further affecting the health of the spine. These changes can cause back pain, neck pain, and even headaches.
Precautions and recommendations
Choose the right support: When choosing footwear, make sure the shoes provide good arch support and sufficient stability, especially for people who often need to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Firmness of the sole: While the soft sole feels comfortable, moderate stiffness can provide better ground feedback and help maintain the correct gait.
Change your shoes regularly: Even if the appearance of the shoe is not visibly damaged, long-term use of the same shoe can affect foot and physical health due to reduced support. It is advisable to change your shoes regularly to ensure that they are functional
Footwear should not only be based on comfort, but also on the functionality and long-term effects on physical health. Consumers should pay more attention to whether they can provide adequate support and protection to maintain foot and overall health when shopping for footwear.
Scientific perspective on "-walking" shoes
While the "-stomping" shoes on the market are favored by consumers for their instantaneous and extreme comfort, from a medical point of view, this design may pose a potential risk to the wearer's long-term health.
Functionality and health: the standard for ideal footwear
The functionality of footwear should not be limited to providing comfort. When considering footwear, consumers should look for designs that offer both enough cushioning to absorb impact and enough stiffness to keep their feet stable.
In addition, the shape and material of the sole should also promote a smooth transition from the heel to the forefoot and avoid overburdening the front of the foot. Proper footwear should also help correct or prevent foot abnormalities such as flat feet and high arched feet.
Medical advice: How to choose healthy footwear
1. Seek professional advice: Before purchasing shoes, it is recommended to consult a podiatrist, especially if you have a specific history or symptoms of your foot.
2. Check the shoe structure: When choosing shoes, pay attention to check whether they have enough arch support and proper cushioning.
3. Replace shoes in a timely manner: Even if the appearance is not significantly worn, shoes should be replaced regularly to ensure their support and protection functions.
4. Personalized insoles: If regular footwear on the market doesn't meet an individual's specific needs, consider using custom insoles or look for functional shoes.
revelation
The right footwear should provide firm support for the foot, protecting our gait and posture. Wearing inappropriate footwear over time can lead to a complex range of health problems, from arch collapse to knee pain and even affecting the health of the entire spine.
When choosing footwear, we must consider its long-term health effects, rather than just looking for short-term comfort. Healthy walking requires the perfect balance of science and comfort, so that we can enjoy comfort while not forgetting to protect the body we rely on to support.
Resources:
[1] "This kind of "-stomping" shoes, with monthly sales of more than 10,000, are destroying your feet step by step......". Popular Science China.2024-06-12
[2] "The sole of your shoe leaks your body code". The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.2022-06-17