Are your shoes too small?

By Sam Brown|2026-01-22T10:53:29+00:00January 22nd, 2026|

Many people ignore foot discomfort, assuming sore toes or aching feet are just part of daily life. However, these symptoms often point to a simple but important issue: poorly fitting footwear. Wearing shoes that are too small can affect not only your feet, but your overall comfort, posture, and long-term health.

Feet need to move naturally

Feet are made up of a complex network of bones, joints, and soft tissues designed to move and adapt with each step. Shoes that are too tight restrict this natural movement, causing pressure and friction. Over time, this can lead to common problems such as blisters, corns, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too small will also cause pressure on toenails which can lead to nail damage and unsightly toenails. In more serious cases, poor shoe fit may contribute to chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or nerve pain, which can impact mobility and quality of life.

A common mistake is assuming shoes will “break in” and become comfortable later. While materials may soften slightly, shoes that are too small will continue to compress the foot. Foot size and shape can also change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or medical conditions. Feet may swell during the day, meaning shoes that feel fine in the morning can become uncomfortable by evening. Regularly checking your foot size and reassessing your footwear helps prevent unnoticed issues from developing.

What is a good shoe fit?

A good shoe fit should provide enough room in the toe box for toes to spread naturally, while keeping the heel secure and the arch supported. Comfort should be immediate, not something you have to endure until the shoe adapts. Our Melbourne podiatrists advise allowing at least a finger width of room in front of your longest toe when you are standing up. Always use your biggest foot as a guide and remember slightly bigger is better than slightly smaller.

See a podiatrist for the best footwear advice

If you experience numbness, tingling, pressure, or pain that fades once your shoes come off, your shoes may be too small. Choosing well-fitted footwear is a simple yet powerful way to protect your feet.

It is important to note that these days shoes come in many shapes and forms with different support and arch heights. Not all shoes will suit your foot type regardless if the size is right. So for the best fit and expert shoe advice visit one of our Melbourne podiatrists at our Camberwell clinic. It will save you money in the long run, whilst keeping your feet comfortable, helping to reduce future medical issues.