Five Biggest Footwear Myths

Everything you think you know about shoes might surprise you.

The world of footwear is full of long-standing beliefs about comfort, design, and performance that simply don’t hold up to science. From price tags to heel heights, misinformation about what makes a “good shoe” often leads to discomfort, poor fit, and even long-term foot issues. Here are the five most common footwear myths debunked by podiatrists and shoe experts.

1. Expensive Shoes Are Always Better

Many shoppers believe higher prices guarantee superior quality, but this simply isn’t true. According to Action Footwear, craftsmanship and materials matter more than branding or cost. Some lower-priced options deliver comparable comfort and support to premium models. Ultimately, the best shoe is the one that properly fits your foot type  not the logo on the tongue.

2. You Need to Break in Every New Pair

The phrase “they’ll feel better once you break them in” is one of the biggest misconceptions in retail shoes. Podiatrists caution that if a shoe hurts immediately, it’s probably the wrong fit. As noted by experts at Avid Sports Medicine, shoes should feel supportive right away. Forcing a painful pair to “adapt” can cause blisters, corns, or long-term arch strain  all avoidable with a proper fit test.

3. High Heels Are Always Bad for Your Feet

While towering stilettos can certainly cause problems, not every heel is inherently harmful. The key lies in balance and wear time. Hurst Podiatry Clinic explains that moderate heels (around 2 inches) can distribute weight more evenly than completely flat shoes, helping posture when worn occasionally. Problems arise when height and duration exceed what the foot’s structure can tolerate.

4. More Cushioning Means Better Comfort

Soft doesn’t always mean supportive. As Natural Footgear points out, excessive midsole padding can actually disrupt natural gait motion, increase instability, and amplify impact stress on joints. Studies cited by biomechanics researchers even found greater injury rates among runners using ultra-cushioned shoes compared to firmer options. Cushioning should complement, not replace, proper arch alignment and sole flexibility.

5. Both Feet Are the Same Size

Almost no one has identical feet and shoe sizing should reflect that. Research summarized by Shoe-Fitter.com revealed that it’s normal for one foot to be slightly longer or wider than the other. Always fit shoes to your larger foot, and consider brands that offer half sizes or width options to avoid long-term discomfort. Ignoring size variation can lead to uneven wear, instability, or pressure-related pain.

A Step Toward Smart Shoe Choices

Every foot is unique, and shoe buying should be grounded in comfort, not convention. As Dr. Rebecca Lin, Sports Podiatrist at Avid Sports Medicine, said:
“People often trust brand reputation more than biomechanics, but the right shoe is the one that works for your movement, not the one that everyone else wears.”

The next time you shop for shoes, skip the myths. Focus on your stride, your arches, and your balance  your feet will thank you with every step.