How to keep your feet healthy, plus myths and facts about our feet

Thanks to the sneakers with dresses-trend, my days of aching, blistered feet are finally over, and thankfully so. But before this comfy shoe trend started, I remember experimenting with different ways to overcome the bane of wearing heels, from adding a cushioning insert into the heels, donning comfortable slip-ons on my hour-long commute to work and then changing out into uncomfortable but corporate-worthy heels to applying a thick layer of lotion or Vaseline on my feet before squeezing my unhappy feet into those sky-high heels. And if you are asking, the above did nothing to alleviate the pain, aches and blisters at the end of each day in heels.

Women have four times as many foot problems as men due to wearing high heels.According to Matthew Herd, Director & Principal Podiatrist from My FootDr Singapore

Now that I know better and work in a company with a relaxed work attire culture, I have never looked back and loving my sneakers and sports shoes more than ever! I chatted with a Director and Principal Podiatrist, Matthew Herd, from My FootDr, who debunked a few myths about our feet and shared facts that can help us take better care of our feet.

This is only sometimes true. Our feet are designed to walk on soft, natural, undulating surfaces. Walking 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day on flat or hard unnatural surfaces causes unnatural stress on our foot structures. And this is precisely where foot problems and lower limb problems begin. Going barefoot can lead to various issues, from ligament strains and tears to joint overload. It also exposes them to the elements and can lead to cuts and infections. Shoes protect our feet.

This can be very far from the case. Just because you can walk does not mean that there is no fracture. Fractures occur on a continuum, from bone bruising at one end and stress fractures to a complete rupture at the other end. Even with a complete fracture, lots of people can still walk but will be in pain. If you suspect you have broken a bone in your foot, it is crucial to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

This is not true. Foot pain indicates an underlying pathology that signals that something is injured. It could be indicative of a ligament strain or tear or a tendon strain or tear. Left untreated, these injuries typically deteriorate over time and get worse. This resembles hanging from a torn rock climbing rope while the cord's tear worsens. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is crucial to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

The pressure on our feet exceeds our body weight when walking. It can be three to five times our body weight when running.Matthew Herd, Director and Principal Podiatrist from My FootDr, Singapore

The foot strikes the ground up to 15,000 times daily, absorbing over 600 tonnes of force.

The distance we walk in a lifetime totals over 160,000km, more than four times the earth's circumference.

A study* published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that the prevalence of foot problems in hunter-gatherer communities was only 10%, compared to 80% in industrialised societies. This percentage varies according to studies but ranges from 3% to 10%. The primary reasons are the environment (soft and natural vs hard/industrialised) and footwear.

The pressure on our feet exceeds our body weight when walking. It can be three to five times our body weight when running.

75% of the population develop foot problems in their lifetime.

Women have four times as many foot problems as men, and this is attributed to lifelong patterns of wearing high heels.

Despite all the recent advances and constantly evolving science of sports shoes, 85% of runners will succumb to an injury yearly.

60% to 80% of older people have common conditions such as corns, callouses and toe deformities. The reason is the time more senior people have spent interacting with the wrong environment (industrialised vs natural). Now remember, only between 3% and 10% of individuals in hunter-gather communities suffer from foot problems compared to greater than 75% in industrialised countries.

Scary but mind-opening facts to ponder over. For those looking for good-looking shoe alternatives, Yahoo Life Singapore has compiled a list of some of the most comfortable shoes that are perfect for travel and daily wear. Here’s to happy feet!

[CLICK ON PURPLE BUTTONS OR IMAGES FOR PRODUCT LINKS.]

Made with 80% & 20% Soybean-Based Compound Outsole, Removable Twill Covered EVA, Vegan, washable shoes.

Available in 3 colours.

Includes Three-Zone Comfort with Orthotic Insole Arch Support, Machine Wash Safe, Sizes 5-11The innovative biomechanics of Three-Zone Comfort deliver enhanced stability with a deep heel cup, superior forefoot cushioning, and ultimate arch support midsole. These essential contact points hug your foot's natural curves leading to a more comfortable gait.

Available in 20 colours.

The upper is made with ethically-produced cotton. Sneakers include the Three-Zone Comfort with Orthotic Insole Arch Support, is Machine Wash Safe, and Sizes 5-11.

Available in 20 colours.

A podiatrist-designed footbed delivering unique vio-motion is built into every pair of Vionic footwear, helping to relieve plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs, and lower back pain issues. Includes Three-Zone Comfort with Orthotic Insole Arch Support.

Available in 20 colours.

The linings and topcloth are sustainably crafted from recycled plastic bottles, recycled toe box and heel counter. Anti-microbial, anti-odour Insole Technology with cushioning provides the ultimate comfort, support and flexibility. Insoles are crafted with cushy, algae-infused Bloom foam for cleaner air and water.

Available in 3 colours.

Made of micro suede upper, this pair of ankle boots comes with a Be Energized insole that provides all-day comfort, cushioning and shock absorption designed to reduce foot pressure and fatigue. Perfect for your everyday wear and travels.

Available in 2 colours.

Sandals come with removable footbed which allows for the insertion of custom orthotics. It's matching strap extensions allow for maximum comfort and fit for your feet. Slip-resistant outsole adds a safety element for unplanned weather.

Orthotic-friendly design with additional depth in the unit to accommodate custom orthotics.

The newly launched Gel-Kayano 30 retains its standout features from its predecessors, but better. The 4D Guidance System creates an adaptive stability for a more balanced stride. Its Rearfoot PureGEL technology provides lightweight cushioning and softer landings while the FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning is made with approximately 20% bio-based content and helps provide cloud-like comfort.

READ the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 review here.

These running shoes are a pure joy to wear. Its PureGEL technology helps provide lightweight cushioning and softer landings while the FF Blast Eco Plus technology cushioning creates a softer landing and a more responsive toe-off. At least 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Available in 17 colourways.

Fancy a pair of socks to elevate your runs? Try OS1st's thin-skin construction with uniquely positioned lift-bars that maximise air-flow, thereby achieving a cooling sensation to your feet. At the same time, expect built-in comfort, durability and blister protection in the thinnest upper foot profile available. Socks come with a high cushioned sole for better performance and a high heel tab to prevent socks from slipping down inside your shoe.

Available in 7 colours.

Shop Os1st | Revere | Dr Scholl | Vionic | Asics

*Foot problems in hunter-gatherer societies: A cross-cultural study, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Volume 83, Issue: 10.

Matt, a Queensland University of Technology graduate in Australia, has been practising podiatry for almost 19 years. In 2012, Matt founded My FootDr Singapore, where he still practises. Matt's wealth of experience in podiatry covers a broad spectrum, but he has a particular interest in sports, biomechanics, running, and paediatric podiatry. His extensive work experience spans various parts of Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and China.

READ