Stop sabotaging your soles! We’re breaking down the everyday foot faux pas that are causing you pain and discomfort—and how to fix them.

Let’s Talk About Those Aching Feet

Listen, we put our feet through hell. They get squeezed into too-tight shoes, pounded on hard floors, and completely ignored—until they start screaming at us. And by the time they’re in full revolt (aching, swelling, cracking), we act surprised like they haven’t been dropping hints all along.

Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. Neglect them, and you’re setting yourself up for pain—not just in your feet but in your knees, hips, and even your back.

Podiatrists have seen it all, and they are begging us to stop making these six foot-destroying mistakes. Let’s get into it.

1. The Shoe Struggle: Cramped, High, and Downright Deadly

Let’s be real: some of our favorite shoes are straight-up weapons of destruction. Heels, flats with zero support, and sneakers that have seen better days are all major culprits.

“The biggest mistake women make is sacrificing foot health for style,” says Dr Ebonie Vincent, a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle specialist in California. “High heels put too much pressure on the balls of the feet, while flat, unsupportive shoes can lead to arch pain and plantar fasciitis.”

The Fix:

✅ Find shoes with a wide toe box so your toes can actually breathe.

✅ Limit high heels to special occasions or go for a lower, chunkier heel.

✅ Get your feet measured—because, yes, your shoe size changes over time!

✅ Invest in supportive insoles if your shoes don’t offer proper cushioning.

[Guide to choosing the right shoes for foot health.]

2. Barefoot Blunders: The Dangers of Going Unprotected

Feeling the grass between your toes? Love that barefoot lifestyle? Cool—but be careful. Walking around unprotected exposes your feet to bacteria, fungi, and injuries.

“Public places like gyms and pools are hotspots for infections like athlete’s foot and plantar warts,” warns Dr. April Hoffman, PA-C of Altitude Dermatology “Even walking barefoot at home on hard floors can cause foot strain over time.”

The Fix:

✅ Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public spaces.

✅ If you love being barefoot at home, invest in cushioned house slippers.

✅ Avoid walking on hot pavement or rough surfaces that can cause burns or cuts.

[How to prevent athlete’s foot and plantar warts.]

3. Ignoring the Itch: Foot Fungus Isn’t Cute

That itch between your toes? The one you keep ignoring? Yeah, that’s probably a fungal infection. Athlete’s foot thrives in warm, sweaty environments—like inside your shoes.

“Many people dismiss early signs of athlete’s foot, thinking it’ll go away on its own,” says Dr. Poonam Sachdev, MD. “But left untreated, it can spread, cause cracks in the skin, and even lead to secondary infections.”

The Fix:

✅ Use antifungal powders or creams at the first sign of itching or peeling.

✅ Change your socks daily, especially after workouts.

✅ Let your shoes air out between wears.

✅ Go for moisture-wicking socks instead of cotton.

[Best antifungal treatments for athlete’s foot.]

4. The Nail Nightmare: Stop Butchering Your Toenails

Ever had an ingrown toenail? It’s like a tiny demon stabbing your toe from the inside. And 9 times out of 10, it happens because we’re cutting our toenails wrong.

“Rounding the corners or cutting them too short encourages the nail to grow into the skin,” explains Dr. Lisa Burson.

The Fix:

✅ Always trim your nails straight across—no rounding at the edges.

✅ Don’t cut them too short; leave a little length past the skin.

✅ If you’re prone to ingrown nails, see a podiatrist instead of DIY-ing it.

[Step-by-step guide to trimming toenails correctly.]

5. The Dry Spell: Cracked Heels Are a Cry for Help

Dry, crusty heels don’t just look bad—they hurt. When the skin on your feet gets too dry, it cracks, leading to painful fissures that can even bleed.

“Cracked heels are often caused by dehydration and lack of moisture,” says Dr. Sachdev.

The Fix:

✅ Moisturize your feet daily, especially after showering.

✅ Use a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin (gently, please).

✅ Wear socks overnight after applying foot cream for deep hydration.

[Best foot creams for dry, cracked heels.]

6. Ignoring the Pain: Don’t Play Tough with Your Feet

We tend to ignore foot pain and hope it magically disappears. But persistent foot pain is a red flag that something is off.

“Pain is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention,” says Dr.Conrad F. Cean, MD,MBA. “If it’s not going away, get it checked out before it turns into a chronic issue.”

The Fix:

✅ Listen to your body—pain is a warning sign.

✅ Don’t hesitate to see a podiatrist for ongoing discomfort.

✅ If you have foot pain paired with swelling or discoloration, don’t ignore it.

[When to see a podiatrist for foot pain.]

Your Feet Deserve Better

Your feet put in work every single day. Show them some love! Ditch these bad habits, and they’ll keep carrying you comfortably through life.

Now, go treat yourself to a foot massage—you’ve earned it.