Are There Shoes That Are Too Comfortable? Experts Warn of the Downsides

Are Cushioned Shoes Too Comfortable?

It might sound counterintuitive, but experts say that there is such a thing as shoes that are too comfortable. While cushioned shoes are often seen as a luxurious option, providing extra comfort and support, they can actually have negative effects on our feet and overall posture.

According to Dr. Liza Egbogah, a posture expert and orthopedic shoe designer, our bodies were not designed to walk on pillows. Walking on excessively cushioned shoes can cause our ankles to roll in, affecting balance and putting strain on our knees and back. This is particularly problematic for people who already overpronate, as it can exacerbate the inward rolling of the foot towards the arch.

The Downsides of Too Much Cushioning

While some cushioning is necessary to absorb shocks and provide support on hard surfaces, too much cushioning can actually hinder our natural foot function. Dr. Egbogah explains that our feet are designed to walk barefoot on natural surfaces like soil. Excessive cushioning can lead to a loss of support and stability, weakening the muscles and ligaments on the soles of our feet. This can cause a decrease in the height of the foot arch and make our feet more susceptible to conditions like plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot.

In addition, overly cushioned shoes can compromise our control, balance, and proprioception (our ability to sense where our body is in space). This could increase the risk of ankle sprains and contribute to ankle and foot fractures. Dr. Egbogah notes that she observed a rise in these injuries during the pandemic when people were wearing cushioned sneakers excessively.

Even individuals with a perfect gait can experience issues like metatarsalgia, weakened arches, and misalignment as a result of excessively cushioned shoes. The sinking feeling into the shoes can push the whole body posture forward, leading to back pain and knee pain.

How to Determine If Your Shoes Are Too Comfortable

It’s important to find the right balance when it comes to cushioning in shoes. You want enough cushioning for shock absorption but not so much that it compromises support and stability. Here are a few indicators that your shoes may be too comfortable:

• You feel like your foot is sinking into the shoe rather than being supported
• You feel unstable or imbalanced after putting on the shoe
• The shoe is excessively cushioned and heavy, leading to increased instability
• You can easily bend the shoe in half or twist it like a towel
• The foam of the shoe is too squishy, leaving an imprint when pressed with a thumb

To ensure the quality of the foam, look for reputable shoe brands like Nike, New Balance, Brooks, Asics, and Saucony. These companies typically use higher-quality foam that has been performance-tested. Orthopedic shoes are also a good option as they are designed to provide sufficient support.

While wearing cushioned shoes occasionally is unlikely to cause permanent damage, it’s important to find the right balance and prioritize support and stability for overall foot health.

Source: Wait, Is There Such a Thing as Shoes That Are *Too* Comfortable? Experts Say ‘Yes’