More than 200,000 people a year are treated for injuries involving flip-flops - costing the NHS ?40m! But other stylish shoes can cause problems too...
FLIP-FLOPS
Risks: Twisted ankles, shin and joint pain, cracked heels, blisters, muscle and tendon strain.
Flip-flops are the most popular summer shoe among women. But foot experts say flip-flops are just as bad as high heels - and can cause even more damage because they offer no shock absorption, stability or protection for the feet. They also get caught easily, causing falls and ankle injuries. Mike O'Neill, spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, says: "Flip-flop wearers land on the outside and then roll the foot inwards putting all the pressure on the big toe."
How To Protect Your Feet: Don't walk long distances in flip-flops - particularly on hard surfaces.
UGG BOOTS OUTLET
Risks: collapsed arches, flat feet, pigeon-toes, foot, ankle and hip pain.
They certainly look comfy - and during the colder months, discount Ugg boots have become the nation's favourite footwear.
But cheap knock-off versions that don't give proper support around the ankle are a ticking timebomb, says Dr Ian Drysdale, principal of the Royal College of Osteopaths.
He says the fact that the foot and ankle are often not supported properly means that the foot slides around inside - eventually causing the foot arch to collapse.
Dr Drysdale says: "What happens is that with each step the force falls towards the inside of the foot and the feet splay slightly.
"All the foot goes over the medial arch and makes it drop, which could ultimately result in developing flat feet.
"The result can be significant problems with the foot, the ankle and, ultimately, the hip."
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FEET:
Invest in authentic Uggs outlet with moulded soles to support your arches and firmer heel cups to keep your feet stable.
BALLET FLATS
Risks: shin aches, foot arch pain, ankle strains, calluses.With their thin soles and flat heels, you may think you're being kind to your feet by wearing ballet flats.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
By failing to support or cushion the foot, every step you take in ballet flats jolts the ankle and encourages the foot to roll inwards.
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This can make you walk in a more pigeon-toed style, eventually leading to knee and hip pain, especially if you're already flat-footed.
Podiatrist Erika Gibbins of
www.simplyfeet.co.uk says: "Ballet pumps are made for dancing not walking about. Remember dancers are very light with good posture. But if you're heavyfooted, the shoe isn't designed to take the wear or pressure."
Claire Carr, senior podiatrist at high street chain Shuropody, says the lack of support can also make your feet scrunch up and develop "blisters and corns".
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FEET:
Pay more for styles with a strong heel cup or use a slim insole.
HIGH HEELS
Risks: Bunions, shortened calf muscles,fashion handbags, stiffer or thicker Achilles tendons, ankle sprains and fractures, calluses, corns bunions, and claw toes.
We've always known high heels aren't good for our feet - but the trend for skyscraper styles, as worn by Victoria Beckham, is making matters even worse, say podiatrists.
Foot expert Erika Gibbins, of Simply Feet.co.uk, says: "Even with standard three-inch heels, the centre of pressure is 75% on the front of the foot, which is why you get that burning sensation on the balls of your feet."
Wearing stilettos long-term has also been found to alter the length of your calf muscles.
How To Protect Your Feet: The lower the better. And don't walk any distance in them.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Matthew fitzpatrick of The society of chiropodists and podiatrists gives some surprising tips for making footwear as good for your feet as it looks.
Keep measuring your foot. Matthew says: "Don't assume you're the same foot size. feet can increase in length and width as we age - especially for women after pregnancy.". Try on shoes in the afternoon when your feet will have swollen in size.
Treat high heels for what they are - fashion items. "By all means, look great by wearing them on nights out from the 'car to the bar'. But beware of pounding the pavement in them all day.
If you wear lace-up shoes, tie them up tightly every time.