This Winter has thrown us some of the coldest days in recent memory. As we suffer through more cold, wet & miserable days, whether you’re having a cosy weekend inside or still working from home, it’s tempting to get around the house in a pair of UGG boots. While initially they can feel like the ultimate comfort choice – what a lot of people don’t realise is they can spell disaster for your feet & body with overuse!
The main issue with UGG Boots? They provide basically zero support for your feet. And the cheaper they are, the worse they are. Yes, they feel cosy, warm & like a little treat for your feet – but you’re doing them more damage than good. When UGG Boots & cheap Slippers are used, over time the lack of support results in the muscles, ligaments and tendons being overstretched & strained. This Winter have your legs & feet been feeling tired & sore? It’s most likely your trusty UGGs doing you wrong.
Footwear like cheap Slippers & UGG Boots in Winter can lead to a condition called ‘Plantar Fasciitis’. If you find yourself struggling in the mornings, such as limping for your first steps out of bed – this can be a warning sign that your UGG Boots are doing some damage. Don’t ignore the warning signs!
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include:
– Pain/stiffness in the morning
– Pain that gets worse at the end of the day
– Pain after long periods of sitting (keep an eye on this if you WFH)
– Pain that refers to your Achilles tendon or calves
– Pain that gets worse climbing stairs or standing on your toes
This can then affect your whole body, with your ankles, knees, legs, hips & lower back all bearing the affects of wearing bad UGG Boots.
Another gross & unfortunate side affect of UGG Boots is ‘Crumpet Foot’. Ever notice if you wear your UGGs all day, your feet & the boot can get quite sweaty? The soft & fluffy interior may feel comfy, but this creates a playground for bacteria & fungus. EW! This can cause a condition called ‘Tinea Pedis’, and your feet can look like CRUMPETS! The bacteria & fungus causes a spotty and smelly appearance on your feet. When you start to notice your UGGs smelling or looking a bit sad, it’s time to chuck them! If you notice any colour changes or spots on your feet, such as Crumpet Foot, it is crucial to seek professional help from your Podiatrist.
Have you ever had a fall, slip or loss of balance in your UGGs? That makes sense as you’ll notice UGG Boots have little to no grip. This can become a hazard for anyone from children to the elderly. They especially aren’t safe to wear around town or to the supermarket on wet days – as tempting as it is. You’re likely to regret it, and they can prove hazardous around the home too as they lose grip & support.
It’s important to wear proper footwear if you are WFH, or doing tasks including your cooking, cleaning, or looking after the kids. Ideal footwear around the home should include:
– A cushioned & firm insole
– The toe box only bending at the front
– A firm heel counter
– Laces or Velcro strap
– The correct width for your foot type
If you’ve got your heart set on wearing Slippers, we don’t blame you! And there is good news! Our Podiatrist recommend ARCHLINE ORTHOTIC SLIPPERS – which we sell in store. Described as “like walking on a cloud”, Archline Slippers have a built-in orthotic sole that provides ultimate arch support & comfort for your feet. This support means they are ideal for combating arch pain, foot pain & heel pain. They help combat common conditions like Plantar Fasciitis, and help if you tend to roll your feet inward/outward while you walk (Overpronation). There is no substitute for comfort, and the money spent compared to paying for a cheap pair of Kmart Slippers of UGGs is money saved dealing with potential future foot issues.
If you really can’t give up your favourite pair of UGGs, our Podiatrists recommend limiting wearing them only before bedtime or when you are chilling around the house – not working or doing housework. For wearing Slippers all day, they recommend a pair of Archline Slippers for proper orthotic support & comfort. We have plenty of colours & sizes in store – come see our friendly team at Talaria Podiatrist @ 897 High St, Thornbury. Try on a pair & treat your feet this Winter – #DitchTheUGGs!