Sheepskin-lined boots, like Uggs and the various knock-offs, may keep your feet toasty in the winter, but they actually harm your feet.
When Uggs were first introduced, they were a favorite among surfers. But in the mid-2000s, celebrities, like Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz, began wearing them, which turned them into a fashion craze. Then everyone started wearing them – everywhere. And that’s when people started experiencing foot problems.
These slipper-like boots are really just that – slippers. Therefore, they’re best for wearing around the house. But many women wear their Uggs all day, every day.
Uggs Can Cause Serious Foot Problems
Uggs are not made for long-term standing, long-distance walking or multiple-day usage. These types of boots provide little to no arch support for your feet. When you walk in Uggs, your feet tend to slide around inside. Each step you take causes your feet to splay, flattening your arches. When your arches flatten too much, your plantar fascia overstretches. If you frequently wear these boots, over time, this can throw your gait cycle out of whack, which can lead to problems with your feet, ankles, hips and back. You can develop arch pain, heel pain, fallen arches, plantar faciitis, and posterior tibeal tendinitis. Additionally, you may experience swelling and inflammation of your feet.
Another problem with Uggs is the plush lining can be a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. Many people wear their boots without socks. This causes your feet to get too hot and sweat excessively. The sweat then stays trapped in the boots because of excessive use, causing bacteria and fungus to grow. Skin infections, like athlete’s foot and dermatitis, can develop on your feet, especially between your toes.
If You Don’t Want to Give Up Your Uggs
If you plan to continue wearing your boots, you should:
- Reduce how often you’re wear them.
- Avoid walking for long distances, especially on hard surfaces like concrete.
- Wear moisture-wicking socksto absorb perspiration.
- Spray your boots with Lysol or an anti-fungal solution once a week, and let them air out overnight.
- Wear custom orthotics, like ezWalker® Performance Insoles, to biomechanically correct the position of your feet in your Uggs. Available without a prescription, these arch supports are made using the same customized impression method found in many doctors’ offices. You’ll receive a high-quality performance insole that’s individualized to your foot’s structure, providing you with the arch support and heel control you need. These insoles also reduce the tension on your plantar fascia since your gait is biomechanically corrected for better positioning of your feet as you walk. (To keep your insoles from sliding within your boots, you can secure the ezWalkers® to the foot beds of your boots with pieces of Velcro® to hold them firmly in place.)
For more information on ezWalker® Performance Insoles, contact us. We’re so confident that you’ll experience a substantial improvement in walking comfort that we offer a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee. So what do you have to lose – except your pain? Visit our shop to purchase your ezWalker® Performance Insoles today.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.
