How Your Shoes Are Causing Corns and Calluses
Do your corns and calluses keep coming back even after you try to smooth them down? It’s the way your skin protects itself from repeated friction or pressure. While there are many other reasons, one of the most common causes of corns and calluses are ill-fitting shoes. It can be your favourite sneaker, work shoes, heels or everyday flats.
What Are Corns and Calluses?
- Corns are smaller, more localized spots of hardened skin with a firm core surrounded by irritated skin. It often appears on the tops or sides of toes. They can be painful because of the pressure they place on deeper tissue.
- Calluses are thick, hard patches of skin that usually form on the bottoms of the feet, especially in areas where the skin experiences repeated friction.
How do shoes play into this?
- Shoes that are too tight squeeze your feet, leading to constant rubbing, especially on the toes.
- High heels and pointy-toed shoes crowd your toes together, increasing pressure on the toes, making women more likely to develop foot problems.
- Shoes that are too loose can cause your foot to slide around, leading to repeated rubbing.
Overall, if your shoes don’t fit properly or fail to give necessary support on your feet, your skin responds by thickening to protect itself, which results in formation of corns and calluses.
How to Choose Shoes That Help Prevent Corns and Calluses
- Get properly sized. Have your feet measured, making sure both the length and width are correct for your feet.
- Look for soft materials and cushioned soles. These reduce friction and absorb pressure.
- Choose wide toe boxes. Your toes should have room to move without being crammed together.
- Limit high heels and flimsy flats. Heels shift your weight forward, while flat, unsupportive shoes increase pressure points. If you enjoy wearing them, try to rotate their use and choose supportive shoes for your everyday wear.
- Consider orthotics or inserts. Customized orthotics can improve support and help reduce problem areas.
Key Takeaways
Corns and calluses may seem like small nuisances, but if they keep coming back, your shoes may be part of the problem. Wearing the right footwear is key—but it’s also important to have a podiatrist evaluate your feet.
If you’re unsure whether your shoes are helping or hurting, consider bringing them with you to your podiatrist appointment. Many patients are surprised to learn that a simple footwear adjustment can reduce their symptoms. To get personalized advice, schedule an appointment with our podiatrists today.
