A trending story a few days ago, revealed that the new Duchess, Meghan Markle wears shoes that are too big for her feet, particularly heels. It was indicated that she is not alone, since many Hollywood stars do the same, and well, I have several patients that do as well. It was reported that some of her shoes are as much as a size or two bigger. The reason for this has been revealed.

Myth

“According to fashion expert Harriet Davey, it’s likely that Meghan selects the bigger footwear for an important reason. Celebs often go a size up, or even two, in the shoe department when they are at an event and it’s for one reason we can all relate to, to avoid blisters.”

And Davey continued: “There is nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes (we have all been there on a night out) and when celebs like Meghan are wearing heels for a long period of time their feet can often swell up. The swelling can cause blisters and in the long run bunions, like long-time heel fan Victoria Beckham has been rumoured to suffer with.”

The first question I would pose is, how does the Duchess prevent the big shoes from slipping right off? A fashion expert revealed, “a trick of the trade is to stuff the toe with padding like tissue or cotton wool, and this can be taken out once they feel like they need a bit more room in their shoes.” Creative I’d say!

Hollywood stars deliberately choose to grace the red carpet wearing heels that are too long, or too wide for them. By doing so, they will prevent their feet from swelling and forming blisters. After all, celebrities have to wear high heels for hours, sometimes all night. Obviously, their feet will swell.

To avoid foot pain, discomfort, and chronic foot issues, celebrities think that choosing to wear shoes that are at least a size too big for them, is the solution. Moreover, large pumps or sandals won’t rub, pinch, or squeeze, because they don’t put pressure on the most vulnerable areas of the feet. To keep shoes that are too large from slipping off the feet at the worst possible moment, stylists just put silicone pads inside the pumps. This simple trick ensures that the shoe fits snugly, but stays on the foot; does not restrict blood circulation; and stops feet from swelling.

  Double-sided tape is another secret tool used by celebrities. It also helps too-big shoes stay on your feet all night long. Of course, most often celebrities wear pumps that don’t fit properly with maxi dresses, when the hem covers the shoes. However, today, this trick has almost become a trend; so a lot of Hollywood stars don’t even bother to hide their little secret from the public.

Reality

Wearing shoes that are too big, actually causes problems. It contributes to an abnormal gait (the way we walk), as well as predisposes you to foot deformities. If a shoe is too big, you walk and grip, which can lead to the toes hammering. You also have the motion where the foot slips forward and backward in the shoe, contributing to pains at the tips of the toes, and the nerve endings firing off.

I would suggest that you get your feet measured, and get the right fitted shoes. If it is not possible, then only half a size larger is allowed, not more than that. There could be one or two problems associated with wearing a bigger shoe size:

• You will have a problem while climbing up stairs, as your shoe will continuously create hindrances at the stairs. This will put you in a danger of falling from the stairs.
• This is a bigger problem; as you are wearing a larger shoe then your feet measurements, your feet will be coming out from the shoes. To counter this, your toes will try to hold the shoes from inside, and gradually build up a strain in your calves, and maybe a pain in your back. It will cause a gripping effect at the toes, and clawing, which can result as well in pains and calluses at the tips of the toes.
• Despite what the Duchess and Hollywood stars do, the reality is your feet will be coming out from the heel side, whenever you have to walk briskly. This will put your ankle back in continuous rubbing with the shoe, eventually resulting in a watery corn, or skin wound.

Moral…wear your CORRECT size shoe! See your Podiatrist for assistance if  necessary.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!