House shoes can play a role in your health in ways that may surprise you! According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, your body is a long chain, with your bones forming linkages to the next. Because of this, if one bone is damaged, or a tendon is sore, it will set off a chain reaction that may have far-reaching effects. This is how a simple foot injury can cause long-term leg, back, and neck issues.

The right house shoes can help avoid injury. Here’s what can happen when you wear the wrong shoes at home.

No grip for hardwood floors

The chances of injury are higher if your shoes aren’t designed for regular movement around the house, especially on wooden floors that may be slippery. Wearing the wrong house shoes can worsen an existing problem like arthritic pain on your knees, hips, ankles, or feet. Even a short duration in the wrong house shoes can cause pain or discomfort to your bones and joints.

Inadequate support

Your shoes have a big impact on how you walk or stand. The movement your feet make through each step determines how the rest of your body follows. When you’re wearing the right house shoes and you step correctly, your heel makes contact with the ground first, followed by the ball of the foot, and then the big toe. This may not seem like a big deal, but it determines how stable you are on your feet. Some shoe types, including flat house shoes and flip flops, don’t let your feet follow this natural movement which can eventually result in discomfort and pain.

Regular overloading poor quality house shoes, especially ones that don't provide adequate support can eventually cause all sorts of joint problems such as arthritis and also knee pain – this is especially in the case of house shoes, since we’re all at home a lot more these days.

Skin issues

Corns and blisters can be a nasty surprise that are hard to get rid of. A corn is a 'plug' of hard, dead skin that shows up over a bone area of the foot. It’s caused by prolonged pressure to that spot of the foot, usually as a result of poorly fitting footwear. Corns can be firmly attached to deeper parts of the foot, making them hard to completely remove.

House shoes that are too loose cause your foot to slide and rub a particular area of the foot are the most likely to cause corns and blisters. Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of dead skin, which is your skin’s immediate response to constant friction. They are extremely painful and can take weeks to heal, leaving scars and damaged skin on your feet.

The right house shoes can give your feet the support they need

Wondering how to avoid these issues? The answer is simple: By wearing the right kind of house shoes during your time at home! Here are some ways your house shoes make a difference:

• They cushion the foot: The midsole is the main part of the shoe that provides cushioning. Get shoes with adequate arch support to experience the benefit of cushioned footwear.
• They support the foot: Your house shoes should help the alignment of your foot when it touches the ground. Shoes with a good, solid sole help support your feet through the day.
• They feel comfortable. Your house shoes should feel immediately comfortable from the first wear. You don’t need to ‘break into them’.