While many of us have a vague notion about the link between footwear and foot health, we may not appreciate just how much of an impact our shoes have on our overall wellbeing. Did you know that nine out of ten people suffer from some sort of foot problem at one stage or another during their life and that for women, 90% of foot deformities are a result of bad shoes?

Medical studies have revealed that the shoes we wear every day can, in fact, contribute to a plethora of health problems. In fact, the effects of poorly designed or ill-fitting footwear are not just limited to our feet as they can stretch to other parts of the body. For example, research from 2011 found that regular high heel wearers are six times more likely to get osteoarthritis.

Research has found that choosing appropriate footwear is easily one of the best ways of keeping our feet healthy. When you consider that the average person walks between 8,000 and 10,000 steps a day, it makes perfect sense that they should invest time and money when shopping for new shoes.

When selecting new footwear, it’s, therefore, crucial to find a pair of shoes that will help rather than hinder your feet. The below infographic from Walsh Brothers Shoes offers helpful advice on some factors to consider during your next shoe-shopping trip. For example, one great tip is to wear the same type of socks or hosiery that you will intend to wear under the shoes as this can help ensure a good fit. It also includes a few basic foot care activities you can try out to build up your feet’s strength and flexibility.

Read the infographic below to learn more about how your shoes can affect your health.