Having shoes that fit properly is important for comfort and safety. Ill-fitting shoes, especially ones that are too big, can lead to problems like blisters, calluses, and even sprained ankles. Here’s a look at some of the issues that can arise if your shoes are too large and what you can do about it.
Blisters
One of the most common problems caused by shoes that are too big is blisters on your feet. Blisters form when there is constant friction or rubbing against the skin. With shoes that are too large, your foot is able to slide and rub against the interior of the shoe with each step you take. This causes irritation and fluid build-up, resulting in painful blisters.
Blisters most often occur around the heels, toes, and balls of the feet. They can range from small and puffy to large with fluid-filled sacs. While blisters are usually just irritating and uncomfortable, if they rupture they can become entry points for infection.
To help avoid blisters from shoes that are too big, try the following solutions:
- Wear thick socks to help fill up extra space in the shoes and prevent your foot from sliding around.
- Use moleskin, bandages, or tape on areas prone to blistering to protect hot spots before they develop.
- Apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly to reduce friction that leads to blister formation.
- Get heel grips or inserts that keep your foot from sliding forward in the shoe.
Calluses
Similar to blisters, calluses can also develop as a result of shoes that are too large. Calluses are areas of thick, hardened skin that form due to repeated friction and pressure. With loose fitting shoes, calluses frequently build up around the balls of the feet and heels as these areas repeatedly rub against the interior of the shoe.
Calluses can range from small and slightly raised patches to large, thick build ups of hard skin. They can be painful and lead to discomfort when walking. In some cases, calluses can crack and split which can allow infection to develop.
To reduce callus formation from shoes that are too big try these tips:
- Use cushioned inserts or foot pads to help fill up excess space and reduce friction.
- Wear cotton socks rather than nylon to minimize rubbing.
- Apply moisturizing foot cream daily to soften hardened skin.
- Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently smooth down callused areas.
- See a podiatrist for trimming or debridement of painful calluses.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can also develop as a result of shoes that are too large. When footwear is oversized, your toenails are subjected to repeated banging and jamming against the front of the shoe. This trauma can cause the toenail to become inflamed or penetrate into the surrounding skin, leading to infection.
Ingrown toenails are usually very painful. Signs include redness, swelling, and discharge around the edges of the nail. There may also be a buildup of skin at the corners of the nail. If left untreated, the infection can worsen leading to ulceration. See a podiatrist promptly if you suspect an ingrown toenail.
To prevent ingrown toenails caused by loose fitting shoes:
- Trim your toenails straight across to avoid sharp edges that can dig into the skin.
- Wear socks that fit smoothly without constricting the toes.
- Look for shoes with a wide, round toe box to eliminate pressure on the sides of the nails.
- Apply petroleum jelly around the nails to keep the surrounding skin soft.
- Get improperly embedded nails removed by a podiatrist.
Heel Problems
The heels of your feet can also suffer from shoes that are too large. Problems like heel blisters, calluses, and pain frequently stem from loose fitting footwear.
Heel blisters are caused by friction between your heel and the back of the shoe. A loose heel allows your foot to move up and down as you walk, rubbing against the interior. Painful blisters and abrasions can result.
Calluses can also build up on the back of the heel with oversized shoes. The constant rubbing and pressure as your heel lifts out of the loose shoe causes thickened skin to develop.
In addition, loose shoes provide very little support. This can lead to heel pain, arch strain, and overpronation issues. Changing from loose shoes to ones that fit well can often relieve these types of heel problems.
To avoid the problems that ill-fitting shoes can cause at the heel:
- Wear shoes that securely cradle the heel to prevent lift.
- Try heel liners and pads that improve hold and support.
- Use a heel lock lacing technique for shoes that gap at the back.
- Select shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning.
- Do heel and arch stretches to strengthen muscles.
Toenail Fungus
Shoes that are too big can also lead to toenail fungus. The additional space inside the shoe allows your toes to slam into the front as you walk. This can cause microscopic trauma that lifts the toenails, opening a pathway for fungus to get underneath.
Once underneath the nail, the fungus flourishes in the warm, moist environment. It spreads and causes the toenail to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed. This fungal infection can be challenging to cure.
To help avoid toenail fungus due to loose shoes, follow these tips:
- Clip your toenails regularly to avoid jagged edges.
- Disinfect nail tools after each use.
- Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks.
- Apply antifungal powder inside shoes.
- Discard old shoes which can harbor fungi.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle is also at risk from wearing shoes that are too big. Motion in an oversized shoe leads to friction and strain on the tendon. Repeated aggravation can cause inflammation and pain, known as Achilles tendonitis.
Achilles tendonitis typically starts as mild discomfort after activity. It progresses to more persistent, throbbing pain. There may be stiffness and swelling. The back of the ankle is tender when squeezed. Severe cases can lead to tendon tears.
To relieve pressure on the Achilles tendon from loose shoes:
- Choose shoes with a snug, secure heel fit.
- Wear an Achilles sleeve or heel support.
- Do calf and ankle stretching exercises.
- Apply ice packs to swollen areas.
- Get custom orthotics to improve arch and heel support.
- Rest and avoid activities that aggravate symptoms.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can set in when shoes are too big. The extra space inside the shoe creates a larger warm, dark cavity. This environment encourages sweating and allows moisture to be trapped next to the skin for prolonged periods.
The moist area between the toes serves as a breeding ground for fungus. Athlete’s foot then spreads resulting in scaling, flaking, redness, and intense itching of the feet. Bacterial infection can occur if cracked skin leads to open wounds.
To avoid athlete’s foot due to loose shoes:
- Wear moisture wicking socks to keep feet dry.
- Change socks frequently throughout the day.
- Alternate shoes daily to allow them to air out fully.
- Disinfect inside of shoes with anti-fungal sprays.
- Apply antifungal powder to feet and in shoes.
- Keep feet clean and dry socks, especially between toes.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes can form over time from wearing shoes that are too large. Hammertoes occur when the tendons at the ball of the foot become unbalanced. This causes the toe to buckle and bend unnaturally into a claw-like, hammer shape.
Oversized shoes provide little support and structure for the foot. This allows the toes to press against the front of the shoe, pushing the toe joint out of alignment. The bent toe then gets wedged into the shoe causing pain.
To help avoid hammertoes, be sure your shoes:
- Have a wide, high toe box to keep toes straight.
- Are not too long which jams toes forward.
- Have a snug fit around the ball of the foot.
- Provide arch support to prevent flattening.
Wear toe spacers or splints to realign bent toes. Custom orthotics may also help by supporting the arch and distributing weight properly.
Bunions
Bunions are another deformity that ill-fitting shoes can cause over time. A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the base of the big toe joint. This bump protrudes and angles the toe inward toward the other toes.
Oversized and overly narrow shoes are the primary culprits when it comes to bunions. Loose shoes provide no stability up front allowing the big toe to drift and eventually stick out. Narrow shoes cram the toes together forcing the big toe out of position.
To prevent bunions from developing:
- Choose wide shoes with a roomy toe box.
- Avoid high heels which cramp toes.
- Use bunion splints or pads to keep big toe aligned.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Get bunion surgery if deformity is severe.
Ankle Sprains
One of the worst things that can happen with shoes that are too large is an ankle sprain. Oversized shoes provide very little stability for the ankles. This makes it easy for the ankles to turn inward and sprain ligaments.
A bad ankle sprain can happen suddenly during activities where you cut and pivot. But minor sprains can also occur over time as your ankle rolls repeatedly in loose shoes. Other problems like ankle impingement may develop from improper alignment.
To avoid ankle sprains, shoes should fit snugly around the heel and up across the ankle bones. Be sure to get shoes with adequate ankle support for athletic activities. Ankle braces can also boost stability when needed.
Proper fit is key when selecting shoes to prevent problems. Have your feet professionally measured and buy for the larger foot. Shop later in the day when feet are swollen. Stand during fitting to feel where pressure points are.
Test shoes with orthotics or inserts you use for proper fit. Allow adequate room for toes, about 1/2 inch from end. Heels should grip; shoes should not slip when walking. Break in gradually to stretch leather or mesh.
Conclusion
It’s clear that wearing shoes that are too large can really get you off on the wrong foot. From blisters and calluses to sprained ankles, improperly fitted shoes can definitely cause problems over time. Check shoe and foot measurements regularly as your feet change. And inspect footwear frequently for excess wear and motion issues. Address problems right away to avoid complications down the road.
Focusing on good foot health will help keep you moving confidently. Be sure to select supportive, well-fitting shoes in the proper size. Taking these steps helps ensure each footfall moves you comfortably forward on your life’s journey.