Dr. Oz Describes the Three Worst Shoes for Your Feet

Dr. Oz says “UGGs Are Bad For Your Feet”

On his television show on Jan. 5, 2011, Dr. Oz said that shearling boots like UGGs have two main problems.  First, they give virtually no  support to your feet, so your feet flop around around inside.  He suggested a solution for this problem:  to place orthotics in the boots to add extra arch support. Sound familiar? I blogged about that very thing recently in my “If You Love UGGs, You’re Going to Love Them Even More Now!” blog post, adding that using a shearling foot insert with a shearling boot feels super warm and comfy.  Dr. Oz also suggests that the second problem with UGGs is that they can make your feet hot and sweaty. And if peopole wear them without socks, it can lead to foot fungus.  A simple remedy to fix this problem is to wear 100% cotton socks, wicking socks, and / or use a topical  antiperspirant foot medication.

Dr. Oz says “Thigh High Boots Are Bad For Your Feet” 

Dr. Oz said that thigh high leather boots can compress a nerve that is located near the upper outside of your calf, just below the knee joint, especially if the boots are very tight. This comression can potentially paralyze your nerve, which can make it impossible for you to flex your foot upwards.  He suggests that you consider over the knee leather boots with a zipper or a tie which allows  you to loosen them, at least when you are seated for long periods of time.  

Dr. Oz says “Flats Are Bad For Your Feet”

Dr. Oz said that, believe it or not, flats are bad for your feet.  Some of the new flat shoes available to women, including flat gladiator sandals and ballet flats, separate your foot from the pavement by only about 1/8 of an inch.  Plus, you often have to struggle and strain your foot muscles to keep your foot balanced on the shoe because there is little to no support.  If you can bend the shoe in half, then it is not a shoe that you want to walk long distances in or stand in for long periods of time.  Some of the medical problems that result from wearing flat shoes include shin splints and plantar fasciitis.  Instead, Dr. Oz said we should wear shoes with at least 1″ heels.

As a podiatrist, I have to agree with Dr. Oz. Here is my summary of his shoe analysis:

1. UGGs are too flat, need an arch support, and should be worn with socks.

2. Thigh high boots or anything that compresses the peroneal nerve should be avoided.

3. Super flat flats and shoes that bend in half have don’t have enough support for your feet.

Good job, Dr. Oz!

Dedicated to your foot health and to your shoes in 2011,

Dr. Michele, The Shoe Expert

“All Shoes, All the Time!”