Ben Wang, July 02 – A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and that first step is always supported by shoes. However, according to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adult foot problems are often linked to multiple factors, with 64% of cases traced back to ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear. These shocking numbers remind us that shoes, which should protect our feet, can sometimes become the source of pain.
On June 22, a reporter from *Life Times* visited the Pediatric Hospital of Beijing Tongren Hospital. Every Tuesday morning, they met Dr. Zhang Jianzhong, the head of the department. On this particular day, he was already seeing patients before the clinic opened, as many visitors had traveled from other cities and had to pay high prices for tickets. The reason? Unbearable foot pain had driven them to seek help, even if it meant waiting in long lines.
Dr. Zhang, who runs China’s first specialist outpatient clinic for foot and ankle diseases, has treated nearly 100,000 patients in eight years. His daily outpatient load exceeds 100 patients, and at peak times, he sees over 70 in just half a day.
"Most of these foot issues are caused by wearing the wrong shoes," Dr. Zhang told the reporter. "There are so many shoe options on the market, but it's hard to find a pair that truly fits. Many shoes are too narrow, or have stiff soles, making walking uncomfortable and even painful."
He emphasized that most people focus on style and durability when buying shoes, rather than comfort or health. The real key to choosing good shoes is ensuring they fit properly. He recommends leather shoes with a slightly firm sole, a bit of heel, and a wide toe box for better support.
"When I buy shoes, I try them on myself and don’t rely on size numbers," said Dr. Zhang. "Different brands have different sizing standards. It’s best to shop in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly swollen. The right size means there's some space for your toes, and the shoes shouldn’t feel tight or cause pressure."
He also advised checking the flexibility of the shoe by folding the front. The fold line should match the natural curve of the foot to ensure smooth movement while walking.
Many women’s shoes are designed to be thin and high-heeled for aesthetic purposes, but this can cause serious damage. Young people may recover quickly, but middle-aged and elderly individuals may suffer long-term pain. Dr. Zhang suggests that older adults choose adjustable shoes, like laced or buckled styles, with firm soles for better support.
For those with flat feet or high arches, proper insoles are essential. To determine your foot type, he recommends wetting your feet and pressing them onto paper. Flat feet will show little to no arch, while high arches will have a pronounced curve.
When it comes to sports shoes, the right choice depends on the activity. Running shoes should have extra space for the toes, while tennis or badminton shoes need a looser front for quick movements. Basketball shoes require sturdy uppers to protect the ankles.
Special attention is needed for certain groups. Pregnant women should wear supportive shoes with built-in insoles to prevent arch collapse, while diabetics need soft uppers without seams or rough edges to avoid injury.
In addition to proper shoe selection, maintaining your shoes is also important. Old shoes can be repurposed into useful items, and keeping them clean helps extend their life. Wearing breathable socks can prevent odor, and knowing how to clean matte surfaces ensures your shoes stay in good condition.
Whether you're looking for comfortable shoes during pregnancy, avoiding summer foot hazards, or learning about the hidden functions of sports shoe tails, understanding your foot needs is crucial for long-term health and comfort.
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