Wearing the wrong kind of shoes can place strain on your knees and your hips. It might not sound like a big deal, but it is. Your knees and hips are the largest joints in your body and they’re responsible for supporting your weight. That’s why it’s so important to wear the right kind of shoes.

At the offices of Struan Coleman, MD, PhD, your orthopedic health is our greatest concern. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision on the shoes you wear.

The worst kinds of shoes for your knees

Not all shoes are ideal for walking. Certain types of shoes can even damage your joints. For example, high heels can increase pressure on the front part of your foot and even on your toes. It’s best to limit or completely avoid wearing shoes like stilettos and other types of high heels.

What’s more, even pumps and shoes with a slightly elevated heel can cause damage to your joints. Do you wear shoes with 1.5 inch heel? They can still put strain on your feet. While these kinds of shoes are fine in moderation, you’ll want to avoid consistently wearing them.

The best kinds of shoes for your knees

The best types of shoes for those with joint pain are athletic and running shoes. These shoes provide you and your joints with the best cushioning and support. They’ll also help you maintain good orthopedic health.

While there are plenty of athletic shoe brands that claim to provide the best fit and support, research shows these brands aren’t always the best. A 2016 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that out of 164 patients with knee osteoarthritis, there was no difference in levels of knee pain between those who walked in enhanced shoes and those who didn’t.

Instead, when picking a walking shoe, you’ll want to go for one that’s flexible and bendable. Shoes that are too hard or stiff tend to restrict your foot’s range of motion. Also, look for a thinner sole, as this will ease the load placed on your knees. Subtle heels are always helpful too.

The best kind of shoes will fit well, allow for flexibility, and will maintain your regular gait and stride with ease. Finding the perfect shoe isn’t always easy, which is why we’re here to provide you with as much guidance and support as possible. Don’t wait to see us. Conveniently schedule an appointment right on our website today.