We all know that wearing high heels constantly can be bad news for our feet. According to an article in the Daily Mirror, around 55,000 people went to hospital with flip-flop related injuries such as twisted ankles and strained tendons in 2002. So what footwear is safest and what should you look for? Mike O'Neill from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists offers the following advice:

Wedges
Wedges tend to be very high which means if you do come off them, you're in danger of breaking your ankle. The thick sole also hinders balance. Shoes should bend where the toes join the foot but wedges are totally rigid.

Tip
Look for a style with a more curved sole. The toe section should be slightly off the ground, allowing for a more natural heel-to-toe motion. An ankle strap will also increase stability.

Pointy shoes
Pointy shoes cause the toes to compress, rubbing against the shoe's upper, forming hard skin that can develop into corns. Pressure from the shoe pushes the corns down on the nerves and blood vessels underneath, which can be extremely painful.

Tip
Soft leather uppers have more give than synthetic fabrics. Also, choose an ankle strap so shoes don't need to be fastened so tight.

Ballet pumps
The thin soles have no shock absorption whatsoever, which puts huge pressure on knee and hip joints. A lot of women also walk on the heel and scrunch their toes up to keep them on. In time, that leads to deformities like claw toes.

Tip
Keep your heel in the shoe and if possible use heel pads. Some versions have a knobbly, rubber sole and offer more shock absorption.

Trainers
Trainers can make your feet damp leaving your feet prone to athlete's foot as trainers take longer than overnight to dry out. So if you wear the same pair the next day, you're putting on a damp shoe, increasing the risk of infection.

Tip
Never wear the same pair two days in a row, wear clean socks and dry feet and toes thoroughly.

Flip-flops
Problems arise when women who've been wearing heels all winter suddenly switch to flip-flops. High heels shorten the Achilles tendon whereas flip-flops stretch out, so the switch can cause micro tears, resulting in chronic heel pain. Plus, you can easily slip out of them and twist an ankle.

Tip
If you're used to heels, go for a flip-flop with a slight heel.

Stilettos
High heels force the foot into an unnatural shape that can accelerate the formation of bunions. Heels also put tremendous pressure on the ball of the foot and can cause lower back problems. Wearing a heel of more than two inches for more than six months will also permanently shorten the calf ligaments.

Tip
Limit the damage with regular calf stretches. Save stilettos for special occasions.

Strappy sandals
When it comes to blisters, these are the worst offenders. The high heel forces the foot forward on to the straps, creating huge pressure on a small area of skin.

Tip
Opt for styles with lots of straps to spread the pressure. Wear them in around the house with pop socks first. Use compeed anti-blister stick where straps touch the skin.

Source Daily Mirror - Monday August 14th 2006