‘I’m a podiatrist and these are the shoes I’d never recommend wearing’

An Aussie favourite has made the list and now we're dreading summer!

Thongs are considered dangerous, according to the podiatrist. Image: iStock

Parents are often told to hold off putting shoes on their children until they master the art of walking. And once you get there, you can guarantee that those little toes grow so fast, you end up spending a fortune on upsizing shoes until they hit puberty!

But when purchasing footwear for your child (or even yourself), there are certain types you should be avoiding, according to a UK podiatrist. 

Podiatrist and TikToker @paulthepodiatrist has posted a video online highlighting the three types of shoes he would never wear as an expert in the field of feet. 

"These are some of the things I tell my patients every single day," he captions the clip. 

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Thongs

We're sorry our Aussie fam, a favourite of ours tops the list!

Thongs - or as our pals in the UK and US say 'Flip Flops' - are considered dangerous to those wearing them. 

"I wouldn’t wear these shoes because when you put your foot through the loops, you have to grip for the shoe and that can cause claw toeing," he claims. 

"Also when you’re walking down the street, it’s very easy to trip and fall when you’re wearing them - they don’t offer your foot any support."

Stilettos

Next on the list is another favourite for women - stilettos - particularly really high ones. 

"I don’t want to hate on all heels because one and a half inch heel is OK for more people, but stilettos with such a thin base… actually one of my colleagues have fallen recently and broken her foot so it’s such a high risk of injury - is it worth it? Even to look nice…" he questions. 

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Skechers

Paul says there are three reasons why he doesn't recommend this brand of sneaker, despite its popularity. 

"The slip-on ones, that are made tighter to hold on to your feet so you can squeeze your toes [in], can cause problems like neuromas," he explains. 

"They’re so soft that your foot has to do more work. So they may feel good but then later on through the day they actually make your foot more tired," he adds. 

And on top of those first two points made, if you do purchase them, expect to be investing in more than one or two pairs in the year. 

"The shoes just don’t last long. They wear out so quickly and even though they seem like it’s a great deal, you’re just replacing your shoes every one to two months and I just don’t think that’s very good," he says. 

Thongs are considered dangerous, according to the podiatrist. Image: iStock

What? No Crocs?

The UK podiatrist's video attracted over 2.7 million views on TikTok, with many expecting to see Crocs on his list. 

"Glad he didn’t mention Crocs," one fan laughed. 

Thong fans were particularly offended that Crocs didn't make it in the top three but their beloved thong did. 

“As a Filipino I’m sorry to tell you number 1 is considered a ‘myth’ for us. We’ve been wearing slippers since forever. We good lol,” a person laughed.

“Been wearing thongs for 50 years no problems,” another person claimed.

And another said: “I’m 60. Been in flip flops since I was 5. I’m ok lol.”

High stilettos are a no-no. Image: iStock

People were also defending Skechers, claiming they are the best shoes they’ve ever purchased.

“I’ve had my Skechers for over 2 years I’d say that was a good investment,” one person defended.

“I love my Skechers. They’re the only footwear that stops my foot hurting when I walk,” another shared.

And another claimed: “Skechers are actually the best shoes I’ve worn. Even as a heavy person, they last really really long, the soles don’t wear off fast.”

Originally published as ‘I’m a podiatrist and these are the shoes I’d never recommend wearing’